Collection: Is Zinc Oxide Good for Dry Skin?

Lyonsleaf Zinc and Calendula Cream is genuinely useful for breakouts and more stubborn irritation and as a barrier cream. But it's worth understanding how it works before using it.

Using Zinc and Calendula Cream on Dry, Sensitive or Compromised Skin

Zinc oxide doesn't just calm skin, It also mops up excess oil, sebum in particular, by a process called adsorption. That's ideal on an oily patch or for acne prone skin, but if your skin is already dry or worse, the barrier is compromised, there isn't much surface sebum to begin with. Applied directly it can end up drawing on the protective lipids from within the barrier itself instead, potentially weakening the very structure your skin is trying to repair.

That's what the sandwich technique is for:

1. Oil cleanse and leave skin damp.
2. Apply a sparse layer of Unfragranced Beauty Balm to seal in moisture.
3. Apply Zinc and Calendula Cream over the top.

The zinc calms the area, while the oils in the Beauty Balm underneath give it something to grab instead of your skin's natural oils.

As a spot treatment

On an individual pimple or weepy patch of eczema, Zinc and Calendula Cream works well applied directly, with no need to moisturise underneath first, the drying action is exactly what you want there. It dries out spots that have come to a head or blistering rashes like chickenpox or dyshidrotic eczema blisters. Just keep an eye on the surrounding skin, and go back to moisturising with Beauty Balm or Calendula and Marshmallow Balm if it starts to feel like the barrier is weakening.

Be aware, Lyonsleaf products do not contain broad spectrum antimicrobial preservatives. See our Using Unpreserved Skincare on Broken Skin page for when extra care, or a doctor, is called for.

As a Barrier Cream

Lyonsleaf Zinc and Calendula Cream is a fantastic barrier cream. If you have fragile skin that needs protecting from water damage then this is the perfect product to use. Those with eczema who want to bath or shower and need to protect fragile skin can use it. Anyone with their hands in water often can use it or those working with harsh materials like builders, cleaners or hairdressers find it a great help. If the skin is very dry, theres no problem with using the sandwich technique when using zinc and calendula as a barrier cream.

Alternate with a Hydrating Balm

If you are using Lyonsleaf Zinc and Calendula  Cream on dry sensitive skin, you undoubtedly want to pair it with another one of our more hydrating balms. Either the Calendula and Marshmallow Balm, a Beauty Balm, our Pure Baby Balm or a Facial Oil all work will along side Zinc and Calendula Cream, using the sandwich method or as a standalone moisturiser alongside zinc treatments.

Check out our full facial skincare Routine For Dry Sensitive Skin