Zinc ointment for the face: use against wrinkles, reviews, precautions

On the Internet you will find many articles on how to lighten age spots at home, advertisements for countless whitening products and tips on social networks.
However, it is unlikely that you will get an answer to two key questions - what do we whiten with the help of cosmetics and are these products really effective? Letidora expert, Sofya Igorevna Avanesyants, cosmetologist, dermatovenereologist at the SM-Cosmetology clinic (@sm_krasota), will help you figure out whether home cosmetics can really whiten age spots and how it works.

Sofya Igorevna Avanesyants, cosmetologist, dermatovenerologist at the SM-Cosmetology clinic

Before we talk about whitening cosmetics, it is important to understand how skin spots occur.

Zinc ointment as part of facial care

Zinc ointment has long been a well-known wound healing agent that improves tissue regeneration. In dermatology, the drug is also actively used in the presence of dermatitis, diaper rash, various types of burns, cracks in the skin, drying out “bubbles” that appear with herpes. It looks like a homogeneous, rather thick, white mass with a characteristic, but not unpleasant, odor of Vaseline. Zinc ointment should be applied to the skin of the face. There is also a paste in pharmacies, but it is very viscous and dense; this medicine is used exclusively for medical purposes, to combat weeping ulcers and eczema.

Zinc ointment is used in medicine to accelerate the process of tissue regeneration; this property is very useful for any skin damage

The ointment is available in dark glass containers or aluminum tubes. The volume is small - 20-30 g, but if used correctly the container will last for a long time. The drug is available in almost any pharmacy; you do not need a prescription to purchase it. The price is more than affordable - on average 30–50 rubles, depending on the specific region of Russia. There are no age restrictions regarding the use of the drug. Dermatologists prescribe the remedy even to infants when “diaper dermatitis” appears.

The type of packaging does not affect the beneficial properties of zinc ointment.

Zinc is an extremely important microelement for the body. In particular, it is involved in the process of synthesis of natural collagen and elastin - proteins that maintain skin tone and elasticity; it is also necessary for the production of insulin and new red blood cells. With its deficiency, the condition of the skin noticeably worsens, and the healing process of even the smallest damage is delayed. Nails peel, become brittle, and hair falls out greatly.

With a deficiency of zinc in the body, the condition of the skin inevitably worsens

Some manufacturers are trying to improve the composition by introducing other skin care components into the base mixture, for example:

propylene glycol (helps beneficial substances penetrate deeper into tissues);
menthol (an effective anesthetic and antiseptic);
lanolin (wax of animal origin, useful for softening the skin and accelerating the regeneration process);
fish oil (increases the permeability of cell membranes).

But in the classic version there are only two ingredients - zinc oxide (at a concentration of 10%) and petroleum jelly. The demand for ointment in cosmetology is explained by a wide range of its properties:

Anti-inflammatory effect. The drug quickly suppresses inflammation. Accordingly, acne, even subcutaneous redness, disappears in a short time. Due to the activation of regeneration processes, there are no unaesthetic traces left from them.
Adsorbing ability. Zinc oxide “attracts” toxins and other harmful substances to the surface of the skin.
Antiseptic effect. This is an effective remedy against pathogenic microflora that provokes the appearance of pimples and blackheads. At the same time, a protective “film” is formed on the surface of the skin, preventing pathogens, viruses, and bacteria from penetrating through the pores.
Whitening effect. The drug noticeably lightens age spots, even age spots, and fights post-acne. After a course of procedures, the face looks much fresher, the tone is evened out. The skin is protected from the negative effects of natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation (zinc oxide absorbs this radiation), which provokes the production of melanin in excessive amounts.
Normalization of the activity of the sebaceous glands. Excess sebum is a very favorable environment for pathogenic microflora. The drug dries out the skin, and if used excessively and immoderately, it even dries out, causing active peeling. Therefore, the drug is indicated as an integral part of facial care only for women with oily, combination, normal skin (in the latter case, mainly locally). Here it is useful in the fight against oily shine.
Stimulating tissue regeneration. Zinc oxide accelerates any healing process, “spurs up” metabolism and the process of cell renewal.

Zinc oxide (fine white powder) is the main active component of zinc ointment.

