Sunscreen is available in multiple formats, including lotions and sprays. Lotions and sprays can be effective if used properly. However, applying enough spray to all needed areas can be difficult.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause painful sunburn and lead to skin cancer. Using sunscreen as part of your daily routine, especially when spending extended time in the 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 wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the time of year or weather. UV exposure happens year-round, and up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can penetrate the clouds.
Sunscreen Spray vs. Lotion
The key to both sunscreen lotion and spray is applying enough of the product. With both formats, it is common to use too little, reducing their effectiveness. This is particularly true of sprays. You need to spray each body area for up to six seconds to achieve a similar level of sun protection factor (SPF) as sunscreen lotion.
Using spray or lotion depends on personal preference and which part of the body you apply it to. Lotion may be better for dry skin and the face, while sprays might be easier to apply to a squirmy child's body.
Other formats also have their merits, such as sticks for around the eye area and gel on hairy areas such as the scalp or chest and legs.
Choose one with a high SPF use it as directed to ensure adequate coverage. Thoroughly cover all skin not covered by clothing (remember areas like your ears, tops of feet, and exposed scalp), and if outside, reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.
What Makes an Effective Sunscreen?
Effective sunscreens protect against both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. The two types of sunscreen are:
- Chemical: Absorbs UV rays before they can penetrate the skin
- Physical: Reflects UV rays away from the skin
Chemical sunscreens contain components such as:
- Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
- Benzophenones
- Cinnamates
- Salicylates
Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
Some sunscreens are a combination of chemical and physical types.
When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that offers:
- Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
- SPF of at least 30
- Water resistance
- One you can tolerate the look and feel of (sunscreen only works if you use it)
Applying it correctly is also important to effectiveness:
- Use enough to cover all skin not covered by clothing. Most adults need at least 1 ounce of lotion, which is about the amount to fill a shot glass. It can be more difficult to know you have used enough spray sunscreen.
- Apply 15 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply at least every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Note that some sunscreens may be water resistant, but none is waterproof or "sweatproof."
- Reapply often, regardless of level of SPF (higher SPF does not last longer than lower SPF).
- Use separate sunscreens and insect repellents, not a combination product. This is because sunscreens need to be applied generously and often, while insect repellents use less product and are applied less frequently.
- If using a moisturizer or cosmetic product that contains SPF, remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied about every two hours when you are outdoors.
- Use a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to protect your lips (lips can get skin cancer, too).
- Ensure the sunscreen is not expired and has no visible signs the product is no longer good, such as changes in color or consistency.
- Store sunscreen away from direct sunlight and hot environments, such as in a car.
Sun-Safety Tips
No sunscreen can fully protect skin from the sun. In addition to using sunscreen:
- Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, including clothing and sunglasses labeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number.
- Be extra cautious around water, snow, and sand, which reflect sun rays and increase the risk of sunburn.
- Avoid tanning beds.
Pros and Cons of Sunscreen Spray
Pros of using sunscreen spray include:
- It can be as effective as lotions when applied correctly.
- If you use another sunscreen, you can apply the spray sunscreen as a second layer or a touch-up when it is time to reapply it.
- It takes less time to apply than lotion.
- It's easier to apply on children.
Cons of using sunscreen spray include:
- Dermatologists recommend it less often. One survey of 540 dermatologists found that 99% recommended sunscreen to their patients, but only 69% recommended the spray formulations.
- It can be difficult to get adequate coverage and to know you have applied enough.
- The wind can disperse the spray sunscreen, leading to inadequate application.
- It's often fast-drying and not clearly visible on the skin, which can make it difficult to see if you have missed or under-sprayed areas.
- There are potential safety concerns regarding accidentally inhaling fumes during application. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is studying spray sunscreen for safety and effectiveness, and Consumer Reports has advised against using it on children until this analysis is completed.
- Sprays can be a fire hazard and should not be used near an open flame, heat, or while smoking.
- Accidental inhalation can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and lungs, particularly in those with asthma (may trigger an attack) or other sensitivities.
- It can make walking surfaces slick and slippery if the spray reaches the ground or floor.
- Most contain nanoparticles that stick to sand and wash into bodies of water, harming living organisms.
When applying spray sunscreen to yourself or others:
- Keep the nozzle close to the skin so more sunscreen goes on the body and less into the air.
- Spray each area thoroughly for up to six seconds (make sure the skin is glistening).
- Never spray the face directly. Spray onto hands and apply to the face like lotion.
- Spray away from other people, and never spray around anyone with asthma, environmental allergies, or other lung issues.
Pros and Cons of Sunscreen Lotion
Pros of sunscreen lotion include:
- It usually starts out visible, so it is easier to see where it is applied to avoid missing spots.
- Inhaling fumes or the product itself is not a concern.
- It's easier to know if you have applied enough sunscreen to be effective.
- It's better for drier skin.
Cons of sunscreen lotion include:
- It takes longer to apply than sprays.
- It is harder than sprays to apply to difficult-to-reach areas like your back without help.
Can Sunscreen Irritate My Skin?
Certain sunscreens, particularly ones that contain fragrance, can cause irritation, rash, and/or allergic contact dermatitis in some people.
Sunscreens that contain PABA-like ingredients may cause a photoallergic skin reaction (increases the risk of sunburn) in some people.
If you experience a reaction, switch to a sunscreen with a different active ingredient.
Are Both Sunscreen Types Safe to Use?
The FDA regulates sunscreen products as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which requires them to be monitored and to have the ingredients determined to be "generally regarded as safe and effective" (GRASE).
The standards for OTC 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 FDA continues to evaluate spray sunscreen products for safety and effectiveness.
The FDA is calling for more data on certain ingredients to determine if they can continue to be classified as GRASE. These include the following.
Ingredients commonly used in the United States:
- Avobenzone
- Ensulizole
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octinoxate
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
Ingredients not frequently used in the United States:
- Cinoxate
- Dioxybenzone
- Meradimate
- Padimate O
- Sulisobenzone
This does not mean these ingredients are unsafe, and the FDA does not ask the public to stop using sunscreens that contain them. It just means further investigation has been determined to be warranted.
Any Sunscreen Is Better Than No Sunscreen
Unprotected exposure to the sun's rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. Major health organizations and experts, such as the American Academy of Dermatology Association, recommend using sunscreen, regardless of its format (like lotion or spray).
If you are concerned about safety, talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider about a sun-protection plan that is right for you.
Concerns About Flammability With Spray Sunscreen
Many spray sunscreen products contain flammable ingredients, such as alcohol. The FDA notes there have been cases of people applying and wearing spray sunscreen near open flames, catching fire, and suffering significant burns.
Look for a flammability warning on the product's label, and, if found, choose a different product if you will be using it near an open flame. This is especially important if using the product on children.
When applying and wearing these products, avoid:
- Candles
- Grilling
- Open flames
- Smoking or lighting/lit cigarettes
- Sparking materials
Summary
Lotion and spray sunscreen are safe and effective when used properly. Lotion is often recommended over sprays because it is easier to make sure enough product has been applied and that the application is even, with no missed spots.
Inhaling ingredients and propellants when applying spray sunscreen is a safety concern that is under review. Spray sunscreen is often flammable, so care must be taken not to use it or wear it near open flame.
Using either lotion and spray sunscreen is better than using no sunscreen at all. Follow the product's directions to apply it safely and effectively.