Mineral sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin and help prevent burns. However, if not applied correctly, you might find that it doesn’t work as well. That’s why learning how to use mineral sunscreen is crucial to protecting your skin and preventing premature aging and decreasing your risk of skin cancer. So, how do you use mineral sunscreen? And how often should you apply it?
Let us tell you…
How Much is Enough Mineral Sunscreen?
According to the FDA, one fluid-ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) is enough to cover the entire body. General proportions and body areas are as follows:
- ½ tps- Face and Neck
- 1 tsp- Each Arm
- 2 tsp- Torso
- 2 tsp- Each Leg
How to Apply Mineral Sunscreen?
Now, we understand that you probably won’t be carrying around teaspoons or a shot glass to apply your sunscreen.
The process of applying mineral sunscreen differs from chemical sunscreens.
Here are some practical methods you can use to make sure you are applying enough sunscreen around your body.
Method 1: Apply a Thick Coat That Covers Your Entire Skin
The best way is to start by applying pea-sized portions and rub it to cover the entire skin. Start with a small amount and keep adding as much as you need. Spend some time massaging the sunscreen into the skin until all has been rubbed in.
The mineral sunscreen reflects off sun rays, so you need to use enough of it. This ensures you are evenly covered without leaving a whitening effect or mineral layers.
Method 2: Apply as Much as You Think You Need
Remember, there is no such thing as excess sunscreen. If you think you’ve probably not applied enough, you are probably right. Add a little more sunscreen to eliminate any doubt and reduce the chances of sunburn.
It’s always better to add more than applying less than you need. This way, it’s hard to get burned.
Method 3: Apply Your Sunscreen in Layers If Possible
If you want to apply the right amount, apply it in two layers. After the initial application, wait to dry for about 15-20 minutes before applying the second layer.
When the first layer has dried, apply a second layer over the body parts that burn most.
Additional Mineral Sunscreen Application Tips
- Apply the mineral sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure
- Make sure your skin is hydrated
- Avoid applying when your skin is wet
- If a white layer is noticeable, continue to rub until it is well distributed
Reapplying Mineral Sunscreen
When using zinc-based sunscreens, it’s essential to know how long zinc sunscreen lasts on the skin. Any type of mineral sunscreen will break down at some point. Both sun and water break all sunscreen activities over time, typically a few hours.
So, how long does mineral sunscreen last? Well, this depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of exposure or other activities that might remove the original layer.
If you are worried about how long does sunscreen last when applied, here are some tips on how to reapply;
After Every 2 Hours
According to the FDA, mineral sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours. While this is the recommended timeline, we suggest you be mindful of your body and the activities that you are doing.
It would be best if you judge how often to reapply (Note: All Good does not recommend you go longer than 2 hours without reapplying sunscreen). For example, if you are fair skinned, you may want to consider applying more often. Additionally, if you are swimming or sweating the sunscreen may come off quicker- requiring it to be reapplied more frequently.
If you are using water-resistant sunscreens, reapply before the 80-minute mark. If the mineral isn’t water-resistant, you may have to reapply immediately after swimming.
After Drying Off
Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreen is designed to sit on top of the skin. That means the second you wipe off sweat or water on your skin, you’ve wiped off your sunscreen. Therefore, if you continue to stay on the beach or outside in general after drying off, this will affect how often you should apply mineral sunscreen, and you will need to reapply.
If You Brush Up Against Anything
Brushing up against objects or putting on your clothes after applying sunscreen may in fact remove some of it from your skin. This can result in thin lines that can lead to uneven burns.
Be sure to check your clothes or any objects. If you see white marks then that means you have removed some of the sunscreen in those areas. Reapply accordingly to be sure you get the best protection.
Choosing the Best Mineral Sunscreen
It’s important to apply mineral sunscreen correctly to be sure to protect your skin and get the best results.
It all starts with choosing the right mineral sunscreen.
All Good offers a variety of mineral sunscreens for various applications. All of our sunscreens are designed to protect your skin in the healthiest way possible. Our ingredients are free from all the nasty chemicals. We are proud to say all of our sunscreens are:
- Oxybenzone FREE
- Octinoxate FREE
- Octocrylene FREE
- PABA [Aminobenzoic Acid] FREE
- Enzacamene FREE
- Octisalate FREE
- Homosalate FREE
- Avobenzone FREE
- Toxic preservative FREE
- Additive FREE
- GMO FREE
- Gluten FREE
- Paraben FREE
- Cruelty FREE
Check out our mineral sunscreens to revitalize and protect your skin from sunburn today!