Why is Non-Nano Important for Zinc Oxide Sunscreen?

There are many, many different kinds of sunscreens out there. When presented with so many options, it can be difficult to know which is the best. 

There’s sunscreen made up of nanoparticles, which boasts transparency and a smooth application - but at what cost? Then, there’s non nano sunscreen, which goes on a little whiter and is a thicker substance. Zinc oxide, a key role in useful sunscreens, can be included in either of these variations. So, which one is better? 

Nano Sunscreen

Nanoparticles are pieces of matter that are extremely small. To put their miniscule nature into perspective, a strand of DNA is 2.5 nanometers in diameter, a strand of human hair is 75,000 nanometers thick, and a pinhead is about a million nanometers wide. 

This tininess could be a problem as it relates to sunscreen, though. Because the particles are so small, they have a higher chance of being absorbed into the skin. The particles do tend to clump, which means that it’s harder for them to be absorbed, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. Most of the time, it’s just the top layer of skin that takes a hit - and we shed that anyway. Furthermore, the human body’s immune system has all the right tools to eradicate the particles. But should it have to? It’s sunscreen, not a disease. Our bodies shouldn’t have to do any active work in fighting it off. 

In some cases, the chemicals from traditional sunscreens and nano zinc oxide find their way into the bloodstream, meaning they can impact your health and interfere with optimal body function. All of this when you’re just trying to protect your skin from the sun doesn’t sound all that great. 

That’s why non nano mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide is your best bet. 

What is non nano zinc oxide?

Given that ‘nano’ sunscreen is composed of tiny particles, it might be obvious that ‘non nano’ sunscreen is not. The particles in this type of zinc sunscreen are larger, but there are numerous benefits that come with that fact. 

Because the particles are larger, non nano zinc oxide sunscreen doesn’t have the problem of seeping into your pores and irritating your skin. It also doesn’t pollute your body like nano sunscreen might do. All of Protekt’s sunscreen products do not have this problem, as all of them are non nano. 

There are two more benefits behind Protekt’s sunscreens. The first is that every sunscreen we offer is a physical sunscreen - which means that it acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful rays. The non nano aspect helps with this because the large particles help reflect UV rays and act as somewhat of a mirror for your skin. The second is that we only offer eco friendly sunscreen. Protekt’s products (our Lip Balm, Sunsticks, and SPF Lotion) are reef safe, they don’t contaminate the oceans like many other traditional sunscreen chemicals do, and they’re good for the environment. 

Non nano zinc oxide sunscreen is the way to go. It’s good for your skin and good for the earth, which means you can feel good while using it. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Protekt products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.