What is Superman’s Antidote to Kryptonite and Defender of Our Skin?

Superman may not have known about this mineral, but if he had it could have helped him fight the weakening effects of kryptonite – his Achilles’ heel.

It certainly does that for our skin, fighting the weakening effects of UV radiation – our kryptonite. The mystery mineral is smithsonite, and it is necessary to the growth, reproduction and structural integrity of our cells.

What It Is

Smithsonite, also known as zinc spar, is a zinc carbonate or mineral ore of zinc. It forms as a secondary mineral as a result of the oxidation of zinc-bearing ore deposits. Though it varies in color, some of its deposits look like Superman’s kryptonite.

It certainly doesn’t act like kryptonite for our skin though. In fact it has the opposite effect, playing an essential role helping our cells sustain life.

An interesting factoid – smithsonite was named after James Smithson, an English chemist and mineralogist who identified the mineral in 1802 and whose estate established the renowned Smithsonian Institute.

How It Works and Where to Find It

As I mentioned smithsonite is instrumental in the metabolism (growth, reproduction and defense) of our DNA and RNA – essential components of all known forms of life. The mineral also helps maintain elasticity in our skin (i.e. keeps us from forming wrinkles and sagging skin).

A number of studies have also shown that zinc and the zinc carbonate smithsonite boost metallothionien synthesis…a mouthful in deed. This essentially means it helps produce the mechanisms that help our cells fight UV radiation and keep them regenerating. Once the regeneration stops, wrinkles form, skin sags and the list goes on.

Look for this powerful ingredient and zinc in skin protection formulas and purifying clay masks. We use it in our Cacti Mud Mask.