The base of the drug is Vaseline, which is a mixture of mineral oil and paraffin. In just a few uses, it significantly softens the skin (even very rough areas on the elbows, knees, heels, not to mention the face), provides it with protection from wind, frost, and other unfavorable weather and climatic factors. A thin film forms on the surface of the skin, preventing rapid loss of moisture. But if the drug is abused, the same film blocks the process of skin respiration, which is extremely harmful for it.

Vaseline has long been a well-known remedy for softening the skin and healing microdamages.

Zinc ointment is definitely not a panacea for skin problems. Imperfections can also be a symptom of various diseases. For example, her condition almost inevitably worsens with diseases of the stomach and intestines, pathologies of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Cosmetologists recognize the effectiveness of zinc ointment in the fight against skin imperfections. But its anti-aging properties are treated skeptically at best. Most likely, the visual effect is due to an improvement in complexion and evening out its tone. However, no one prohibits the use of zinc ointment to combat wrinkles. Although, of course, it alone will not be enough. You will also need high-quality anti-aging creams.

Video: benefits of zinc ointment for skin

Important trace element

Zinc is a trace element present in every cell of our body. It is important for many life functions, including the sense of color, smell and taste.

Healing zinc is important for fertility, proper cell division, vision and immunity.

Due to such extensive participation in the life of our body, zinc is very widely used. Zinc oxide and sulfate powder combined with other ingredients are used for external use. Their use for medical purposes requires consultation.

To whom and in what cases is the remedy suitable?

Zinc ointment gives the most pronounced result in the presence of problems characteristic of skin with increased oil content, but its use in cosmetology is not limited to this:

inflammation, pimples, acne and the dark marks they leave behind;
increased activity of the sebaceous glands, unaesthetic shine;
black dots;
pigment spots (even age spots and those caused by photoaging).

Any imperfections characteristic of oily skin are a reason to take a closer look at zinc ointment

Zinc ointment for the first wrinkles

Many women begin to use zinc ointment when they discover the first expression wrinkles on the forehead, temples, in the area of the bridge of the nose and nasolabial triangle. If you use it and a suitable anti-aging cream at the same time, you will get a comprehensive result - the fight against the first expression wrinkles (by activating the production of natural collagen) and a visual improvement in the condition of the dermis (more even tone, healthy color, lightening). The main active component of the ointment is powerless against severe age-related wrinkles. This requires penetration of zinc not into the surface layers of the skin, but deeper.

The drug is applied with light patting movements, following massage lines that coincide with the lines of lymph flow. Then they are “hammered” into the skin for 4–5 minutes. Use the ointment every two to three days, the course of procedures lasts 15–20 days. This is followed by a break of equal duration. If after the course no positive dynamics are noted in the appearance of the skin, choose another product for facial care.

Zinc ointment, like any cream or mask, is applied to the face, following the massage lines

Video: using zinc ointment for wrinkles

Contraindications and side effects

Zinc ointment is well tolerated. A contraindication is hypersensitivity to the components of the ointment, which can cause side effects. These include:

skin itching;
tingling sensation;
burning sensation;
skin hyperemia;
rash.

Some women note darkening of the integument. Most often this happens with dark skin. Adverse symptoms go away without treatment after the application of the ointment has been stopped. If this phenomenon persists, then you need to visit a doctor.

Side effects occur due to drying of the skin under the influence of zinc oxide. To prevent this effect, you need to combine the use of Zinc ointment with a moisturizer.

In severe cases of an allergic reaction, the following symptoms occur:

swelling of the lips, tongue, face;
feeling of tightness in the chest;
difficulty breathing.

Important! If side effects develop, you should urgently call an ambulance.

When applying the composition to the eyes, the following is observed:

severe itching;
lacrimation;
hyperemia of the eyelids.

In this case, rinse your eyes with running water for 15 minutes.

If the ointment is swallowed, the following symptoms occur:

painful sensations in the epigastric region;
nausea and vomiting;
diarrhea;
fever with chills;
icteric staining of the sclera and dermis.

If such symptoms appear, immediately call an ambulance, and give the patient plenty of water or milk, activated charcoal. Do not use a product with zinc oxide if you are allergic to at least one component.

The first wrinkles form around the eyes and mouth. These are the most sensitive areas. If you overdry them using ointment, the moisture from the nap will evaporate and the wrinkles will become even larger. In addition, they will be deep, and it will be possible to get rid of them through prolonged treatment.

