Sunscreen Essentials: Choosing Between Stick, Spray, and Lotion

There’s a reason Baz Luhrmann’s iconic song - Everybody's Free, full of important life advice, ends with “Always wear sunscreen.” Wearing sunscreen year-round is the most effective way to protect skin from cancer-causing ultraviolet radiation. It also prevents premature ageing - the primary cause of fine lines, deeper wrinkles, blotchiness, discoloration, and textural abnormalities. But with so many different types of sunscreen available—sticks, sprays, and lotions—how do you pick the right one? Each application format has its pros and cons. Here’s your expert-approved guide to help you choose the right sunscreen for you.

In this article

Sunscreen Sticks

Pros: Sunblock sticks are easy to apply and mess-free, making them perfect for targeting specific areas such as your face and neck. They’re also less likely to spill into your eyes, making them an excellent choice for swimming or water sports.

Cons:However, sun protection sticks are more expensive than other types of sunscreen, and they may not provide as broad a coverage as lotions or sprays. Additionally, sunscreen cream sticks can be difficult to apply evenly, especially on larger areas of skin.

Sunscreen Sprays

Pros: Sunscreen sprays are the easiest to apply, especially on large areas of skin. They also offer even coverage and are typically less greasy than sunscreen lotions.

Cons: Sunscreen sprays can be messy and may not provide as much protection as lotions or sticks. Moreover, sprays should be applied outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to avoid inhaling it.

Sunscreen Lotions

Pros: Lotions are the most adaptable and customisable option, as they come in a wide variety of formulas such as waterproof, oil-free, and tinted. They can also be applied more evenly than sprays or sticks and offer great coverage.

Cons: Sunscreen lotions can be messy and greasy, especially if you have oily skin. They may also take longer to absorb than sunscreen sprays or sticks.

Tips To Choose The Right Type Of Sunscreen

While there are plenty of sunscreens on the market to choose from, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when purchasing a new bottle of SPF.

• Skin type: If you have oily skin, a sunscreen spray or stick may be a better option, as they are less likely to clog your pores. For dry skin, a sunscreen lotion is the way to go as it’s more moisturising than sticks and sprays.
• Lifestyle: If you are an active person who likes to spend time outdoors, a waterproof sunscreen lotion may be the best choice. However, if you are looking for a quick option for daily use, a sunscreen stick or spray would be more convenient.
• Personal preference: The best sunscreen for you is the one that you will use regularly. If you don't like the feel of sunscreen, you’re more likely to skip it. Therefore, it’s advisable to try various formats of sunscreen and pick the one that works best for you.

Further, it’s important to pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 such as Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion Sunscreen and POND'S Serum Boost Sunscreen cream SPF 55 to provide adequate protection against both UVA and UVB rays. In addition, experts advise to apply your sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming. Lastly, don’t buy sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, as these chemicals have been linked to skin irritation and hormonal disruption. Keep these factors in mind, and choose the sunscreen that will best shield your skin from the harmful rays of the sun