It’s general knowledge that sunscreen is the secret to preventing premature aging, as well as serious conditions like skin cancer. However, with all the endless options available, choosing the best sunscreen can be complicated.
Recently, sunscreen sticks have become a popular choice since they are small and easy to carry, making them convenient for on-the-go application. But, they have their own set of pros and cons.
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In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sunscreen sticks and whether they are worth including in your skincare routine.
Sunscreen Sticks: The Good and the Not So Good
Sunscreen sticks are a type of sunscreen that comes in a solid form. They are applied to the skin similar to a deodorant stick and can be used on both the face and body. Let’s take a look at some of their advantages:
The Pros of Using Sunscreen Sticks
Easy to Apply
Sunscreen sticks have a thicker formulation that makes them easier to apply evenly compared to lotions and creams.
Portability
Sunscreen sticks are super portable and can be easily thrown into a purse or backpack for use on-the-go.
Better Application
Unlike sunscreen sprays, which can end up with more product in the air than on your skin, sunscreen sticks glide smoothly over the skin for thorough and proper application. They can also help protect the delicate skin around your eyes since the product is not runny.
Reapplication
Even if you apply sunscreen in the morning, it is not enough to protect from UV radiation all day long. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and this is where sunscreen sticks come in handy as they make reapplication less messy.
The Cons of Using Sunscreen Sticks
Here are some disadvantages to consider before you decide to include sunscreen sticks in your skincare routine.
Possibly best for reapplication only
Applying the right amount of sunscreen is key to protecting your skin. When it comes to sunscreen sticks, you’ll probably need to pass the stick back and forth across the desired area at least 16 times for proper coverage. This is a lot of product which will most likely feel heavy on the skin. So, it’s better if your main sunscreen is a lotion based product and sunscreen sticks be used to reapply every two to three hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Missed spots
Although most large areas of the skin can be covered pretty well with stick sunscreens, smaller spaces of your face are difficult to reach since the stick isn’t as ergonomic as your fingers when applying the product. Thus, sunscreen sticks can leave some areas of your skin unprotected.
Not the best for very oily skin
Most sunscreen sticks have a thicker vehicle, meaning that a larger quantity of the ingredients are waxes, oils, and lipids. Although these are great to seal hydration on your skin, sometimes they can be too heavy for oily skin. A solution here is to look for products that are specially formulated for oily skin and with non-comedogenic ingredients.
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In conclusion, sunscreen sticks are a convenient and easy to use option for on-the-go reapplication. However, they are not meant to be utilized as the main sunscreen product for your morning application since they can feel heavier after applying the right amount, do not cover your skin evenly, and can clog oily skin.