Combat problems typical of oily skin

On pimples, blackheads and other defects that worsen the appearance of the skin, zinc ointment is most often applied pointwise. Only if there are very heavy rashes, it is recommended to cover the entire face with ointment, distributing it as thinly as possible. When applied locally, the procedure can be carried out 3-5 times a day until the acne disappears, wiping off the residue after a quarter of an hour.

The condition of problem skin after a course of zinc ointment most often improves noticeably

The drug is used in a similar way for age spots, even those that often appear during pregnancy. It also helps lighten freckles. The ointment can be used not only on the face, but also on the neck and décolleté area. It is used in courses lasting up to two months. Problem areas are lubricated with the drug 1–3 times a day.

After using zinc ointment, pigment spots become much lighter, including age spots and those caused by hormonal imbalances

Video: zinc ointment against hyperpigmentation

If you need to get rid of blackheads, be sure to steam the skin first. For degreasing, problem areas are wiped with tonic or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water. The ointment is applied only to dry skin and left for 10–15 minutes. After this, the contents of the blackheads will be easier to squeeze out. Then, to narrow the cleansed pores, wipe the skin with an ice cube or apply any tightening mask to the face (for example, with gelatin, egg white, clay). Sessions are carried out once a week, the course lasts 1.5–2 months.

The appearance of blackheads on oily skin is almost inevitable.

The drug described actually ensures tissue regeneration at an accelerated pace and helps get rid of inflammation faster. But this is an “ambulance” for the skin. To finally get rid of excess fat, you will need a combination of cosmetic procedures, proper facial care and a healthy lifestyle.

It is better to apply zinc ointment pointwise to the most problematic areas

Video: zinc ointment against acne

Methods of application

So, what does it help with and how is zinc ointment used in cosmetology? There are several simple and accessible recipes for its use. Choosing yours will most likely have to be done by trial and error. But since negative consequences and side effects from the use of zinc ointment are extremely rare, there is nothing to worry about.

Spot

In this case, the drug is used in its pure form and helps to quickly get rid of single pimples, accelerate the healing of wounds and microcracks, and reduce inflamed acne. First you need to remove your makeup, wash your face thoroughly and blot off excess moisture from your skin. Then we take a regular cotton swab and apply a small amount of zinc ointment one by one to all the rashes. How many times a day to do this depends on the condition of the skin.

To combat acne more effectively, I recommend that you first go over it with another stick dipped in essential oil. Anything with pronounced antibacterial and antiseptic properties will do: eucalyptus, fir, cinnamon, clove, tea tree, ylang-ylang, rose, lavender, etc. After 15-20 minutes, carefully wipe off the remaining ointment with a cotton pad. Don't wash your face!

Masks

For very problematic skin with multiple rashes and blackheads, masks are better suited. They can be applied to the entire face, and not just to certain areas. In addition, zinc ointment is not the only active element, but works as part of the complex. Here are some effective and healthy recipes.

With clay

Cosmetic clay, in addition to the properties listed above, similar to zinc, also has excellent adsorbing ability and collects excess fat well. This mask is ideal for oily seborrhea, severely enlarged pores and uneven skin texture.

A tablespoon of green or white clay is diluted with still mineral water to a thick sour cream and a teaspoon of zinc ointment is added to the composition. If desired, you can add 5-6 drops of the essential oils listed above.

Distribute the composition evenly over clean, dry skin and lie quietly for 15-20 minutes. At the same time, a noticeable lifting effect appears as an additional bonus. Before washing off, cover your face with a damp cloth for a couple of minutes. And then they carefully wash most of the mask with it. Residues can be washed off with water.

With licorice

A mask with licorice root powder or its extract helps to treat problematic skin and at the same time get rid of pigmentation, including age-related ones. For oily and problem skin, the second option is preferable, since a powerful antiseptic such as ethyl alcohol is added. For thin and sensitive skin, it is better to choose powder. It is sold in pharmacies or you can make it yourself by grinding a piece of dried root in a coffee grinder.

Mix a teaspoon of zinc ointment with half a teaspoon of powder or the same amount of extract until a homogeneous consistency is obtained. Distribute the composition evenly over the face

It is very important that it does not get into the eyes and mucous membranes. If this happens, rinse immediately with water!

Leave for 15 to 30 minutes and wash off with a small amount of gel. Be sure to apply moisturizer.

