Why Zinc?

ANTI-OXIDANT

Zinc oxide has been shown to be important to the body’s anti-oxidant systems, including skin.

Superoxide Dismutase
Zinc is an integral element of the anti-oxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and is also thought to be important to the synthesis of metallothionein, a protein that protects against free radical damage.  

Low Redox Activity for Zinc
Zinc oxide produces the least free radical activity of any sunscreen active.

Metal Chelation
Zinc instigates displacement of oxidising metal ions especially copper and iron preventing oxidation-reduction reactions and generation of free radicals.

Metalloproteinase Kinase Genes
ERK & JNK genes suppress MAP’s – collagenase, gelatinase, stromelysin
Zinc  protects and enhances ERK & JNK genes responsible for suppression of MAP’s – collagenase, gelatinase & stomelysin that degrade skin connective tissues.



ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Inflammatory Regulation by Adenosine Monophosphate
Zinc ions are essential for production of the metalloprotein enzyme alkaline phosphatase, which is implicated in metabolism of adenosine monophosphate. Adenosine monophosphate regulates the inflammatory process.

Inhibition of Interleukin-1a
Zinc compounds have been shown to inhibit the expression of inflammatory precursor interleukin 1a, thereby down-regulating inflammatory processes.


WOUND HEALING

Zinc is an integral part of the body’s wound healing process. Studies indicate that topically-applied zinc oxide may assist in skin wound healing, including re-epithelialisation.