Emma-Jade Stoddart, Sheilla Mamona, Rebecca Fearn
I’ll be honest: discovering the best spray sunscreens has revolutionised the way I get my sun protection. With experts continuing to remind us that re-application is essential – no matter the weather or cloud cover – convenient forms of SPF are always welcome in our beauty routines.
“Not many people know this, but SPF only lasts on the skin for around two to three hours,” confirms Samantha Brett, founder of Naked Sundays SPF, “which is why it’s important to top up your SPF regularly, especially when you’re outdoors.”
The advantages of spray sunscreens for the face are aplenty: first, they are convenient and easy to travel around with. Next, they’re lightweight enough to use even over makeup, meaning you won’t have to remove and reapply your base either. And finally, they also double as refreshing face mists on warmer days or when your skin needs a little breather.
I now keep one of these clever spritzes in my handbag and at my at-home work station – or anywhere I know I’ll be reminded to pick it up and re-apply it every few hours. This is important even if the weather isn’t super sunny (a huge proportion of UV rays can penetrate through clouds), and if you’re inside near a window (glass is no match for a percentage of rays either).
Below, team GLAMOUR rounds up our favourite formulas – plus, we ask the experts to answer your most asked SPF spray questions. Here’s everything you need to know.
Is spray sunscreen better?
First of all, let’s reiterate just how important SPF is in the first place. “If you want to avoid sun damage to the skin, high factor and UVA star-rated sunscreen should be the number one priority in your daily skincare routine,” says advanced aesthetics doctor Dr Catharine Denning.
Of course, with so many forms of SPF out there – from sunscreen sticks to moisturisers with SPF, liquids (and all have their own set of pros and cons), why should you consider going for sprays?
“Spray SPF can be an effective way of topping up your sun protection throughout the day,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and founder of Self London clinic. “Essentially, they’re a very convenient way to ensure you stay protected from the sun’s UV rays day-long,” she continues.
It’s worth caveating though that if you’re swimming, towelling off or sweating excessively then the spray won’t be as adequate – “and you’d need to use your regular facial sunscreen to reapply,” says Mahto. So, to make it clear, “sunscreen sprays are purely for top up purposes (as there’s a tendency to not use enough product).”
Can you use sunscreen sprays alone or alongside a regular SPF?
For your first SPF application, yes, the experts recommend opting for a cream or lotion to best protect skin and avoid any sunburn. “You should use about one-half a teaspoon of product to your face and neck,” says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist. “This needs to dry for three to five minutes before applying foundation or tinted moisturiser.”