If you’ve ever had to coat a squirmy, wriggly kid with sunblock, then you’ve probably joined Team Spray Sunscreen, the seemingly easier for applying SPF to even the most impatient person (including yourself).
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In fact, people now buy aerosol cans almost as much as lotions, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. But do the sprays really work as well as the traditional sunblock? They can — but only if you’re using them the right way, says Raman Madan, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist with Northwell Health in the US. Get all your spray sunscreen questions answered below — plus, top picks from the Good Housekeeping US Institute.
Is spray-on sunscreen effective?
Yes, spray sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage — but only if you apply enough. While spray sunscreens go on easily enough, it’s harder to know if you’ve put on an adequate amount. ‘It is not that spray sunscreen does not work as well as lotions, the issue is that a lot of spray sunscreen needs to be applied to get the same benefit,’ Dr. Madan says. ‘If you apply an SPF 45 spray for 2-3 seconds, you only get realistically SPF 10-12 protection.’
It’s less surprising then that while 99% of 540 dermatologists surveyed recommended sunscreen to their patients, only 69% recommend sprays, according to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Sunblock lotions have clear usage guidelines that are harder to replicate with a spray bottle: Adults should use at least 28g every 2 hours — about a shot-glass-size amount, plus a coin-sized dollop for the face alone.
That means a 170g-bottle of spray sunscreen should last you only six applications. To make sure you’re using enough, Dr. Madan advises spraying each area for about 6 seconds or until it looks white.
Is spray sunscreen bad for kids?
It depends on what you have on hand, but stick with lotions over sprays if possible. ‘I generally avoid recommending spray sunscreen in children because of the risk of inhalation of particles,’ Dr. Madan says. ‘In the end, we always remind patients than spray sunscreen is always better than no sunscreen.’ Spray sunscreen isn’t always the best choice for adults, either. Here’s when to pick lotion instead:
– On windy days: The goal is to get the SPF on you, not your towel (or in your lungs), so stick to lotion or sticks if possible.
– When you’re near heat or fire: Sunscreens in aerosol form can be flammable. Don’t spray near grills, candles, lit cigarettes, or open flames, and make sure your skins is thoroughly dry before approaching any sources of fire .
Are you supposed to rub in spray-on sunscreen?
Yep, you’re going to need to rub it in afterward to get the full effect. When you’re ready to apply, first head outside. Never spray sunscreen indoors as it can impact the air quality and make make floors very slippery, says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Director of the Health, Beauty & Environmental Sciences Lab at the Good Housekeeping US Institute.
Hold the nozzle close to your skin and spray until you can see it on the skin. Then rub the SPF all around to ensure you didn’t miss any spots. If you’re worried about missing spots but love the convenience of the sprays, try a combo of regular sunblock and aerosols. ‘Apply lotion at home, but when you’re at the beach you can layer on top with spray and repeat every two hours,’ Dr. Aral says. As always, further shield your skin by seeking out shade and wearing protective clothing when possible.
How do you apply spray sunscreen on your face?
Because of the risk of inhalation, never spray sunscreen near your face or mouth. If you’re caught lotion or stick-less, spray the sunscreen generously onto your hands first, and then rub it into your face.
From: Good Houskeeping US
PHOTO: iStock/Wavebreakmedia
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