Key Substances: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin | Sunscreen filter: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Who it’s for: everybody | Perfume free: sure
Incessantly Requested Questions
What are the downsides of sunscreen sticks?
Whereas sunscreen sticks are extremely handy and exact, they do have their limitations—particularly, they’ll’t actually function a physique sunscreen. “The opposite facet of the coin is that it’s arduous to cowl a big physique floor space,” says Dr. Levit. “The stick gained’t do the heavy lifting—you’ll must complement that with cream or lotion that may cowl a broader floor space.”
That mentioned, there are apparent advantages to your skin-care routine. “Sunscreen sticks supply a handy and mess-free methodology for making use of solar safety, making them ultimate for focused areas just like the face, ears, and shoulders,” explains Dr. Badreshia-Bansal. “Their strong type ensures portability and ease of use with out the danger of spillage”—a major plus for journey, reapplication, and anybody consistently on the go.
Are sunscreen sticks efficient?
In response to Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in Camden, Minnesota, broad-spectrum strong stick formulation carry out simply in addition to the finest liquid sunscreens. However, as with every sunscreen, you need to apply and reapply the correct quantity for ample broad-spectrum safety. (Extra on that in a bit.)
One other bonus of sunscreen sticks: They’re fabulous for making use of SPF to smaller, extra delicate areas, reminiscent of eyelids. “The pores and skin [around the eyes] is extra fragile and thinner, making it extra inclined to wonderful traces and photoaging, so sunscreen is crucial,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, beforehand defined—which is why she recommends utilizing a sunscreen stick. Do you’ve gotten a recent, colourful tattoo you need to protect? Sunscreen sticks are nice for that, too.
How a lot sunscreen ought to I be making use of?
As a result of you possibly can’t see how a lot of a sunscreen stick you are utilizing up—for instance, two fingers-length price for the face—Dr. Fahs says, “The extra the merrier typically, however I inform sufferers to use 4 passes backwards and forwards on every space of utility to ensure you get an excellent quantity on.” She additionally recommends rubbing within the sunscreen so each inch is accounted for. Dr. Fahs additionally recommends making use of your sunscreen stick on dry pores and skin—for any skincare you slather on beforehand, be sure that it is totally dry—so the formulation “stays put.”
And do not forget: Reapplication is crucial for sustaining UV safety all through the day. “Reapply each two hours at a minimal however extra usually if sweating or immersed in water,” board-certified dermatologist Roberta Del Campo, MD, beforehand instructed Attract.
Meet the specialists
- Noah Levit, MD, PhD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based mostly in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, CT
- Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf skilled based mostly in Danville, CA
- Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in Camden, Minnesota
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut
- Roberta Del Campo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in Miami
How we take a look at and assessment merchandise
When Attract assessments a product, our editors have a look at it from each angle in an effort to finest serve you. We assessment components, scrutinize model claims, and, when vital, study peer-reviewed scientific and medical research. Along with testing every product that’s included in every assessment, we depend on specialists who form their fields, together with dermatology, beauty chemistry, and drugs, to assist us vet the components and formulation.