But how effective is it? Some people say spray sunscreen is too good to be true and believe lotion is the way to go for optimum coverage. So, first things first: let’s take a look at what makes a safe, high-quality sunscreen.
Sunscreen 101: Chemical vs mineral sunscreen
There are two FDA-approved physical sunscreens: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “Physical sunscreens work by reflecting light back into the environment, like a mirror,” says Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, and board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD. “By contrast, chemical sunscreens convert light energy into heat on the surface of the skin. Heat can cause inflammation and subsequent abnormal pigmentation formation on the skin.” However, when it comes to sun protection, physical sunscreen beats chemical.“Chemical sunscreens are incapable of combatting the complete spectrum of non-UV sun light exposure. Many physical sunscreens do a superior job of protecting against blue light, visible light, and infrared light,” Dr. Palm explains. The upside of chemical sunscreen is the easy application. “A potential advantage of chemical sunscreens is the cosmetic ease,” Dr. Palm states. “They incorporate better into makeup and skincare formulations compared to their physical sunscreen counterparts.”
What to look for when buying a sunscreen
When you’re shopping for sunscreen, spray or otherwise:
Pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen
This means one that covers both UVA and UVB light. “To put in simple terms, UVA causes aging changes in the skin (skin pigmentation, age spots, collagen destruction, waxy yellow discoloration of skin) and has been definitively linked to the development of melanoma,” says Dr. Palm. “UVB causes skin sun burns, and UVB is related to the formation of the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma.”
Select an SPF of at least 30
SPF (skin protection factor) indicates only coverage against the UVB portion of the spectrum. “Skin studies show a difference at a cellular level between SPF 15 and SPF 30 in terms of destructive changes of the skin related to UVB exposure," Dr, Palm explains. “SPF beyond 30 doesn’t confer a meaningful, additional increase in protection against UVB exposure. Therefore, an SPF of 100 is not really better than an SPF of 30 or 40.”
Choose active sunscreen ingredients that are physical blockers
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral based, FDA-approved sunscreen agents, and they work by reflecting sunlight back to the environment, rather than UV penetrating your skin, says Dr. Palm. “Chemical sunscreens (think avobenzone, oxybenzone, homosalate), all of the ingredients that are hard to pronounce, work by changing UV light into heat at the surface of your skin,” she explains. Too much sun exposure and heat can exacerbate preexisting skin conditions and cause premature aging and skin damage. “Heat production on the skin can cause inflammation, which in turn can cause harmful, aging or pigmentary changes to the skin. Mineral-based sunscreens are also unlikely to cause a skin allergy (or contact dermatitis) and is not absorbed systemically,” Dr. Palm adds.
Sunscreen ingredients to look for
While sunscreen shopping, read your labels to see if sunscreen includes these ingredients.
Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, this potent anti-inflammatory is helpful at reducing irritated, red, discolored, or acne prone skin. “The benefits of niacinamide are wide ranging, from improving skin’s microcirculation, to improving hydration levels, reducing redness, improving discoloration, and protecting skin against sun exposure,” Dr. Palm explains.
Hyaluronic acid (HA)/ceramides
Both of these ingredients are powerful hydrating agents. “HAs are naturally occurring sugars found in our skin and joints,” says Dr. Palm. “They collect water from the surrounding environment like a sponge, thus increasing hydration levels of the skin for dry or sensitive skin. Ceramides are naturally occurring fats produced by our skin’s surface layers. They help provide the cement between our skin cell building blocks, leading to a protected skin barrier.”
Antioxidants (green tea, vitamin C, resveratrol)
These powerful ingredients protect against oxidative damage to the skin. Each antioxidant offers a unique set of benefits. “Green tea is extremely potent and is helpful in anti-aging protection of the skin. Vitamin C helps as an antioxidant in a similar manner, but vitamin C helps suppress melanin pigment production and is therefore helpful in skin discoloration such as melasma," Dr. Palm explains. “Vitamin C is also a co-factor for collagen production, and therefore sunscreens containing ascorbic acid may have anti-aging effects.”
Growth factors
“These proteins help stimulate collagen growth and are typically well tolerated in a variety of skin types from sensitive to dry or combination skin for anti-aging, anti-wrinkle driven sunscreens,” says Dr. Palm.
