Every summer, the beaches of Florida are packed with sunseekers. The sun beams down, children run laughing through the waves, and parents frantically chase after them with cans of spray sunscreen in hand, trying to cover as much skin as possible before someone bolts. It looks easy and convenient—but what if your trusty spray sunscreen is giving you a false sense of security?
Dermatologists warn that if you’re using spray sunscreen the wrong way, you might not be getting the UV protection you think you are. In fact, some common mistakes could be putting your skin at serious risk.
Let’s start with a basic fact: UV rays are no joke. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), about one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Sunscreen remains one of the most effective ways to protect yourself—but it’s not just what you use, it’s how you use it that matters.
Dr. Hannah Kopelman, a New York City-based dermatologist, put it bluntly: “Spray sunscreen is better than nothing—especially when you’re chasing after kids or rushing out the door. But if you’re not applying it properly, you’re leaving your skin vulnerable. If you’re not going to rub it in or reapply regularly, you’re better off using a lotion.”
Take Amelia, a mom of two from Colorado. She used to rely entirely on spray sunscreen during mountain hikes with her boys. It seemed fast and clean—until one afternoon, her older son ended up with painful, blistering sunburn on his shoulders. That was her wake-up call.
So, what exactly are people doing wrong with spray sunscreen? Here are six of the most common mistakes dermatologists see—and what to do instead.
The first issue is quantity. With cream sunscreen, the standard dose for an adult is one ounce—about the size of a shot glass. Spray sunscreen? Much harder to measure. That’s why Dr. Kopelman tells her patients to aim for a golf ball-sized amount per major body area—even when spraying.
You want a visible, glistening layer that you then rub in. Dr. Rachel Day recommends spraying into your palms first and applying it like a lotion. Mineral sprays, which go on a little thicker or even white, are helpful here—because they show you exactly where the product is going. “If it takes more effort to rub in, that’s a good thing,” Dr. Day noted. “It means you’re seeing what’s covered.”
One big mistake people make? Spraying in the wrong place—or worse, at the wrong time. Many assume that a quick spritz in the car or bathroom before heading out is good enough. It’s not. Aerosol sprays in enclosed spaces can irritate your eyes, lungs, and throat. And if you try spraying on a windy beach or moving boat, most of it ends up in the air—not on your skin.
Instead, find a sheltered spot outdoors—under an umbrella, on a porch, or beside your parked car. If it’s windy, skip the spray altogether and go for a cream or stick version.
Then there’s the myth that spraying means you don’t need to get your hands dirty. Dr. Kristin Baird from Colorado puts it plainly: “You absolutely have to rub it in. Otherwise, you’re getting spotty, uneven coverage.”
Andrew, a photographer based in Los Angeles, learned this lesson after years of outdoor shoots left him with strange tan lines and sun damage. Now, he follows a two-step rule: spray, rub, spray again, and rub again. It takes an extra minute, but he hasn’t had a burn since.
Many people also underestimate how much sunscreen they need—especially if they’re spending all day outside. One light layer won’t cut it. Dr. Day recommends layering sunscreen products for maximum protection: start with a cream before leaving the house, then use spray for quick reapplication throughout the day.
And don’t forget the golden rule: reapply every two hours—or immediately after swimming or sweating. SPF 50 isn’t a magical shield. As Dr. Baird explains, “Once you go beyond SPF 50, the added protection is minimal. The key is in reapplication.”
If you’re forgetful, take a tip from Kate, a nurse in New York, who sets a two-hour timer on her phone every time she goes to the beach. When it buzzes, she takes a quick sunscreen break—no excuses.
Finally, let’s talk about the bottles hiding in your beach bag since last summer. If they’re more than a year old, or if they’ve been sitting in a hot car, it’s time to toss them. Sunscreen ingredients degrade over time—and high temperatures speed up that process.
“It’s a good habit,” said Dr. Baird. “New season, new trip, new sunscreen.”
Spray sunscreen isn’t the enemy—but it’s not a magic wand either. Used correctly, it’s a great tool. Used carelessly, it might give you peace of mind while quietly letting the sun do damage. So next time you hit the beach or the hiking trail, slow down, rub it in, reapply—and don’t rely on the spray alone to do all the work.
Your skin will thank you.