Many people already know it, zinc ointment, Sudocrem or Sudocream. Zinc ointment is often used for baby’s bottoms, but it also works very well against pimples. You can buy it in many drugstores including Kruidvat, DA and Etos for a cheap price. Nowadays it is also for sale in many supermarkets such as Albert Heijn, Jumbo and C1000, among baby products such as diapers and baby food. But why does zinc ointment work so well? And how do you use it so that it works against pimples?

What is zinc ointment?

Zinc ointment is a white ointment that contains zinc oxide and Vaseline. Zinc oxide is found in many products used on the skin, it is used in ointments, liniments, lotions, creams, pastes and dusting powders. Zinc oxide provides a layer on the skin that protects the skin and ensures that the skin dries slightly. Your pores become smaller, making your skin smooth. Pimples are actually inflammations in the skin. Zinc oxide also has an anti-inflammatory effect, it heals the skin and it ensures that the oil secretion of the skin is better regulated.Zinc ointment helps with rough, chapped and irritated skin. It is hypoallergenic and skin-friendly. It makes your skin soft and smooth. Damaged skin heals faster when you use zinc ointment. Zinc ointment is especially common in households with children. This is because zinc ointment works well against diaper eczema. Diaper eczema reduces when the baby’s bottom is rubbed with zinc ointment. Zinc ointment is also called Sudocream/Sudocrem. The nice thing about zinc ointment is that it is not aggressive and if you use a small amount and do not leave it on for too long, it does not dry out the skin.

Against pimples and acne

Only with lighter form

If you have severe acne it is not wise to treat it yourself, it is wise to go to your doctor or beautician. If you have a milder form of acne, zinc ointment can be very helpful. Test a part of your body first before applying it everywhere. See how your body reacts to it, because not everyone can handle it equally well. If you notice that your skin becomes irritated and red due to the zinc ointment, it is better to use a different product.

How do you use zinc ointment?

It is best to use zinc ointment in the evening and apply it before you go to sleep, so that it can be absorbed while you sleep. Do not apply the zinc ointment all over your face, it will make your skin drier. Make sure you only put it on your pimples so that only your pimples dry up. Please note that it can cause stains on clothing and the like, so sleep with an old towel under your head so that it does not soak into your bedding. Use coconut oil and a cotton pad to clean your face. Coconut oil is a natural product to which no other ingredients have been added. When removing the remains of zinc ointment in the morning, you can also use coconut oil or use a cleansing lotion without alcohol.

1. Clean your skin first so that no traces of makeup remain on your face. You can do this with different products.
2. Wash your hands so that you do not come into the jar with zinc ointment with dirty hands (this keeps the zinc ointment clean).
3. Apply a thin layer to your pimples and let it sit all night.
4. Sleep on a towel so that zinc ointment does not get on your bedding.
5. The next morning your pimples have dried up.
6. When you get up in the morning, remove the leftover zinc ointment with a cleansing lotion.

A zinc ointment mask

You can also use zinc ointment as a mask if you want soft, rosy and fresh skin. You need to apply a thin layer to your face after cleansing your face. Let the zinc ointment sit for ten minutes, being careful not to get it in the eyes. After ten minutes, remove the zinc ointment with a lotion without alcohol, coconut oil or with (warm) water. When you are done with this you will see that you have softer and fresher skin and the pores are more contracted. Then care for your skin with a day cream or a night cream if you are used to this.

What else can you use zinc ointment for?

Itchy skin

You can use zinc ointment if you have itchy skin and you have no other remedies nearby that can reduce the itching. Zinc ointment works well if you have been bitten by an insect or if you have a mild sunburn. It cools the skin and the itching quickly reduces. Be careful if you have been burned, zinc ointment seals the skin, preventing heat from escaping from the skin. In the event of a burn, the heat must be able to escape, otherwise you could get a second-degree burn. In this case, do not use zinc ointment.

Scar tissue

If you have a wound that will probably become a scar later, you can also use zinc ointment. Apply zinc ointment to the area and repeat this several times for several days in a row. The zinc ointment then ensures that no scar occurs.

Suffering from a cold sore?

If you notice that you are developing a cold sore (your lips burn slightly or you feel a tingling sensation near your lips) you can use zinc ointment. If you then get sores and you are sure it is a cold sore, zinc ointment is useful. Use a little zinc ointment on your sores and then wash your hands. Do not sit with your hands in the jar or near the tube of the zinc ointment if you have just applied zinc ointment to your sores, as cold sores are very contagious.

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