How do I apply a sun stick?

Sunscreen sticks are very popular because they offer a convenient sun protection solution, especially during travel. However, many people are not familiar with optimal application techniques that ensure full SPF coverage with these products. Most of these sunscreens often have very small packing footprints that arguably render it difficult for the average user to know exactly how much sunscreen has been applied on their skin. Sunscreens hold the key to sun protection under one most important rule - the right application. The requirement for a sun stick is that it should be applied in a much more careful manner than some lazy swipe across skin.

An approximate one ounce (about 28 grams) measure is recommended for the application of the sunscreen to cover the entire body, with around a nickel-sized amount for the face alone. With that, it is assured that the amount of application provides the protection warranted by the SPF level. For a sunscreen stick, the difficulty is that it's very much possible to underestimate how much would be required for covering everything properly. Each pass of the stick doesn't necessarily equal a layer of full coverage, and there's a real risk of incomplete coverage, especially along those tricky boundaries, like hairline and eyebrows.

It is also essential to know that not just a few swipes are needed for complete coverage. This manner of application is important in attaining how effective the sunscreen will be on the skin. From studies about sunscreen use, it has been noted that typically at least four passes of the sunscreen stick into the surface of the skin will guarantee coverage, but this cannot be generalized, as it mostly depends on the formula of the sunscreen and the texture of the skin.

To use the sunscreen stick correctly, you should apply the stick over the skin gently, in strokes, covering the most highly exposed areas of the skin such as the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Also, don't forget the often-ignored areas - ears, neck, eye contour and under the chin. With each area of application, build up additional coverage. Overlapping strokes are a good idea because they guarantee that no area will be missed while ensuring even coverage over the skin.

Stick formulation usually vary from drier to thicker. If the stick feels dry or drags on the skin, then less product might be picked up, even with multiple passes. Some formulas cut through the skin so easily that generous applications can be given in one single pass. An extra edge in coverage can come from remembering to press down on the skin after each pass, helping the product sink in and spread evenly. 

It is also very important to reapply the sunscreen stick every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. The sunscreen stick is resistant to water, but with towel rubbing or in-water exposure, it wears off sooner. The proper reapplication of sunscreen should be considered important the same way as the first application is. A quick swipe here and there will not cut it when it comes to maintaining adequate sun protection throughout the day - you need to apply the stick patiently and carefully in the same way as the first time. The same rule applies if people decide to use sunscreen stick for reapplication, after applying some other cream or lotion before swimming or going outside. With this approach, you should get the most out of your sunscreen stick in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.