New and Improved Daily Photoprotection: Microfine Oxide (Z-Cote®) ☆ ☆☆

Sheldon R. Pinnell, MD, Durham, NC, is a board-certified dermatologist. Doren L. Madey, PhD, Durham, NC. Recently, scientists have proven that ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is a major culprit in photoaging and skin cancers.1 Unfortunately, most sunscreens do not protect against long-wave UVA. In addition, legally valid but scientifically misleading sunscreen labels—including the “broad-spectrum” and sun protection factor (SPF) designations—may provide users with a false sense of protection. Fortunately, a new technology has been developed that provides unmatched protection against UVA and ultraviolet B (UVB) damage—microfine zinc oxide (Z-Cote®, sunSmart, Wainscott, NY). However, until federal guidelines and regulations catch up with new sunscreen research and technologies, physicians and consumers need to know how best to achieve daily photoprotection and what to look for when choosing sunscreen and daily wear products. The new technology, Z-Cote®, is a 100-nm particle of microfine zinc oxide that is coated with a patented form of dimethicone. The coating process creates fine, uniform particles that are invisible to the eye and easy to formulate in both daily wear and sunblock skin care products.2 Microfine zinc oxide is an effective and safe sunscreen agent that provides true broad-spectrum protection, including protection from long-wave UVA.3 Zinc oxide is the only sunscreen agent that provides protection from UVB, short-wave UVA and long-wave UVA, uniformly protecting from 290 to 380 nm. Microfine zinc oxide is photostable and does not react with organic sunscreen agents under irradiation.3 It is easy to formulate with other sunscreen agents and can be used in both daily care and beach products. Ultraviolet radiation that reaches the earth and damages skin can be divided into three key wavelengths: UVB (280 to 320 nm), short-wave UVA (320 to 340 nm), and long-wave UVA (340 to 400 nm). UVB, which …