Sunstick has become quite popular lately, infect they are the new trend in sun protection, but do they provide enough sun protection? This is quite concerning because we don’t want to think we have coverage meanwhile the sun is attacking our youth! So let’s find it out at Sphere medium.
What is a sunstick?
Sunscreen sticks are essentially solid formulations of sunscreen in a wax based stick formula, providing protection against uvA and UV-B rays. Besides uv filters they also contain ingredients to nourish skin with antioxidants.
Pros and Cons of Sunstick:
Advantages
- Sunscreen sticks are really convenient and super easy to travel with. Since they’re compact, one can literally put them in their pocket or in a bag. And since there’s no liquid formulation one can literally go through security and don’t need to worry about liquid limits for planes.
- They are mess free since they’re solid there’s no chance of squirting it everywhere, just take off the cap and glide it onto skin, no need to wash hands after reapplying it .
- With the way they’re shaped it
- allows one to have good targeted application, especially if anyone have issues with sunscreen running into their eyes and stinging then sticks are quit helpful .
- They’re also really good to use on wriggly kids.
- Sun sticks can also be great for reapplying sunscreen over makeup without smearing it around too much.
- Many Sunscreen sticks have a mortifying effect, giving desirable matt finish to oily skin individuals.
- Sunscreen sticks tend to be little bit more waxy, which is less likely to run with sweat and water and so those tend to stay put a lot better.
Disadvantages
- it’s hard to know if you’re getting Enough product to get the full SPF protection.
- Sunscreen sticks can be more costly for the amount that you’re getting and one might run out of them a lot faster as multiple swipes are recommended for effective results.
- It takes double time to apply sun stick then sun creams.
- It’s easier to miss spots like under eyebrows or the nose bridge with stick, which conveniently gets covered with lotion or cream.
How to use/apply a sun stick?
When it comes to getting the adequate protection for the true SPF and Pa value, how much you apply really matters .There are some rules for applying Sunstick which needs to be followed.
Rules for applying Sunstick
- Before applying sunscreen, you need to warm it up on a different part of your skin. Especially, If it’s a fresh tube that way it will melt the waxes and oils so that it glides easily on face. This also applies when you’re reapplying just to make sure there’s no leftover residue on the stick that gets onto the face again.
- When you apply you want to start from the middle and sweep outwards and upwards, think of it as how gausha is rolled on face.
- According to the American Academy of Dermatology in order to get the SPF that’s on the label, you need to make at least four passes over each area. So for instance, if you’re applying one layer of sun stick with SPF 50, you’re only getting like SPF 10 or 15 coverage, which at least is still coverage but it’s definitely not giving you the Spf 50 that it’s designed and formulated to offer. This is like probably the most important thing about Sun sticks but not enough people talk about.
- After applying the fourth layer you want to go in with your fingers and work it into your skin just a little bit, because with a stick you can’t ensure that it has reached every crevice of the face.
Do Sunsticks Provide Adequate Protection?
It’s really hard to know how much are
you really applying it and how thick is it supposed to be ,for that reason I actually do not recommend sunscreen sticks as your original form of sunscreen application when you’re getting ready in the morning.
I’m guessing this could potentially be the origin of this “four swipes” recommendation.
Also keep in mind that UV cameras are a really bad way of estimating SPF as it only shows you UV a coverage.
Especially with sun stick even when you put just one layer It will appear on UV Camera as though you have full
Coverage but actually it’s not the case.
Conclusion
So to sum it up, sunscreen cream /lotion are preferred over Sunscreen stick. It’s better to use Sun stick for touch-ups, especially over makeup or on specific areas like around the eyes, around lips .
Also consider reading “Sunscreen Slip-Ups: 10 Surprising Mistakes to Avoid for Maximum Sun Protection”
FAQs
By wiping top layer with rubbing alcohol or any antibacterial wipe
They last for 2 hours
Four passes of sunstick on each area.
Sunscreens are better
No, their consistency is dry and often they don’t leave greasy residue on skin so there are minimal chances of clogged pores.
It depends on use, generally, it should last for an year.
Yes it is.
Round lab Sunstick is best for sensitive skin.
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I am a dentist, baker, and fitness and health enthusiast with a passion for living life to the fullest. I am foodie and explorer, always seeking new adventures and flavors. Currently working on my own skincare brand.
