Is Spray Sunscreen Better Than Lotion Sunscreen

The most important thing to remember when you're heading out into the sunshine, whether it's to the beach or even out for a walk in the park, is to put sunscreen on. No matter how long you are going to be out in the sun, it's important to use SPF to protect your skin. Using SPF when in the sun protects your skin from skin cancer and pre-cancer exposure. In addition, using SPF protects your skin from developing squamous cell carcinoma and can lower your melanoma risk (via Skin Cancer Foundation).

However, the sunscreen market is completely saturated with different brands and different products. It's hard to know what sunscreen is the best when it comes to protecting your skin. And, with so much at risk, it's definitely something people think about often. 

While spray-on sunscreen is the most convenient for people rather than lathering lotion on, is it the safest bet when buying and using sunscreen? 

Spray-on sunscreen is convenient and simple, especially when you're at the beach or the pool. It's easy to use and apply, and it doesn't leave white residue all over. However, is it as safe and potent to use spray sunscreen over lotion? According to experts, spray isn't always the better choice in sunscreen, especially when using it on children. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration draw concerns that spray sunscreen can pose some dangers when using on children, such as kids inhaling the fumes when parents are applying the sunblock to their bodies (via Children's Community Pediatrics). In addition, experts are weary about using aerosol cans near an open flame or the possibility of combustion or explosion. 

To top this off, they point out that lotion allows you to see just how much product you are applying to your body due to the thickness and color, whereas with spray, you can't always tell how much you're using. Therefore, it can be risky to use spray, as it can leave people open to burning in places they've missed. Overall, experts suggest that if you are choosing between the two, using the lotion is the way to go.