With cream

For those who cannot afford high-quality anti-aging cosmetics, a technique such as enriching anti-wrinkle cream with zinc ointment is suitable. They are mixed in equal proportions and applied to the entire face, as well as the décolleté and neck. Due to the presence of Vaseline in the ointment, an occlusion effect is created, the skin is well moisturized and softened. This leads to the smoothing of shallow and small wrinkles.

But remember that this product is not suitable for very dry and sagging skin. It will only make the situation worse. It should also not be left overnight. It forms a film that prevents the skin from breathing and releasing toxins.

With lemon juice

Helps even out complexion tone and cope with shallow pigmentation. Do not use on damaged, inflamed, very thin, dry and sensitive skin! It is also not recommended during pregnancy - if the face is not carefully protected from ultraviolet radiation, it can lead to the appearance of new age spots.

Mix zinc ointment with the same amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice and distribute evenly over the skin. When the first layer dries a little, apply a second one to the pigmented areas, and, if desired, a third one. Leave for up to 15 minutes (no more!) and rinse well with warm water without soap. Be sure to apply a soothing cream. Before going out into the sun, use a sunscreen with UV 30 or higher.

Zinc ointment for eyelids

The skin of the eyelids is extremely thin and sensitive. Accordingly, applying zinc ointment to the area under the eyes is strictly prohibited if you do not want to provoke peeling and severe swelling. If the drug gets on the mucous membrane of the eye, conjunctivitis develops.

The application of zinc ointment under the eyes by cosmetologists is strongly discouraged

The maximum that cosmetologists allow is to apply a minimum amount of ointment to the outer corners of the eyes, where the very first expression lines form. After 5–7 minutes it must be erased. The product is used every 3-5 days, the course lasts no more than a month. It is advisable not to use pure ointment, but to apply a mixture of it with regular baby cream or natural butter in a 1:2 ratio.

Ambulance in the cabin

Our network of beauty salons offers qualified assistance in getting rid of puffiness under the eyes using special procedures.

Microcurrents have long been effective in preventing swelling in the lower eyelid area. This procedure strengthens blood vessels and tones muscles, accelerates cellular regeneration and provides lymphatic drainage, eliminating bags under the eyes for a long time.

Mesotherapy around the eyes also works well for swelling. The introduction of special preparations using microneedles promotes the outflow of unnecessary fluid from tissues. And thanks to strengthening the walls of the capillaries, as well as maintaining the tone of the skin and eye muscles, bags no longer appear.

Procedures for the care and support of the area around the eyes are carried out by qualified specialists, which makes the techniques the safest and most effective. Just a few sessions will help maintain clarity of vision and prolong youth.

Analogues of the drug

If we consider other pharmaceutical drugs used for other purposes, to combat wrinkles and protect the skin from the effects of external natural and climatic factors, you can choose drugs in which zinc oxide is the active component:

salicylic-zinc paste (salicylic acid is effective in fighting acne and inflammation, corn starch dries out the skin);
Zinkudan (an antifungal drug with salicylic and undecylenic acids);
Desitin (lanolin-based ointment with cod liver oil, has an astringent and drying effect).

Salicylic acid, which is part of the salicylic-zinc paste, is widely used in cosmetology to combat problems characteristic of oily skin.

Contraindications, possible negative consequences, precautions

Zinc ointment is considered a hypoallergenic drug, but the possibility of allergies cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, before using it, be sure to conduct an appropriate test by applying a small amount of the product to the crook of your elbow or the inside of your wrist. If a negative reaction to the drug in the form of itching, burning, rash, swelling, redness appears, it occurs within 20–30 minutes. Accordingly, you won’t have to wait long for an answer to the question of whether zinc ointment can be used for facial care.

An allergic reaction to zinc oxide is rare, but not impossible.

The drug does not penetrate into the blood and acts only in the superficial layers of the skin. Therefore, zinc ointment is safe for pregnant and lactating women. In some cases, it is also prescribed to infants.

The only contraindication, besides individual intolerance to the drug, is very dry and thin skin, prone to peeling and irritation. You cannot use the ointment in its pure form on it.

Indications and contraindications for the use of ointment

This product, like all medicinal and cosmetic products, has its own list of indications and contraindications. Indications include:

Dermatitis;
Diaper rash;
Ulcers;
Burns;
Bedsores;
Acne.

Ointment with zinc is also used in dentistry - it is an integral part of the solution in the manufacture of fillings.

