Calamine gives relief from many skin diseases. Its main ingredients are zinc oxide and ferric oxide. Find out more details about the constituents and benefits of calamine lotion.
Calamine lotions is very effective in curing many skin conditions like, sunburns, eczema, rashes, poison ivy, chickenpox, etc., and can also be used for treating mild infections. It is used as an antipruritic or anti-itching agent. It is an over-the-counter lotion and can be found in any pharmaceutical shop.
Ingredients in Calamine Lotion
The main active ingredients of calamine lotion are zinc oxide (ZnO) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3), where concentration of ferric oxide is only about 5%. Apart from these two ingredients, there are few more ingredients like liquid paraffin, glyceryl monostearate, cetomacrogol and phenoxyethanol, but they are present in very less amounts. The lotion appears to be pink in color and have a creamy texture. The main function of curing skin conditions is done by the zinc oxide and ferric oxide. Let’s find out what are the beneficial effects of these ingredients.
Zinc Oxide (ZnO): Zinc is very helpful in solving many skin conditions. It is a natural astringent and hence keeps the skin tightened and reduces the secretion of oil by shrinking the oil pores or sebaceous glands. It is also effective in reducing skin irritation, inflammation and itchiness caused due to acne. It also saves the skin from harmful UV rays and is therefore used in many sunscreens. It promotes wound healing and gives you healthy and radiant skin.
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3): Iron oxide or ferric oxide is used to improve the skin tone. It is non toxic and moisture resistant. Because of these properties it is one of the popular components of many cosmetic products. It is specially used in mineral make up as a primary coloring agent. It is a safe and very beneficial component.
Calamine lotion is approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is safe for use. You can get it from the market without any prescription. It is sold under the name of different brands. All these brands have different compositions of the same ingredients. But the content of calamine may differ from one brand to another. Though all the brands of calamine lotions have very less or no side effects, select only the trusted brands.
How to Apply Calamine Lotion
Calamine can be applied in the same way as any other lotions. Shake the bottle well and take few drops of calamine lotion in your hand, mix it well and apply. People with dry or combination skin should not apply it for a longer period of time and should apply it only over the affected area. This lotion is for external use only, hence if swallowed or if it enters the eye, immediately contact poison control center.
How to Wash it Off
Dip a cotton ball in witch hazel and put it on the area where calamine lotion is applied. Keep it for 30 seconds and then wipe it off. Do not rub it. Repeat, till the area is clean. You can also use lukewarm water in place of witch hazel. Pat dry.
Ingredients Used in Homemade Calamine Lotion
Calamine Lotion can also be made at home. You may not exactly get the color of a calamine lotion, but will help in the exact way. Ingredients used, can be easily found in your kitchen. Following are some combinations of ingredients used to make calamine lotion.
- Water and baking soda
- Oatmeal, water and baking soda
- Sea salt, baking soda, bentonite clay, chamomile or tea tree oil and water
Benefits of Calamine
Calamine lotion is one of the most trusted products for skin problems. Following are some of the calamine lotion uses and benefits.
- Calamine is considered to be one of the best remedies for acne and pimples. It kills the bacteria to get you rid of acne and also helps in removing the scars.
- Calamine lotion is very helpful in relieving the symptoms of contact dermatitis like itching and inflammation. It also helps in drying the ooze from rashes caused by poison ivy and other such allergic reactions.
- It is effective in providing relief from pain, itching, swelling and inflammation from insect bites and stings.
- Calamine can be helpful in relieving the symptoms of viral infection such as chickenpox and shingles.
- You can also get relief from the burning sensation caused due to sun burns and heat rash. It gives a cooling effect to the skin and heals the burns and rashes quickly.
Ingredients of calamine lotion can show tremendous effects on the skin. There are very rare side effects of this lotion which are usually not serious. You can even use calamine as your daily lotion.
