Sunscreen Sticks: Things You Need To Know

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Sunscreen sticks
Sunscreen sticks

It’s bright and sunny, and you can’t leave without the much-needed shield or Sunscreen. But it’s messy and sticky. How about the Sunscreen sticks, the latest sensations in Sun protection?

But are these Sunscreen sticks for face safe? Do they easily offer effective protection? What are the best options available?

Hold on as I answer all your queries.

Why Do I Need Sunscreen Sticks?

Why Do I Need Sunscreen Sticks?

We all know that wearing Sunscreen is a must to avoid tanning, skin aging, and all forms of Sun damage. So far, we have been using Sunscreen in the form of lotions or sprays.

But these Sunscreen sticks are slowly gaining popularity.

Are Sunscreen sticks effective? Yes, and here are the reasons for you.

Sunscreen Sticks Make Targeted Application Possible

Sunscreen Sticks Make Targeted Application Possible

When you apply a Sunscreen cream or lotion, you don’t have absolute control over the areas where you use them.

With Sunscreen sticks, you can make the use more targeted. You can easily hold the sticks and apply them on specific areas on your face, including ears and lips.

These Are More Convenient

Many of us think that once we wear Sunscreen, we can remain in the Sun for as long as we want. But it’s not true. The effective span of a Sunscreen every time you wear it will depend on its SPF or Sun Protection Factor.

Even if you are using a Sunscreen of SPF 50, it will not be able to protect your skin beyond four hours. On average, you need to re-apply Sunscreen every two hours.

So, irrespective of the SPF rating of your Sunscreen, you need to carry it while going out. Carrying the stick Sunscreens is much easier than creams and sprays that come with the risks of leakage.

Application Is Mess-Free

Application Is Mess-Free

Stick Sunscreens do not cause spillage or leakage, and your fingers won’t get greasy as they do while applying Sunscreen creams. So, overall, you will have a mess-free experience.

Non-Comedogenic Sunscreen Sticks Are Good For All Skin Types

Many people struggle to find the best Sunscreens for their skin type. With the stick ones being the latest in the market, many people are also concerned about the variety available.

Let me assure you. You will easily find non-comedogenic Sunscreen sticks for your skin. These will not clog your pores and are safe for the most sensitive or acne-prone skin.

How Can I Choose The Best Sunscreen Sticks?

How Can I Choose The Best Sunscreen Sticks?

Before I share the list of Sunscreen sticks you can try this season, you must know how to pick the most effective one for yourself.

Check The SPF Rating And Pick One That Allows Broad Spectrum Coverage

The Sun Protection Factor or SPF in a Sunscreen determines the efficacy of Sunscreen in protecting against Sunburns. So, naturally, the higher the SPF rating, the more effective the solution is.

The dermatologists I have consulted opine that it is always best to use Sunscreen sticks that have SPF 50 rating. However, even if you don’t have an SPF 50 solution, at least you will need a stick with SPF 30 rating.

Further, broad-spectrum coverage is another factor to consider while buying Sunscreen. The SPF also works as a shield against UVB rays, and broad-spectrum coverage will keep you guarded against UVA rays.

So, your skin will remain protected from tanning and skin aging caused by Sunburns at the same time.

Be Watchful About The Ingredients

Be Watchful About The Ingredients

If you want to enjoy optimized benefits from the Sunscreen sticks you use, you will have to be careful about its ingredients and their add-on benefits.

For example, if your Sunscreen stick has vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, or beneficial oils, your skin will receive proper hydration and nourishment.

At the same time, if you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, you cannot pick a Sunscreen stick made with comedogenic ingredients. Elements like shea butter or coconut oil can clog pores. So, avoid the solutions with these ingredients if you have acne-prone skin.

Chemical And Mineral Sunscreen: Which One Do You Want?

Chemical Sunscreens are more conventional, and they have ingredients like octisalate and oxybenzone. These solutions transform the rays of the Sun into heat when they reach our skin. However, these formulas often cause allergies and need frequent re-touching.

So, you can try mineral Sunscreens or physical barriers to keep your skin protected from Sun damage. These Sunscreens have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These elements can be present together or separately in mineral Sunscreens.

Mineral Sunscreens work as physical barriers, and that’s why they don’t allow Sun rays to penetrate through the solution or convert to it. In addition, these Sunscreens make you less prone to allergies.

Moreover, mineral Sunscreens do not get washed away even if you are swimming and thus offer continued protection. But if you do not like the white stains left by Sunscreens, you will have to pick the chemical ones.

The Best Sunscreen Sticks

The Best Sunscreen Sticks

Sunscreen sticks are vivid in their essential components, types, and applications. The two types of Sunscreen sticks available are physical and chemical Sunscreens. Further, some are ideal for application on the face, while others are for the body and a broad-spectrum application.

Considering the wide options available, I used many sticks available in the market and talked with certified dermatologists and beauty experts to prepare the list of best Sunscreen sticks for you.

  1. EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+

  1. Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick

  1. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick

  1. CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick

  1. EltaMD UV Stick Face and Body Sunscreen SPF 50+

Using Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Sticks: Essential For The Environment

This is a kind of dichotomy for Sunscreen sticks or Sunscreens at large. Following the Hawaii Act 104 enforced in 2018, there is a need and dictum for using Sunscreens that do not affect the reef or ocean microorganisms. It also says that oxybenzone and octinoxate, present in chemical Sunscreens, cause major damage to marine ecosystems.

However, only buying Sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate will not be enough if you want a reef-friendly Sunscreen stick. Homosalate, parabens, octisalate, and octocrylene are equally harmful to the ocean ecosystem.

The Haereticus’s Environmental Lab, or HEL, has prepared an exhaustive list of harmful elements in Sunscreen. It is safest to use a Sunscreen stick that does not have any of the elements.

Are Sunscreen Sticks Hygienic?

Are Sunscreen Sticks Hygienic?

Yes, Sunscreen sticks are clean if you keep them properly capped and clean. Otherwise, there can be bacteria build-ups. Also, it is better to avoid sharing your Sunscreen stick with others as you will be directly applying it on your skin.

Final Words

You need to follow certain tricks while using Sunscreen sticks to get optimized protection and coverage. The best method is to start applying it from the center of your face, and the strokes should move outward with particular emphasis on covering the hairline and your face borders. And don’t forget to re-touch if you are in the Sun for over two hours.

Do you use a Sunscreen stick? Tell me why you love or hate it.

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