Spray Sunscreen Is Convenient. But Does It Work?

Q: I use spray sunscreens all summer because they’re so easy to put on. But are they as good as lotions?

There are many things to love about spray sunscreens: They often feel lighter on the skin and are easier to apply than their lotion counterparts. But if you think just a few haphazard spritzes will provide adequate protection against the sun’s harmful rays, think again, dermatologists say.

Daily sunscreen use is vital, said Dr. Maral Kibarian Skelsey, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at Georgetown University Medical School. It prevents sunburn and protects your skin from long-term sun damage, which can cause wrinkles and sun spots and raise your risk of skin cancer — the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Yet many Americans don’t apply sunscreen often enough. In a 2020 survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 12 percent of men and 29 percent of women said they always used sunscreen when they were outside for more than one hour on a sunny day.

Here’s what to know about the pros and cons of spray sunscreens, and how to use them effectively.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Spray Sunscreen

Spray sunscreens are popular because they’re so easy to use, said Dr. Jean Charles, a dermatologist in Cedar Park, Texas. Spraying lets you target large swaths of the body, including hard-to-reach spots like your back.

Sprays tend to be lighter, less “sticky, oily and heavy,” and less likely to leave a white residue than lotions, said Dr. David Kim, a cosmetic dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City.