Effectiveness, Tips on how to Use, and Advantages

What’s a sunscreen stick?

A sunscreen stick is strictly what it appears like: a stable type of sunscreen that usually is available in a fairly twist-up tube. Each stable and liquid sunscreens include the identical lively elements, equivalent to avobenzone and octocrylene, for pores and skin safety towards UV rays. Their primary variations come all the way down to their formulation. Sunscreen sticks include waxes and gelling brokers to keep up their stable construction, explains Pagán and King. As a comparability, Pagán says it is just like the distinction between a liquid lipstick and a bullet lipstick.

Are sunscreen sticks as efficient as liquid sunscreen?

The reply to this query is nuanced as a result of it hinges on whether or not you apply it accurately. Dr. Mesinkovska says that whereas stick sunscreens can, in idea, “present satisfactory protection if the correct quantity is utilized,” the problem lies in the truth that there isn’t any clear visible indicator of its amount. “The really useful quantity of sunscreen to make use of is 2mg per sq. cm of pores and skin, which equates to roughly 1 / 4 of a teaspoon,” the knowledgeable explains. “Whereas this quantity is pretty straightforward to estimate and visualize utilizing liquid sunscreens, it may be troublesome when utilizing a stick sunscreen.” 

Associated Tales

“Due to this, most customers won’t get the really useful protection utilizing a stick sunscreen even with a number of passes or layers over the face to attain the total SPF protection worth as indicated on the product,” Dr. Mesinkovska continues. The knowledgeable notes that it’s essential to apply a “appreciable quantity” to hit that optimum 2 mg mark. “For the common consumer who applies stick sunscreens utilizing just some passes, it’s unlikely that they’ll obtain full protection in comparison with a liquid sunscreen.”

Pagán seconds Dr. Mesinkovska’s level. “The most important good thing about liquid sunscreen is you may assure you’ll apply sufficient to get the marketed safety,” he explains. Since sunscreen is dosage-based, you have to apply a set quantity to duplicate the quantity utilized in testing to acquire the marketed SPF worth. This is not essentially assured with sticks, as you need to be very beneficiant, and measuring actual quantities is troublesome.” 

Many individuals battle to gauge the correct amount of sunscreen, particularly with non-liquid types like sticks. “With non-liquid sunscreen applied sciences, together with sticks, powders, and sprays, folks usually use much less product and fail to cowl all providers,” says Dr. Collins. “So, whereas the sunscreen itself is simply as efficient [as liquid sunscreen], the applying is commonly not as thorough or dense as with liquid as a result of persons are pressured to rub it in.”

After which there’s the truth that utilizing a substantial quantity would possibly really feel kinda gross in your pores and skin, like these haunting reminiscences from my youth. Should you’re decided to reap UV safety from a sunscreen stick over a liquid system, “be ready to really feel a thick layer of sunscreen on the face,” Dr. Mesinkovska warns. “It can probably not be as snug and sensible for day by day use as liquid sunscreens.” 

Advantages of sunscreen sticks

Regardless of Dr. Mesinkovska’s factors, she acknowledges some benefits of stick formulations: they’re mess-free, spill-proof, and simple to reapply. Pagán provides that they are additionally usually water and sweat-resistant, which is a plus. Dr. Collins has noticed amongst her sufferers that sure demographics favor sunscreen sticks. “I discover that my male sufferers, in addition to my children, are way more keen to make use of a sunscreen stick than a typical lotion,” she explains. “I additionally suppose that due to the portability and ease of use, persons are more likely to take a stick on the go and truly reapply.”

Whereas Dr. Collins appreciates stick sunscreens for the way straightforward they’re to make use of, she acknowledges that they could be higher fitted to touch-ups. “It is most likely true that most individuals would profit from an preliminary sunscreen utility utilizing a liquid sunscreen after which use of the stick with reapply all through the day,” she says. 

Tips on how to apply a sunscreen stick

In the end, comply with the steps outlined in your particular product’s packaging. However as a basic overview, Dr. Lal suggests “making use of two to a few layers broadly over the pores and skin,” then rubbing it into your pores and skin like a standard liquid sunscreen. 

Last takeaway

All dermatologists consulted for this piece unanimously agree that the most effective sunscreen for you is the one you may really use constantly. If that occurs to be a stick sunscreen, high quality! Simply you’ll want to apply it totally. In any other case, go for a liquid system. Your pores and skin will thanks for it.