Spray on sunscreen is generally safe if used correctly and in moderation, but there are some concerns about inhalation risk and inadequate coverage.
So let’s look at the request more closely
Spray on sunscreen is generally safe if used correctly and in moderation, but it is important to consider potential risks and ensure adequate coverage.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, spray sunscreen should be carefully applied in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation and should not be used near heat, smoking, or flames. It is also important to avoid spraying it directly on the face or near the eyes, and to instead spray onto hands and then apply to the face.
In terms of coverage, spray sunscreen may be more difficult to apply evenly than lotion, which could lead to inadequate protection. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that spray sunscreens often resulted in missed areas or gaps in coverage compared to lotion.
It is also important to note that spray sunscreen may not be suitable for young children who may be more likely to inhale the spray or accidentally get it in their eyes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using lotion or stick sunscreen instead.
As for the safety of ingredients in spray sunscreen, the Environmental Working Group suggests avoiding products containing oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate due to potential health risks. However, the American Academy of Dermatology maintains that these ingredients are safe in small amounts and have been rigorously tested by regulatory agencies.
In summary, spray on sunscreen can be a safe and convenient option when used correctly and in moderation. However, it is important to be aware of potential risks and ensure adequate coverage. As the famous dermatologist Dr. Zein Obagi said, “Sunscreen is like brushing your teeth. It should become a habit you don’t even have to think about.”
Table – Advantages and Disadvantages of Spray Sunscreen:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Easy and convenient to apply | More difficult to apply evenly |
| Dries quickly | Risk of inhalation |
| No need for contact with skin | Potential for inadequate coverage |
| Good for hard-to-reach areas | Not recommended for young children |
| Generally water-resistant | Potential safety concerns with some ingredients |
Watch a video on the subject
Dr. Dray provides tips for using sunscreen sprays effectively and recommends La Roche Posay’s Anthelios SPF 60 ultra-light sunscreen lotion for spray lovers. She suggests holding the nozzle close to the skin, making a few passes back and forth, and rubbing it in for even application. Dr. Dray recommends several sunscreen sprays for kids and adults, including Boots’ Kids Mist SPF 50, Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids SPF 50 Spray, and Altruist Invisible Spray. She also recommends being careful not to inhale or ingest the spray when applying it to the face. Dr. Dray presents the top 8 sunscreen sprays for convenience and reminds viewers to not forget to wear sunscreen.
See what else I discovered
Spray and lotion sunscreens are very safe to use as long as you are using them correctly, choosing the right SPF level, and applying the proper amount. There are some concerns about the safety of spray sunscreen, but generally speaking, it is safe. The ingredients in spray sunscreens are safe for your skin, but they can be irritating to the lungs if inhaled, so you should never spray sunscreen directly on your face. The FDA has issued warnings against spray sunscreens, especially for use on children, so it is better to avoid them altogether.
Both spray and lotion sunscreens are very safe to use as long as you are using them correctly, choosing the right SPF level, and applying the proper amount, Elizabeth Hale, MD, board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University Langone Medical Center told Health.
There’s definitely some speculation and fear-mongering claims floating around the Internet regarding the safety of spray sunscreen, but Dr. Gohara says, generally speaking, spray sunscreen is safe.
The ingredients in spray sunscreens are safe for your skin, but they can be irritating to the lungs if inhaled. Importantly, this means that you should never spray sunscreen directly on your face. Instead, spray it into your hands and rub it onto your face, taking care to avoid your eyes and mouth.
The FDA has issued warnings against spray sunscreens—especially for use on children—so you’re better off avoiding them altogether.
While spray sunscreens are safe for our skin and bodies, they shouldn’t be consumed or inhaled. Daveluy said to make sure you never spray directly toward your head or face, especially when it’s windy. You should also avoid using spray sunscreens near an open flame because the alcohol content in the product is flammable.
Interesting facts on the topic
Also, people ask
Is it better to use lotion or spray sunscreen?
Answer: Overall, sunscreen lotion is the best way to go. Spray is not recommended, but if that is the only sunscreen you have on hand, make sure to spray the sunscreen onto your hands and then rub it onto your child’s skin and face. Be sure to avoid getting the spray into the eyes or mouth.
Are there health risks to spray sunscreen?
Response to this: Some sprays contain titanium dioxide, which, when inhaled in large amounts, has been linked to cancer in rodent studies. Benzene exposure may also be a concern. In recent years, some sunscreen sprays have been recalled for contamination with the chemical, which is known to cause cancer.
Why experts don t recommend spray sunscreen?
Response to this: She adds that inhaling spray sunscreen can potentially irritate the lungs, especially for those with conditions such as asthma. To that point, never spray it directly onto your face. If you want to use spray sunscreen on your face, apply it on your hands first, then rub it onto your complexion.
What are the cons of spray sunscreen?
Answer to this: Also, the chemical sunscreen ingredients in sprays can cause allergic contact dermatitis and photo-allergic contact dermatitis in some people. Most of the time, people are reacting to octocrylene, oxybenzone, and octyl methoxycinnamate. 2 If you have sensitive skin, a spray sunscreen may not be the best option.
Should you use a spray sunscreen?
Answer: A facial sunscreen should be part of your daily skincare routine, but so should a body sunscreen, and it’s super important to make sure you’re applying and reapplying your SPF throughout the day. That’s where spray sunscreens enter the chat. I personally hate rubbing in SPF lotion all over my bod—especially in those hard-to-reach areas.
What is the best spray sunscreen?
Answer will be: "Many spray sunscreens have a lightweight formula and do not feel as heavy as sunscreen lotions,” says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. Peep some of the best dermatologist-loved spray sunscreens, below: Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist
Is spray sunscreen flammable?
Response will be: Never apply spray sunscreen near heat or open flame, or while smoking. Although sunscreen isn’t usually flammable, it can be when used in aerosol form. Never spray it by a grill, candles or other source of fire, and make sure it is thoroughly rubbed in and dry before approaching any open flames.
How to avoid inhaling spray sunscreen?
When using spray sunscreen, make sure to spray an adequate amount and rub it in to ensure even coverage. To avoid inhaling spray sunscreen, never spray it around or near the face or mouth. Spraying the sunscreen into your hands and then applying it can help you avoid inhalation while also ensuring adequate coverage.
Is spray sunscreen dangerous?
As a response to this: The FDA hasn’t officially made any claims about whether or not spray sunscreen is dangerous, although it is worth noting that it can cause potential lung irritation or problems for those with asthma, Dr. Chiu explains.
Do spray sunscreens really work?
Spray sunscreens also absorb way faster than other forms of sunscreen, adds dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. They’re still made with mineral or chemical filters, says dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, so even though they feel really lightweight, spray sunscreens still use active ingredients to protect your skin from UV radiation.
Is sunscreen safe to use outside?
Response: However, make sunscreen spray safety a priority and wait to apply it until you’re outside. This type of sunscreen releases tiny particles into the air that reach deep into your lung tissue. They’re toxic, so they can cause permanent damage.
What is the best spray sunscreen?
Answer: "Many spray sunscreens have a lightweight formula and do not feel as heavy as sunscreen lotions,” says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. Peep some of the best dermatologist-loved spray sunscreens, below: Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist