Calamine, Zinc Oxide, Bentonite,
Sodium Citrate, Liquefied Phenol, Glycerin Lotion Benefits
A lotion with calamine, zinc oxide,
bentonite, sodium citrate, liquefied phenol, and glycerin works to soothe
itching and irritation, dry up weeping lesions, and protect the skin. This
combination is commonly used for skin conditions like rashes, insect bites, and
prickly heat.
Benefits of the individual
ingredients
Calamine and zinc oxide
Calamine is a mixture of zinc oxide and ferric oxide and is
known for its skin-protecting, soothing, and anti-itch properties. Zinc oxide
is a key ingredient with several benefits:
Astringent and
antiseptic: Helps clean and tighten the skin, reducing the risk of
infection.
Protective
barrier: Forms a physical barrier on the skin to guard against irritants
and moisture loss, promoting healing.
Relieves
irritation: Soothes redness, itching, inflammation, and discomfort from
conditions like eczema, sunburn, and minor wounds.
Drying
agent: Helps dry out oozing or weeping skin from rashes caused by things
like poison ivy or chickenpox.
UV
protection: Acts as a physical sunscreen by reflecting harmful UV rays.
Bentonite clay
Bentonite is an absorbent clay that adds to the lotion's drying
and detoxifying actions.
Absorbs excess
moisture: Works to soak up extra oil and moisture from the skin's surface.
Detoxifying
action: Draws out impurities and toxins from the pores.
Sodium citrate
In a lotion, sodium citrate primarily acts as a pH adjuster, but
also has other beneficial properties.
Regulates
pH: Buffers the product's acidity to a level that is safe and gentle for
the skin.
Mild antioxidant
and preservative: Contributes to the lotion's stability and shelf life.
Liquefied phenol
Phenol, in the low concentration found in such a lotion,
functions as an antiseptic and antipruritic (anti-itch) agent.
Antiseptic: Prevents
or treats minor skin infections by killing bacteria.
Anesthetic
effect: Provides a numbing, anti-itch sensation on the skin.
Glycerin
Glycerin is a humectant that provides moisture to the skin.
Hydrates the
skin: Attracts and holds water from the environment to keep the skin
moisturized and soft.
Strengthens skin
barrier: Helps fortify the skin's natural moisture barrier, protecting it
from irritation.
Aids
healing: Creates a moist healing environment and helps cells mature
properly.
Important precautions
External use
only: These lotions should only be used on the skin and never ingested.
1.
Avoid open wounds: Do not apply to open cuts, burns, or
large areas of broken skin.
2.
Keep away from sensitive areas: Avoid contact with eyes,
mouth, nose, and genital regions.
3.
Allergic reactions: Though rare, stop use and consult a
doctor if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives,
or swelling.
4.
Potential for dryness: The drying agents in the lotion can
sometimes lead to excessive dryness or irritation.