Sunscreen spray or lotion: which is better for protection?

Sunscreen is available in multiple forms, including lotions and sprays. Lotions and sprays can be effective if used correctly. However, it may be difficult to apply enough spray to all desired areas.

Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause painful burns and lead to skin cancer. Using sunscreen as part of your daily routine, especially when spending a lot of time in direct sun, can help prevent these harmful effects.

Sunscreen can also help prevent signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles and age spots. It is important to use sunscreen daily, regardless of the time of year or weather. UV exposure occurs year-round, and up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds.

Sunscreen spray versus lotion

The key to both lotion and spray sunscreen is to apply enough product. In both formulas, it is common to use too little, which reduces their effectiveness. This is especially true for sprays. You need to spray each area of ​​the body for up to six seconds to achieve a similar level of sun protection factor (SPF) as a sunscreen lotion.

Using a spray or lotion depends on personal preference and which part of the body you are using. Lotion may be better for dry skin and face, while sprays may be easier to use on a baby’s tired body.

Other forms also have their advantages, such as sticks around the eye area and gels on hairy areas such as the scalp or chest and legs.

Choose one with a high SPF and use as directed to ensure adequate coverage. Cover all skin not completely covered by clothing (remember areas like your ears, tops of your feet, and exposed scalp), and if you’re outside, reapply every two hours immediately after swimming or sweating.

What makes sunscreen effective?

Effective sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. There are two types of sunscreen:

• chemical: Absorbs ultraviolet rays before they can penetrate the skin
• physical: Reflects ultraviolet rays away from the skin

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as:

• Para-aminobenzoic acid (daddy)
• Benzophenone
• Cinemas
• Salicylates

Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

Some sunscreens are a combination of chemical and physical types.

When choosing sunscreen, look for one that provides:

• Broad spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
• A sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30
• Water resistance
• A product you can tolerate the look and feel of (sunscreen only works if you use it)

Applying it correctly is also important for effectiveness:

• Use enough to cover all skin not covered by clothing. Most adults need at least one ounce of lotion, which is enough to fill a small cup. It can be difficult to know that you have used enough sunscreen.
• Apply 15 minutes before going out.
• Reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Note that some sunscreens may be water-resistant, but none are waterproof or “sweat-resistant.”
• Reapply frequently, regardless of SPF level (higher SPF does not last longer than lower SPF).
• Use sunscreens and insect repellents separately, not a combined product. This is because sunscreens need to be applied generously and often, while insect repellents use less product and are applied less frequently.
• If you use a moisturizer or beauty product that contains sun protection factor (SPF), remember to reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours when you are outside.
• Use a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect your lips (lips can get skin cancer, too).
• Make sure the sunscreen is not expired and has no obvious signs that the product is no longer good, such as changes in color or consistency.
• Store sunscreen away from direct sunlight and hot environments, such as a car.

Pros and cons of spray sunscreen

Pros of using spray sunscreen include:

• It can be as effective as lotions when applied correctly.
• If you’re using another sunscreen, you can apply a sunscreen spray as a second layer or touch-up when it’s time to reapply.
• It takes less time to apply than lotion.
• It is easier to apply to children.

Cons of using spray sunscreen include:

• Dermatologists often recommend this. A survey of 540 dermatologists found that 99% recommended sunscreen to their patients, but only 69% recommended spray formulations.
• It can be difficult to get enough coverage and know that you have applied enough.
• Wind can disperse sunscreen spray, resulting in insufficient application.
• It is often quick-drying and not clearly visible on the skin, which can make it difficult to know if you have missed or not sprayed areas adequately.
• There are potential safety concerns regarding accidentally inhaling vapors during application. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is studying sunscreen spray for safety and effectiveness, and Consumer Reports has advised against using it on children until that analysis is completed.
• Sprays can pose a fire hazard and should not be used near open flame, heat, or while smoking.
• Accidental inhalation can cause irritation in the mouth, throat, and lungs, especially in those with asthma (may lead to an attack) or other allergies.
• It can make walking surfaces slick and slippery if spray gets on the floor or ground.
• Most of them contain nanoparticles that stick to sand and sink into water bodies, harming living organisms.

When applying sunscreen spray to yourself or others:

• Keep the nozzle close to the skin so that more sunscreen reaches the body and less spreads into the air.
• Spray each area well for up to six seconds (make sure the skin gets a shine).
• Never spray directly on the face. Spray on hands and apply to face like lotion.
• Spray away from others, and never spray around anyone with asthma, environmental allergies, or other lung problems.

Pros and cons of sun lotion

Pros of sunscreen lotion include:

• It usually starts out visually, so it’s easier to see where to apply it to avoid missing spots.
• Inhaling the vapors or the product itself is not a concern.
• It’s easier to know if you’ve applied enough sunscreen to be effective.
• It is better for drier skin.

Cons of sunscreen lotion include:

• It takes longer to apply than sprays.
• Applying it to hard-to-reach areas like your back without assistance is more difficult than sprays.

Can sunscreen cause irritation to my skin?

Some sunscreens, especially those containing fragrance, can cause irritation, rash, and/or allergic contact dermatitis in some people.

Sunscreens containing PABA-like ingredients may cause a photodermal reaction (increase the risk of sunburn) in some people.

If you experience a reaction, switch to a sunscreen that contains a different active ingredient.

Are both types of sunscreen safe to use?

The US Food and Drug Administration regulates sunscreen products as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, which requires their monitoring and identification of ingredients that are “generally considered safe and effective” (GRASE).

The standards for over-the-counter sunscreen products are very high and based on scientific evidence. No ingredients sold in the United States have been deemed harmful to human health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to evaluate spray sun protection products for safety and effectiveness.

The FDA is requiring more data on certain ingredients to determine whether they can continue to be classified as GRASE. These include the following.

Ingredients commonly used in the United States:

• Avobenzone
• Insulin
• Homo salad
• Octisalate
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• Oxybenzone

Ingredients not frequently used in the United States:

• Sinoxat
• Deoxybenzone
• mirademite
• Bademit O
• Solisobenzone

This does not mean that these ingredients are unsafe, and the FDA is not asking the public to stop using sunscreens that contain them. This only means that further investigation has been determined to be warranted.

Concerns about flammability with spray sunscreen

Many sunscreen products contain flammable ingredients, such as alcohol. The FDA reports cases of people applying and wearing sunscreen near an open flame, sparking a fire, and suffering significant burns.

Look for a flammability warning on the product label, and if you find one, choose a different product if you will be using it near an open flame. This is especially important if the product is used on children.

When applying and using these products, avoid:

• Candles
• The grill
• Open fires
• Smoking or lighting/lighting cigarettes
• Exciting material

summary

Sunscreen lotions and sprays are safe and effective when used correctly. It is often recommended to use lotion rather than sprays because it is easier to ensure that enough product is applied and that the application is even without missing any spots.

Inhalation of ingredients and propellants when applying spray sunscreen is a safety concern that is under review. Spray sunscreen is often flammable, so be careful not to use or apply it near an open flame.

Using sunscreen lotion or spray is better than not using sunscreen at all. Follow product directions to apply safely and effectively.