Pea, Dot, Rub - The "No Ghost" Method

Mineral Sunscreen Application Tips

Mineral sunscreen works a little differently. Instead of soaking into your skin, our non-nano minerals sit on top and reflects the sun; so how you put it on matters. The goal is to apply in thin layers, so it rubs in sheer, minimizing the white cast. It’s as easy
as Pea, Dot, Rub.

It's as easy as Pea, Dot, Rub!

  • 1. Pea

    Start with a pea-size amount (3–4 swipes for sticks). You can add another layer for intense coverage, but avoid a large blob.

  • 2. Dot

    Dab a little sunscreen all over your face or a section of your skin.

  • 3. Rub

    Work it in, understanding a light sheen is normal.

Then repeat, section by section, until you’ve applied the full recommended amount.

Mineral Sunscreens are different…

Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin, and recent FDA studies show some of those filters can even be absorbed into your bloodstream, while research also points to benzophenones, cinnamates, and other common chemical sunscreen ingredients as contributing factors in coral reef decline. In contrast, our non-nano mineral formulas stay on the surface of your skin and are Reef-Safer™ by design. 

When people first switch to mineral, they sometimes put it all on at once, which makes it look chalky and leads them to assume it does not work, but it absolutely does; the trick is simply how you apply it, using thin layers section by section.

How much is enough?

Dermatologists recommend about one ounce — a full shot glass — for your whole body, and roughly a half-teaspoon for your face and neck. SPF is tested at that level of coverage, so using less means less protection than the number on the bottle. We recommend wearing rash guards, and applying sufficiently to exposed skin about 15 minutes before you head out, and reapply at least every 2 hours — sooner if you’re  swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Why do I look so white?

You have probably applied too much in one spot rather than too much overall, so the solution is to work in small sections by using a pea-sized amount, dotted across one area, and then rubbed in well; applied this way you will see just a light sheen, most whitening fades fast, and you still get the full protective amount onto your skin.

Expect a stronger white cast with our Water Sport and Coral Care SPF 30 formulas, as these are incredibly water-resistant, and we like to say just rock that white cast: it will not burn your eyes, does not rinse off easily, and you are doing good for your body and the planet.

Why can’t I get it even?

If your skin is dry, apply moisturizer first (like our Squalane), then your mineral sunscreen. This helps it spread evenly. Using the Pea, Dot & Rub technique and working section by section, most people get even coverage without excessive whitening.

Does it have to be white?

White is the new green! The sheen is actually a perfect indicator to know the product is protecting you. It’s also a great way to be able to see when it’s time to reapply, particularly for parents monitoring children’s exposure time or those going in and out of the water.

Is it greasy?

Stream2Sea sunscreen is 100% non-nano mineral actives and water-based, so we don't rely on heavy oils that can clog pores and feel greasy. That means it takes a little more work to spread, but the trade-off is worth it.

Will I burn even if it is SPF 30?

Usually a burn is not about the SPF number; it is about using too little product, not reapplying, or putting it on after the damage has already been done, which is why we walk you through getting the full recommended amount on. The FDA recommends reapplying at least every two hours, and more if you are swimming or sweating, and for reference SPF 30 already blocks about 97% of UVB rays, so a much higher number adds only a little more as long as you apply enough and reapply.


What if I don’t want to look white?

Try our tinted sunscreen, which comes in a neutral shade that blends into most skin tones, or our Every Day SPF 45 or Zinc Balm formulas, designed to go on sheerer; all are Reef-Safer mineral sunscreens, formulated without oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene.

Autumn Blum… shows you how to properly apply our tinted and original Reef-Safer™ mineral sunscreen.

Here’s another video on how to apply mineral sunscreens on your face and body in 3 simple steps!

Finally, here's how to apply our SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen in a tin!

 

We are responsible for this awesome planet. Our choices matter.