A complete contraindication to the use of this drug is the presence of an allergy to the active substance or to one of the additional components.

Use the ointment with caution in the following cases:

The occurrence of irritation;
Inflammatory processes;
The presence of various rashes, the cause of which has not been established;
Purulent formations.

During pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended to discuss the use of ointment with your doctor.

Reviews about the product

There is zinc ointment, and there is salicylic-zinc ointment. The latter dries out pimples well and is prescribed for problem skin. And zinc ointment is greasy, it’s really good for lubricating dry areas of skin, chapped lips, hands, it heals wounds on the lips. I speak with full responsibility, because I myself use this ointment from time to time.
Vlada
https://www.woman.ru/beauty/face/thread/3922129/

Zinc ointment is a very good remedy for acne, acne, bruises, bruises, mosquito bites, and so on. I use it myself. It even smoothes out wrinkles and does not dry out the skin at all, but on the contrary...
Guzel
https://www.woman.ru/beauty/face/thread/3922129/

After reading your advice, I tried applying zinc ointment to my face. And for sure: it whitens and smoothes wrinkles, and also relieves minor irritations and inflammations!
Guest
Read also: Baby powder - first aid for acne on the face
https://www.woman.ru/beauty/face/thread/3922129/

The teacher told us about zinc ointment at school when we were pimply teenagers. Available in the form of a white paste. I applied it to each pimple with a cotton swab. She dries them. I apply it at home at night. Everything gets dirty - yes. Is it possible for the whole face? I don’t know about that.
La George
https://eva.ru/static/forums/26/2007_12/1179006.html

The product is good. It clears up acne relatively quickly, the only problem is that it dries out the skin a lot. Therefore, I used it in combination with Metrogil. It soothes irritated areas and removes excess dryness. As a result, in a couple of weeks I cleared my skin completely, I didn’t even believe the effect. Now I use zinc ointment to eliminate accidentally occurring inflammations, plus I treat skin wounds with it and even dry out colds on my lips. In general, this product has taken quite an honorable place in my home medicine cabinet. And if you consider that it costs no more than forty rubles, then it is clear that I am very happy with my discovery. By the way, my sister treated my nephew’s diaper rash with zinc ointment, and it helped a lot.
Pauline
https://www.imho24.ru/recommendation/24883/

Zinc ointment in my first aid kit is a necessary and irreplaceable thing for me. Moreover, it’s also cheap, I bought it for 30 rubles. I use it if acne suddenly appears on my face, which under the influence of this product dries out quite quickly and disappears. But this is not the only thing that zinc ointment is good for me. To my great surprise, it helps perfectly with dry and flaky lips. I realized this absolutely by accident - it so happened that my lips were very chapped and chapped, and practically nothing helped. And here, probably out of despair, I decided to lubricate my lips with this product at night. And the next morning, some of the cracks healed, and it immediately became clear to me that the ointment was really effective for this too. This ointment is white in color, odorless, and has the consistency of a rich cream. And I almost forgot to say - it can leave marks on clothes or linen, so be careful.
Valentina
https://www.imho24.ru/recommendation/24883/

My aunt recommended this ointment to me when I was a teenager, when she looked at my face and was horrified by the huge number of acne. I wiped them with lotions, used creams, but they did not go away, and she suggested a simple pharmaceutical remedy for my youthful problems. I bought an inexpensive ointment and began to lubricate my face before going to bed. This product is very thick and takes a long time to absorb. I had to rub it into the skin for a long time, but I still found greasy stains from the ointment on my pillow in the morning. It dries out not only inflammation, but also the skin. If you smear it often, the skin will peel off a little. Despite such troubles, I continued to smear my face, and after a few days it really became cleaner, and I wasn’t the only one who noticed this. Since then, zinc ointment has always been on my shelf, because in critical situations it quickly deals with unpleasant pimples.
Nadezhda Ovchinnik
https://www.imho24.ru/recommendation/24883/

Zinc is a very important microelement for maintaining youthful skin. Zinc ointment, if used not exactly as intended, helps to quickly get rid of acne, inflammation, and other problems typical of oily skin. It visually rejuvenates the face, evening out its color and texture. Since this is initially a drug, before you “prescribe” it to yourself, consult your doctor about the possibility of using the ointment, the duration of the course and how to use the drug correctly.

Author: woman
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