If you’re keeping up with COOLA SPF Mythbusters, you know that 90% of visible aging and skin-related illnesses are caused from overexposure to the sun (read part one here). Part two of our mythbuster series reveals how long you should really wait after applying sunscreen before going into the sun. With suncare comes questions and we are here to help so your skin is the healthiest it can be!  

MYTH: You must apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun.

Not always. The answer to this question depends on the type of sunscreen you use. Whether it is a face lotion, multi-purpose stick or scalp SPF spray, sunscreens use one of two forms of protection: chemical or mineral. Not sure which kind you use? Let’s break down some sun science.

Chemical-Based Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens, depending on the brand, use a variety of active “chemical”  ingredients. At COOLA, we incorporate antioxidant-rich Plant Protection® into our sunscreens, which is a selection of plant-based ingredients including Algae and Red Raspberry Seed Oil that help naturally boost our formulas’ efficacy. This allows us to use fewer traditional—and potentially irritating—chemical actives. These active ingredients absorb into the skin and dissipate harmful UVA and UVB rays. Your skin needs about 20-30 minutes for a chemical-based sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin. For this reason, when using a chemical-based sunscreen, we recommend waiting 20-30 minutes after application before going into the sun.

We know the word “chemical” gets a bad rap, and you might be flinching at the idea of slathering your body with chemicals. However, you should know that our Classic Collection only uses chemical actives that are FDA approved and are reef friendly (as of 2018). In addition, our non-mineral lotions and sprays have the highest EWG ranking and they are formulated with over 70% certified organic ingredients. The best benefit of using a chemical-based sunscreen is they have a weightless feel and won’t leave skin feeling greasy or shiny. For example, our hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizer offers a dewy boost of hydration and SPF protection without feeling heavy on the skin, thanks to a lightweight Coconut Water-based formula. 

Check out a few of our favorite Classic Collection products!

Our lips are a sensitive and important part of our bodies! Keep them protected and moisturized all day long with our Classic LipLux SPF 30. This vitamin-enriched, antioxidant formula protects and conditions lips with natural fruit butters.

Ah, a COOLA classic -- literally! Our Classic Sport Face SPF 50 White Tea Lotion has you fully covered for those awesome, active moments when you're outdoors for hours. This face lotion is sheer and layers beautifully under makeup, and can double as your daily moisturizer!

As one of our most popular and award-winning products, our Organic SPF 30 Full Spectrum 360° Sun Silk Drops make a great addition to any skincare routine. These soothing drops use traditional actives to provide broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, as well as key ingredients Liposhield, Elix-IR, and Lightwaves Defense Plant Stem Cell Cultures to provide protection from HEV blue light and infrared heat caused by digital overexposure. No more guilt about binge-watching Netflix all day.

Mineral-Based Sunscreens

Imagine you are at the beach and you see a lifeguard with the stereotypical white nose. We’ve all seen this, right? This lifeguard is most likely wearing a mineral-based sunscreen (or the whipped cream remnants of an iced mocha Frappuccino). Mineral sunscreens physically block the sun’s rays, meaning they provide a physical protective barrier between you and the sun. When you hear the word “mineral” think “mirror.” Our mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients Titanium Oxide and Zinc Oxide. These ingredients spread evenly on the skin and directly reflect UVA and UVB rays. Because mineral-based sunscreens act as a physical barrier, there is no need to wait after applying. Simply slather and play!

At COOLA, we formulate our mineral sunscreens by uniquely separating and encapsulating each active ingredient in an effort to keep them equal distance from each other. Why do we keep ‘em separated? To provide a more equal dispersal of the ingredients to evenly reflect UV rays for better protection and for a more transparent application (meaning no bright white nose for you).

Check out a few of our favorite Mineral Collection products!

Our Daydream Mineral SPF 30 Makeup Primer has a velvety and weightless feel. It’s formulated with a photo-reflective property that softens the appearance of skin to create a filtered finish so you can proudly use the hashtag #nofilter.

The Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Tint Moisturizer works to smooth over fine lines and pores while mattifying the skin, creating an even base for makeup and is ideal for oily skin. The tint allows for that bit of additional coverage, however, we also carry the Mineral Face SPF 30 Cucumber Matte Finish Moisturizer without a tint.

Applying sunscreen on your little one can be challenging. With our Mineral Baby SPF 50 Organic Sunscreen Stick, application is easy and smooth. As with all of our products from our Baby Collection, our Baby stick is designed to safeguard the most precious and delicate skin. Though specifically made for children, this product is great for anyone with ultra-sensitive skin or looking for that bit of extra protection!

Whether you use a mineral or chemical-based sunscreen, make sure to read how to apply. Doing a patch test to ensure you have no reaction to a sunscreen is also a great idea. Here at COOLA, we believe there is a sunscreen for everyone and we create formulas that look and feel good on the skin. Your sunscreen plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle which is why we are committed to formulating sun care products with safe and effective ingredients.

To learn more about sun science, check out all the research we’ve done to ensure we give you the best possible SPF protection.