FAQs
Q: Will products from Zi Zai Dermatology cure my chronic skin condition?
A: No. Unfortunately, putting a substance on the skin cannot cure psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne or other chronic skin disease. Any chronic skin problem should be evaluated by a dermatologist. See our resource page for links to find a qualified TCM practitioner near you if you would like internal herbal medicine to help treat your condition.
Q: Are these products safe for my infant or young toddler?
A: Unless otherwise stated in the product description, all of our products are safe for the most sensitive skin as well as safe if accidentally consumed. Look for our line of additional products specifically formulated for kids to be available in 2012. It is always best to check with your physician before using any products on infants.
Q: Can I use these topical products safely for long periods of time?
A: For most people, our products are safe for long-term use. All of our ingredients are 100% natural, but some people can be sensitive to even the most benign of substances. If you develop any irritation while using our products, discontinue use. If you have a chronic skin problem and are unsure what is causing it, see a dermatologist for evaluation.
Q: I am allergic to tree nuts. Can I use products on my skin that contain tree nuts?
A: That depends on your allergy. Some people with mild sensitivity to consuming tree nuts have no problem with topically applied products that contain nuts. The safe answer would be to avoid any products that contain tree nuts, especially if you have a severe peanut allergy. Be aware that shea butter comes from the shea tree nut. Recent studies have shown that the immune systems of people with peanut allergies do not seem to respond in the same way to the proteins in shea nuts, so they do not seem to be a trigger for allergies like other tree nuts. However, some people with allergies to latex may also react to shea butter. Some of our products contain shea butter or other nut oils. All of our ingredients are listed. Read the labels carefully.
Q: Do your products contain any fragrances?
A: No. We do not add anything to our products to mask, change, or otherwise affect the natural scent of the ingredients themselves. We will never add any synthetic fragrances to any of our products. We do not even add essential oils just for their fragrances. Some ingredients, like cocoa butter and unrefined shea butter, have their own natural scent you might notice in some of our products. Certainly some herbs (like Dang Gui) have stronger fragrances when extracted or infused than others. We here at Zi Zai love the natural, earthy fragrance of such ingredients as they remind us that there is nothing artificial or overly processed in our products.
Q: Where do the ingredients for your products come from?
A: We purchase our raw ingredients from reputable American companies that we have trusted for years, and buy organic oils and butters whenever possible. Our herbs are grown in China and imported by American companies who ensure strict quality assurance. We purchase beeswax from local Colorado beekeepers.
Q: Do you add any artificial colors or dyes to your products?
A: No. We never add anything artificial to color our products. Some of our products are tinted due to the herbs that are infused. We add herbs to make the products more effective, not because the herbs impart color to the final product.
Q: Can I use your ointments on cuts and other wounds in my skin?
A: Firstly, if you have a deep cut or severe wound or burn, you should seek urgent care to be sure the wound is properly cleaned and to determine if you need stitches or other treatment. You should not apply oil-based ointments to any open wound or deep cut. Ointments can trap anaerobic bacteria in an open wound and lead to infection. Once the wound is closed and there is no sign of infection, topical ointments can be applied.
Q: My lip balm is forming tiny lumps. Is something wrong with it?
A: Don't worry. Those little bead-like lumps may form when the shea butter or coconut oil melts in warmer temps and then cools down to become more solidified. This can occur during shipping or if you leave the lip balm in your car or other place where there are frequent temperature variations. There is nothing wrong with the lip balm, just warm it in your pocket and it will glide on smoothly again.