We want you to get the full benefits from all the products we create. When applied properly, our sunscreens offer superior protection against UV damage from the sun. We know that sun protection for yourself and your family is important for any parent. Gentle products like mineral sunscreen are the way to go, but there’s an aspect to mineral sun protection that no one loves - the white cast they sometimes leave behind.
But there’s good news, everyone! Tweaking the way you apply mineral sunscreens can help reduce white cast, so you don’t have to worry about your sunscreen showing. We’ll begin by setting the scene - that many parents, who are using zinc oxide sunscreen, have faced when trying to use it for the first time…
@bluelizardsunscreen Dabbing is the key 🔑 #howto #foryou #skincaretiktok ♬ original sound - Blue Lizard Sunscreen
You get to the beach with your partner and kids. Your family sunscreen is tucked away in your bag with all those other essentials. Before letting anyone go out and play in the sun, you hand a bottle of Blue Lizard sunscreen to your son or daughter, telling them to spread a good amount over their skin.
Then, they do as expected and place a big ol’ glob of kid’s sunscreen on their arms. The result? A white, gooey mess that won’t spread over the area as anticipated. You see, mineral-based products are a great, healthy choice for you and your family, but you need to know how to apply mineral sunscreen without white cast to get the most out of them.
What Dermatologists Tell Us About Applying Sunscreen (in General)
As the experts at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) tell us, whether you’re using a chemical-based product or naturally occurring zinc oxide sunscreen, you’ll need an SPF of at least 30 that offers broad spectrum protection to provide protection against skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Dermatologists also recommend that you:
- Use sufficient sunscreen (a shot-glass-full amount is usually enough for adults)
- Wait at least 15 minutes after applying before you go into direct sunlight
- Apply sunscreen to every part of the body that’s exposed, including your ears, face, legs, and the tops of your feet
- Wear a hat to protect your scalp & lips and apply an SPF15 lip balm
For those areas that are hard to reach, get someone else to apply it for you or use a lotion applicator. And always always always, reapply. Make sure to check the label of your sunscreen for specific application and reapplication instructions. Whether there’s blazing sunshine or it’s cloudy, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen year round because UV rays are always present and potentially harmful, regardless of the weather (yes, even on cloudy days!).
How Mineral Sunscreen Differs
Look on the shelves of your local supermarket when buying sunscreen and you’ll find a ton of chemical sunscreens. This type has been around for many years and absorbs into the deeper layers of the skin. The chemicals they contain convert UV rays into heat.
The other type of sun protection you’ll find is mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists for kids, those with sensitive skin, and . Being able to disperse UV rays by reflection, the best mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin, rather than being absorbed.
The active ingredient in Blue Lizard sunscreen is Zinc oxide (although titanium dioxide is sometimes used as well). When applied correctly, it forms an invisible barrier that reflects the sun’s rays away from the body like thousands of tiny mirrors.
So, What Exactly Is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc oxide in its natural state is a white powder that’s been used in medicines for almost three thousand years. As well as finding it in zinc oxide sunscreen, it is present in other products like bandages, foods, and even calamine lotion that treats rashes.
“Mineral Sunscreen Spray Makes Application Even Easier!”
Why does it leave a white cast when not applied properly? There are a couple of reasons for it, with the first reason being that it is not fully absorbed. Zinc Oxide stays on the surface of skin to reflect UV rays away from the body like thousands of tiny mirrors. The second is that it’s a white substance naturally, which does make it easier to see where you’ve applied it, but it’s not something you want to remain.
The Easy Steps to Avoiding White cast
As skin experts like Dr. Angelo Landriscina and mom influencer us, knowing how much mineral sunscreen to apply is important if you want to get it right. This is where the dot method will ensure that you don’t overdo things and create a mess for yourself. It’s a pretty easy technique too that your little ones won’t find it hard to master.
All you need to do is place several small ‘dots' (each one about the size of a dime), roughly a centimeter apart, on the body part you’re covering. Absolutely no ‘globbing’ though, as you’ll soon discover that this will add too much to comfortably work into the skin. If necessary, show your child how it’s done to give them a reference point.
Why Not Try A Mineral Sunscreen Spray?
Mineral sunscreen spray may be a simpler option to provide broad spectrum protection for you and kids. Whether we are talking about sensitive skin sunscreen or any of the Blue Lizard range, it’s by far the easiest mineral sunscreen to apply - especially for children - as it goes on fast and easily works into the skin.
When applying spray products of this type, you should:
- Shake well before using
- Apply 15 minutes before going out into the sun
- Hold the container 4 to 6 inches away from the skin to apply.
- Rub in.
- Do not spray directly to the face. Instead, apply some spray sunscreen to your hands and then rub onto your face.
- Do not apply in windy conditions and avoid inhalation. Apply in a well-ventilated area (e.g. not inside your car!)
Or What About a Mineral Sunscreen Stick?
Another useful alternative for anyone finding the process of learning how to apply mineral sunscreen without a white cast is the mineral sunscreen stick. This is a mess-free way to give yourself and your kids sun protection and application is a cinch!
Pass the stick back and forth a few times over the area you’re wanting to protect. Then rub it in. Easy. No sunscreen droplets to fall on the floor!
It’s Even Easier to Avoid White cast With Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreens
White cast caused by mineral sunscreen products is something you can pretty much forget about when using Blue Lizard Sheer sunscreen lotions. They’re designed to rub in smooth and dry clear on every skin tone while providing the same level of protection against the sun’s rays - for both body and face.
Using the power of zinc oxide, combined with plant extracts, vitamin E, and shea butter, you get a sunscreen that’s nourishes and moisturizes skin while it protects it from the sun. Blue Lizard Sheer sunscreens are also free of parabens and fragrances, making them perfect for anyone who loves getting down to the beach during the Summer or who have an active outdoor lifestyle.
Don’t Let White Cast Stop You From Enjoying Mineral Sunscreen
It’s not hard to see why those who’ve been using mineral sunscreen in the wrong way end up not doing well with the product, as you’re often left with a mess that’s very difficult to clear up. However, when you use the best mineral sunscreen properly, you get something kinder to the environment, less likely to irritate sensitive skin and that won’t leave a white cast.
Don’t let fear of a white cast stop you from enjoying all the benefits that mineral sunscreen offers. Follow the basic steps and advice we’ve provided here and you’ll get broad spectrum protection, no matter where your adventures in the sun may lead.
So, why not give mineral sunscreen a chance? It’s the healthy alternative that more and more people are turning to for their sun protection needs. Try it out for yourself and you’ll soon see why.