How to use stick and spray sunscreens

Sunscreen is an essential tool in the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. Research suggests that daily use of sunscreen — if used correctly — could significantly reduce the incidence of melanoma. For many families, especially those with young children, this often includes sunscreens with sticks and sprays in addition to lotions.

Sticks are easy on the under-eyes and backs of the hands, while spray sunscreens are often easier to apply on children. However, it is important to take precautions when using stick and spray sunscreens to ensure the best protection for you and your family.

As with lotioned sunscreens, we recommend looking for sticks and sprays that are broad spectrum, water resistant, and have an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad spectrum” means the sunscreen protects against both types of harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer – not just those that cause sunburn.

For the best protection with a stick, we recommend the following tips:

• For each area of ​​skin that you are protecting, apply the stick back and forth four times. Doing this will ensure that you are using enough sunscreen to be protected.
• Then rub it in for an even coverage.

To safely and adequately use a spray sunscreen, we recommend these tips:

• Hold the mouthpiece close to your skin and spray generously. Most adults need at least a ounce of sunscreen — about enough to fill a shot glass — to completely cover the body. Since it can be difficult to determine how much sunscreen is enough, a good rule of thumb is to spray until your skin glows.
• Rub it in thoroughly. To make sure you don't miss any spots and have an even coverage, rub in the sunscreen after spraying.
• Avoid inhaling sunscreen. Do not inhale sunscreen and never spray sunscreen around or near your face or mouth. Instead, spray the sunscreen on your hands first and then apply it to your face.
• Avoid using sunscreen on windy days. These conditions make it more difficult to apply the sunscreen and easier to accidentally inhale it.
• Never apply sunscreen near heat or open flames or while smoking. While sunscreen is usually non-flammable, it can be used in aerosol form. Never spray it on a grill, candles or other fire source and make sure it is thoroughly rubbed and dry before going near an open flame.

Since no sunscreen blocks 100 percent of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, we emphasize that it is also important to seek shade and wear protective clothing whenever possible, including a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, trousers, a wide-brimmed hat brim and sunglasses with UV rays. protection.

No matter what type of sunscreen you use, make sure to reapply it every two hours when you're outside or right after swimming or sweating.