Should we stop using spray sunscreen on our kids?

I won't stop using sunscreen all together.

We are all very pale skinned and burn very easily. I won't have my kids in pain from sunburns.

But I do my best to reduce the amount they have to be exposed to. We all wear long sleeved rash guards when we swim. We all wear hats. They boys wear longer board style shorts. And they keep on water shoes.

I only have to apply sunscreen to their faces and we use a baby formula from Whole Foods.

I definitely think that lotions are more effective since they are more likely to be applied evenly. We were at a baseball tournament yesterday and I used spray. I got burned in some places and I know it is because of how I applied the sunscreen. I also watched others apply their spray sunscreen and doubt it was effective at all because 1) it was windy and was probably just blowing away (evidenced by all of the sunscreen spray I got in my face from standing close to people while the wind was blowing) and 2) people are not careful when applying. That being said, I am not sure what I think as far as the safety. I don't spray it on the kids faces and have them hold their breath.

We only used spray occasionally anyway and mostly lotion (and stick on faces). Looks like we'll avoid the spray completely now.

We've never used spray ones because I just have always disliked them. It seemed that we were spraying half the backyard or beach instead of just putting the product on ourselves. And when the kids tried to use it themselves someone would wind up upset that they got it in their face or their ear or on their food. LOL! So I just bought it one year and never again. The kids are older now, but my habit is set.

Plus, as an asthmatic, I do try to shy away from anything you spray if I can. Even bug spray, which we use on hikes, is something I have to be very careful about applying.


We always try to buy one of the sunscreens listed higher on the safer sunscreen list. DS & I burn easily. I'm the worst. Even with sunscreen I can easily still burn.

i think with most things...people are looking for shortcuts

it's quicker to spray a kid down - but did anyone REALLY think there is good coverage from a spray on product

at the very least rub it in with your hands

i don't worry as much about the 'particles causing' whatever

as i do with the application not being effective in preventing sunburn

i have always used a lotion sunscreen

gina

I have never been a fan and only used it in a pinch. I remember an article long ago that the ones that are the hardest to rub in are also the most effective - I think they have zinc oxide and therefore are a physical barrier and not just a chemical one. We use Blue Lizard.

I have ghost pale competitive swimmers. Sunscreen is a huge issue for us. I don't use the spray on their faces and have always had them hold their breath with the spray. I really find that I actually apply the spray more evenly and have a tendency to actual apply the correct amount. I never seemed to use enough of the lotion and some part of them would burn. I am looking forward to the next few years when they will either swim for high school or year round - both of them use indoor pools and we can finally get away from the chemical dousing.

I much prefer lotion to spray, although, my kids don't agree. I rarely use spray, and when I do it's when the kids are doing a v. quick trip to the pool.

No I won't stop using it, and I like to use the lotion because it seems to cover better. It seems like these days you hear something is good for you and then the next day it's not.

We tried the spray once and didn't like it. We stick to lotions now.

At this point in time, I have no plans to stop. We spray on the body and put lotion on faces (and always have). I'm in public health and I really worry that the result will be less sunscreen rather than people switching to lotion, and IMO that is worse. 

I am a huge proponent of using sunscreen...the problem that I find is that most people (including myself sometimes   ) do not use it effectively.

The amount of spf (as long as it is at least 30) is less important than applying correctly. You should use an amount  approximately the equivalent to a shot glass per application, and it should be applied every 80 minutes or so. Most people do not apply as frequently as they should. Also, sunscreen needs to be absorbed for about 15 minutes or so prior to sun exposure.

The spray is effective if used correctly, but as everyone has said, most of the time the spray is not concentrated in one direction, it goes everywhere. I think it is good for the people who won't use sunscreen (like silly teenagers) because they are more likely to spray than they are to use lotion.

I use the spray sometimes, but usually, in conjunction with the lotion. As in lotion, then in between or while wet, use the spray. Then lotion, spray, lotion, spray, and so on. I also use straight up clear zinc in the places that tend to sunburned no matter what I do (like my chest.) And a zinc based lotion on my face.

I tend to be old school girl and find I like a tan. I KNOW it isn't good for me, but I just can't help it. But I find if I use sunscreen the right way, I still get very tan without ever getting sunburned. I was at the beach this weekend and was out in the sun, in the water from about 9 am until at least 5 with no break. I didn't get sunburned at all.

/end soapbox preaching 

We live in Southern CA and use the spray pretty regularly. We also use lotion and the stick for the face though.

I've often wondered about the chemicals on the skin though and figured they'd eventually say they are dangerous but then again so are sunburns.

We've used the SPF 30 sprays since their inception. No one has burned over here. LOVE that stuff.