
Spray Sunscreen: Benefits, Usage, And Tips From The Experts
If you have questions about spray sunscreen, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll talk all about spray sunscreen and why it may be the best choice for your family, as well as offer you an option that is both safe and effective.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the benefits of spray sunscreen, how to use it correctly, and some general tips when it comes to the sun and the type of protection you’re using.
Benefits Of Using Spray Sunscreen
Whether you’re heading to the pool or park, going on vacation, or doing any other outdoor activity, you know sunscreen is a must-have! But sometimes it’s hard to know exactly which sunscreen to use.
You may be wondering why spray sunscreens are being used more and more by families. Why the sudden preference for spray and over lotion?
To start, spray sunscreens are super easy to use and aren’t as messy as sunscreen lotions, which are creamy and thick and can take some time to fully absorb into your skin.
Spray sunscreens are also convenient for those times when you’re just heading out for an afternoon and need a quick and easy application option, especially if you’ve got kids in tow who will also need sun protection.
Finally, spray products are made using a lighter formula, so they don't feel heavy and sticky on your skin like some sunscreen lotions can.
Overall, people are choosing spray sunscreen as a safe sun protection alternative to lotions and creams because of the convenience and easy application!
How To Use Spray Sunscreen
Applying spray sunscreen is a little bit different — and sometimes trickier — than sunscreen lotion. With the lotion, you can see exactly where it's going. That’s not always the case with spray.
General Application Instructions
When you’re applying this kind of sunscreen to your or your little one’s skin, make sure you can see where you’re spraying it.
Even if it’s a clear spray, you should still be able to tell which areas are covered and which areas aren’t.
Once you’ve sprayed an area, be sure to gently rub the sunscreen into your skin. A common misconception about spray sunscreen is that you’re good to go after spraying it. The truth is you still need to make sure it’s applied evenly or you may end up sunburnt in spots!
Generally, you’ll need to apply spray sunscreens every two hours, just like with sunscreen lotions, and every hour if you’re sweating or in the water.
That said, we recommend using your best judgment. If you notice your skin or your child’s skin getting redder or darker, go ahead and reapply!
Gentle And Natural Spray Sunscreen
At Mustela, we understand that you want only the best, most natural, and effective skincare products for your family.
That’s why we’ve designed a mineral sunscreen spray that can meet all of your family’s sun protection needs: SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray.
To use our SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray, shake the bottle well, hold the container about four to six inches away from your skin, and then apply it all over, avoiding your face.
Remember that it’s best to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you’re exposed to the sun. Take care of your and your family’s sunscreen application before heading outside.
Reapply our mineral spray sunscreen after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, or at least every two hours.
Spray Sunscreen Tips
1) Don’t Spray Directly On Your Face
When using spray sunscreen, avoid spraying it directly on your (or your kid’s!) face, and try not to inhale the product.
Should you need to use it on your face, spray some into your hands first and then use your hands to apply it to your face.
Looking for an easier option that makes applying sunscreen to your face — or your child’s face — a breeze? Our SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick provides safe and easy sun protection for your whole family!
To apply, simply glide the stick directly across your or your little one’s face. It’s easy to use and super convenient to carry around in your purse or diaper bag!
2) Be Mindful Of The Wind
When applying sunscreen spray, be mindful of the weather conditions.
If you’re trying to apply it while at the beach, for example, the wind from the ocean could blow the product away from your skin, leaving some areas exposed without you even realizing it.
This is also why it’s best to apply sunscreen before you step outside. Or, if you are applying it while outdoors, stay in a covered or shaded area.
3) Choose The Right SPF
As you know, spending too much time in the sun can damage your skin and possibly lead to age spots or even skin cancer.
To decrease your risk of sun damage, use sun protection with a broad spectrum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15.
SPF 15 is the FDA’s (Food and Drug Administration) minimum recommendation for skin protection. However, the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) recommends choosing an SPF of 30 or above.
In addition to the right SPF, it’s also important to look for a sunscreen labeled as “broad-spectrum,” which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
The Lowdown On UVA And UVB Rays
The sun has two types of rays that reach the earth: UVA and UVB. You can blame UVB rays for your sunburns and UVA rays for your wrinkles.
While UVA rays penetrate below the skin, UVB rays affect the top of your skin. Offering the right protection against both is the best way to prevent sun damage.
4) Limit Your Time In The Sun
To give your skin the best care, take some preventative measures into account when it comes to sun exposure, like limiting your time in the sun.
After all, the sun can cause a lot of damage to your largest organ (your skin)!
Keep in mind that prime time for the sun’s rays is between 10:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m. So if you are outside in direct sunlight during these hours, consider wearing a hat and sunglasses to protect your beautiful skin.
Additionally, make sure your little one’s skin is covered, too, or keep them in a shaded area during these hours.
5) Check The Ingredients
When choosing a spray sunscreen — and anything else you use on your skin — check the ingredients. Make sure your sunscreen is free of:
- Chemical UV filters
- Fragrance
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Phenoxyethanol
These ingredients are harmful to your skin and are known to cause skin reactions. Instead, look for mineral (rather than chemical) sunscreen formulated with non-nano zinc oxide.
For safe and gentle protection for the whole family, try our non-toxic formula made with naturally derived ingredients — including aloe vera, calendula, chamomile flower extract, and sunflower oil.
On top of protecting your skin from sun damage, the ingredients in our spray sunscreen also hydrate your skin, which is perfect for combatting the drying effects of the sun!
What’s more, our Mineral Sunscreen Spray meets Hawaii’s sunscreen ingredient requirements, which means it’s safe for the environment. All of our sunscreens are also NEA Certified, meaning they’re safe for even the most sensitive skin!
No need to worry any longer about safely protecting your family’s skin while out in the sun. We have you covered with our safe and effective SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray!
6) Use After-Sun Lotion
Way to go! You’ve protected your skin and your family’s skin while out in the sun!
But even after you’re no longer exposed to the sun, you still need to give your skin some long-lasting hydration to relieve the dryness that can come from a day spent outside.
Giving Your Skin The Best Protection
You don’t have to pass up an opportunity to go outside and soak up some rays when the sun is shining. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
Spray sunscreens are convenient and easy to use, especially if you have little ones. Reap all the benefits and rewards of using a spray sunscreen by keeping our tips in mind when heading outside. Your skin will thank you later!
So, go ahead — grab your bottle of SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray and enjoy the great, sunshiny outdoors!