14 Best Spray Sunscreens
When it comes to picking a sunscreen, it comes down to what’s actually in the sunscreen rather than the type. So if spray sunscreen means you’ll actually wear sunscreen, that’s a lot better than a lotion—just make sure you’re adequately covering very part of your body that will be exposed to the sun. That being said, here are the best dermatologist-recommended sunscreens.
BeautyCounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist
This water-resistant formulation sprays on white to guide application and make sure you don’t miss any spots. The packaging uses compressed air, instead of aerosol. Check out the BeautyCounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist, $36, here.
Elta MD UV Aero
“I’m a big fan of Elta MD sunscreens in general,” says Dr. Pam. “This formulation also sprays on white (and dries clear) to ensure full body coverage on especially sunny days. This mist is super light and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy.” Check out the Elta MD UV Aero, $35, here.
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF50
This sunscreen setting spray goes on top of your makeup and is perfect for days where you need to look more polished. It instantly sets your makeup and provides a matte finish. “I like that the formula includes hyaluronic acid for extra hydration and adaptogens that have antioxidant properties,” Dr. Palm explains. Check out the Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50, $40, here.
Cosmedix Protect UV AM/PM
This oil-free formula is perfect if you’re prone to acne. It also goes on light with a very sheer finish. “This product gets bonus points for including niacinamide (for hydration and hypepigmentation) and green tea extract, a powerful antioxidant, in its formula,” Dr. Palm states. Check out the Cosmedix Protect UV AM/PM, $58, here.
CeraVe Sunscreen Wet Skin Spray
The CeraVe line is generally great for people with sensitive skin. “I love that this lightweight formulation can be applied on wet or dry skin,” says Dr. Palm. “Also formulated with ceramics and hyaluronic acid for added hydration.” Check out the CeraVe Sunscreen Wet Skin Spray, $11, here.
Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Sensitive
Formulated for sensitive skin, this sunscreen contains no skin-irritating chemical sunscreen ingredients, no parabens, and no fragrances. It’s also formulated without oxybenzone or octinoxate, so it’s better for the environment. Check out the Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Sensitive, $20, here.
PCA Skin Active Protection Body
This zinc sunscreen is formulated with advanced ingredients that protect the skin from aging pollutants and environmental stressors. It goes on light and leaves no white residue. Check out the PCA Skin Active Protection Body Sunscreen, $35, here.
Supergoop! Play
“I love this lightweight zinc body sunscreen for sunny days at the beach,” Dr. Palm explains. “The super sheer finish blends in easily on most skin tones. The formula is also boosted in antioxidants for extra protection.” Check out the Supergoop! Play sunscreen, $34, here.
Mustela Mineral Sunscreen Spray
This dermatologist and pediatrician-tested mineral sunscreen is a good choice for babies, toddlers and kids, especially since it is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, pthalates, and phenoxyethanols. It’s also great for sensitive skin types. Check out the Mustela Mineral Sunscreen Spray, $20, here.
Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen
A super lightweight, water-resistant formula that is hypoallergenic and paraben-free, this sunscreen is ideal to use on your little ones when they’re at the beach or the park. Check out the Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen,
COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen
“The scalp is usually the most overlooked area when it comes to sun protection,” says Dr. Palm. “This SPF scalp mist helps to protect your scalp from the sun’s harmful UV rays without weighing down hair or leaving a greasy residue. Also love the fresh beachy scent, great for days spent by the pool.” Check out the COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen, $26, here.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist
This sunscreen delivers a super lightweight and fast-drying application that doesn’t weigh down your hair. Formulated with sunflower seed oil to provide extra hydration for your hair during dry summer months. Check out the Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist, $15, here.
Bull Frog Mosquito Coast Sunscreen + Insect Repellant
This spray is ideal for camping or hiking, this product provides two in one sun and insect protection. The formulation is oil-free, so it goes on light and non-greasy. Also formulated with aloe and vitamin E to help with irritation. Check out theBull Frog Mosquito Coast Sunscreen + Insect Repellant, $34, here. Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Insect Repellant “I like that this DEET-free formula has a light, clean scent that does not smell like insect repellant,” Dr. Palm explains. Check out the Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Insect Repellant, $13, here. Next, read up on the 17 best sunscreens for your face, according to top dermatologists.
Sources
Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, board-certified dermatologist at Art of Skin MD, San Diego, CA, Associate Clinical Professor, UCSD
