I’ve had beef with sunscreen sticks since my mother relentlessly utilized heavy, cheesy zinc formulation to my face as a toddler. (This nonetheless haunts me.) However I perceive this can be a controversial opinion. In any case, numerous magnificence manufacturers—starting from drugstore to luxurious—carry stick sunscreen. Nonetheless, I’ve posed a query to a few of my go-to dermatologist sources, secretly hoping to sway you all to the liquid sunscreen camp. (We’re happier right here!) The question: Are stick sunscreens really as efficient as conventional liquid formulations, or is their efficacy straight-up overhyped?
What’s a sunscreen stick?
A sunscreen stick is precisely what it feels like: a strong type of sunscreen that usually is available in a fairly twist-up tube. Each strong and liquid sunscreens include the identical energetic substances, equivalent to avobenzone and octocrylene, for pores and skin safety in opposition to UV rays. Their principal variations come all the way down to their formulation. Sunscreen sticks include waxes and gelling brokers to keep up their strong construction, explains Pagán and King. As a comparability, Pagán says it’s 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 sufficient protection if the right quantity is utilized,” the problem lies in the truth that there’s no clear visible indicator of its amount. “The advisable 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 skilled explains. “Whereas this quantity is pretty simple to estimate and visualize utilizing liquid sunscreens, it may be tough when utilizing a stick sunscreen.”
“Due to this, most customers is not going to get the advisable protection utilizing a stick sunscreen even with a number of passes or layers over the face to realize the complete SPF protection worth as indicated on the product,” Dr. Mesinkovska continues. The skilled notes that you must apply a “appreciable quantity” to hit that optimum 2 mg mark. “For the typical person who applies stick sunscreens utilizing only a few passes, it’s unlikely that they are going to obtain full protection in comparison with a liquid sunscreen.”
Pagán seconds Dr. Mesinkovska’s level. “The most important advantage of liquid sunscreen is you may assure you’ll apply sufficient to get the marketed safety,” he explains. Since sunscreen is dosage-based, you should apply a set quantity to duplicate the quantity utilized in testing to acquire the marketed SPF worth. This isn’t essentially assured with sticks, as it’s a must to be very beneficiant, and measuring precise quantities is tough.”
Many individuals wrestle to gauge the correct amount of sunscreen, particularly with non-liquid kinds like sticks. “With non-liquid sunscreen applied sciences, together with sticks, powders, and sprays, individuals typically use much less product and fail to cowl all companies,” says Dr. Collins. “So, whereas the sunscreen itself is simply as efficient [as liquid sunscreen], the applying is usually 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 may really feel kinda gross in your pores and skin, like these haunting reminiscences from my youth. If you happen to’re decided to reap UV safety from a sunscreen stick over a liquid method, “be ready to really feel a thick layer of sunscreen on the face,” Dr. Mesinkovska warns. “It can most certainly 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’re additionally typically 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 rather more prepared to make use of a sunscreen stick than a typical lotion,” she explains. “I additionally assume 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 simple they’re to make use of, she acknowledges that they may be higher suited to touch-ups. “It’s most likely true that most individuals would profit from an preliminary sunscreen software utilizing a liquid sunscreen after which use of the follow reapply all through the day,” she says.
Methods to apply a sunscreen stick
Finally, observe the steps outlined in your particular product’s packaging. However as a common overview, Dr. Lal suggests “making use of two to 3 layers broadly over the pores and skin,” then rubbing it into your pores and skin like a conventional liquid sunscreen.
Last takeaway
All dermatologists consulted for this piece unanimously agree that one of the best sunscreen for you is the one you’ll truly use persistently. If that occurs to be a stick sunscreen, nice! Simply you’ll want to apply it totally. In any other case, go for a liquid method. Your pores and skin will thanks for it.