As a Goddess Garden Ambassador, I am partnering with them to share 3 steps you can take to prevent the white streak left behind when using a mineral-based, organic sunscreen on your skin. With the recent passing of Hawaii’s reef-safe sunscreen law, now is a great time to talk about this.
You’ve seen the organic sunscreen ghost! The sunbather, swimmer, boater, family covered in white pasty areas from using a mineral based, organic sunscreen. Many believe that this is how a mineral sunscreen is supposed to look on the skin. Growing up I remember the white zinc oxide streak down my nose to prevent it from burning at the beach. Google “zinc oxide nose” that for a fun laugh. So I thought a natural sunscreen with zinc oxide would be the same. But this is a BIG myth! That white streak is actually a sign that you’ve applied your sunscreen improperly. Is this news to you too?
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Speaking of news. July 2018, Hawaii became the first US state to create a statewide ban on sunscreens using the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two chemicals, commonly found in sunscreens and other skincare products, are damaging the coral reefs. Studies published over the past 10 years have found that these UV-filtering chemicals–called benzophenones–are highly toxic to juvenile corals and other marine life. Organic sunscreens like those from Goddess Garden don’t contain these ingredients and are thus reef safe sunscreens.
Turns out a mineral based, reef safe sunscreen, when applied properly, shouldn’t be seen. I made the switch from traditional sunscreens to Goddess Garden organic sunscreen years ago. Since becoming one of their ambassadors, I am constantly learning more about the benefits of using a safe sunscreen. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to read the following:
- Are You Doing This to Reverse Sun Damage?
- Giving Chemical Sunscreens the Bird
- What You Need to Know About Tradition Sunscreens
Now that you know a little more about why you should use a reef safe sunscreen, let’s talk about how to avoid the sunscreen white streak. Here are 3 easy steps to avoid the sunscreen ghost.
1. Moisturized Skin Before Applying Organic Sunscreen
Organic sunscreens and traditional sunscreens are designed very differently. Organic, mineral based sunscreens are meant to rest on top of the skin to provide maximum sun protection. If you have dry skin, your body absorbs the sunscreen to nourish itself leaving behind that icky white film. To prevent this, moisturize your skin prior to sunscreen application. Using a daily moisturizer is best to keep your skin healthy and well hydrated.
2. Apply Small Amounts
The goal with using any sunscreen to provide even skin protection from the sun’s UV rays. Traditional sunscreens use spreading agents to help distribute their product evenly over your skin. Organic sunscreens do not use these chemicals. Therefore you have to apply as you go for best results. Applying small amounts will ensure that the lotion doesn’t soak in/dry before you’ve applied it. For best results: use small amounts, work in one area at a time, and apply more as needed.
3. More is NOT Better
If you apply too much mineral based sunscreen or don’t follow the two steps above, you will get white streaks! When this happens, you need to wash it off and start again.
Since Hawaii’s ban, more and more people are looking for reef safe sunscreens. Using a mineral based sunscreen like those from Goddess Garden is safe for you and for the environment. Now that you know how to apply it correctly, you can avoid white streaks. Save the ghost for Halloween.
You can find Goddess Garden at most major retailers, on their GoddessGarden.com, and other online* retailers.(* Purchase through this affiliate link and we receive a small commission without any extra expense to you!
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