Why I’m Still Hesitant About Sunscreen Sticks (Despite Their Convenience)
My honest thoughts on sunscreen sticks and why I’m not comfortable giving them a try, despite their rising popularity.
As someone who’s tried countless skincare products over the years, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what works for my sensitive skin and what doesn’t. One product category that has been gaining popularity lately but hasn’t made it into my routine? Sunscreen sticks. Despite their obvious convenience, I’ve consciously avoided adding them to my collection.
In this article, I will be sharing why I’m still on the fence about this particular sunscreen format, even as they continue to rise in the market.
The One Sunscreen Format I Haven’t Tried And Why
Let me start by saying that I love experimenting and trying new sunscreens. I just love it, I don’t know why.
My dressing table is filled with various Brands I tried, including different formulations such as liquid, thick cream, and even gel.
Yet, despite my willingness to try almost anything once, sunscreen sticks remain unopened territory for me.
It’s not that I don’t see their appeal. The portable, mess-free application seems perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. No more worrying about leaky bottles in your bag or sticky hands after application. Just swipe and go. What could be simpler?
The convenience factor is undeniable.
But convenience isn’t everything, at least not for my sensitive, combination, acne-prone skin.
Why am I hesitating in trying stick-based sunscreens?
The primary reason I hesitate? The idea of repeatedly running the same applicator over my face makes me uncomfortable.
Yes, I realize the irony here. I happily use lip balms without a second thought. But somehow, applying a product to my entire face using the same stick that has collected dead skin cells, sebum, and bacteria from previous applications just doesn’t sit right with me.
My Personal Favourites
Each time you use a sunscreen stick, you’re essentially reintroducing whatever was on your face from the last application back onto your skin. For someone who struggles with breakouts and sensitivity, this feels like asking for trouble.
Some might argue that this concern is overblown, and perhaps it is. But when you’ve spent years carefully curating a routine that keeps your skin clear and calm, the prospect of disrupting that balance isn’t particularly appealing.
Beyond the hygiene aspect, I am concerned about the texture.
I understand that many sunscreen sticks claim to be lightweight and non-greasy, but my acne-prone skin is just not comfortable giving them a try.
I can’t help but feel they might be waxy against my skin, especially given that they need to maintain their solid form, which typically means higher concentrations of waxes and oils than liquid sunscreens. 🤔
I might be wrong about this, but for my combination/oily skin, these potentially heavier formulations just don’t seem worth the risk. A video by Lab Muffin Beauty Science pretty much talks about the same, the waxy texture.
Plus, I am just not comfortable with the idea of re-touching the stick surface against my skin. 🫠
What My Current Sun Protection Routine Looks Like
My Skin Type: Combination skin. Oily in summer and dry in the winter season. Sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Rather than risking it with sticks, I’ve settled into a comfortable routine with lightweight sunscreens that play nicely with my combination skin.
I currently use Nykaa SkinRx or UV Doux which offer almost a similar silicone matte kind of texture. They are hybrid sunscreens and they work for my sensitive skin.
There are some new options that are on my wishlist to experiment such as the new sunscreen launches by Ponds and Lakme and I am excited to see how they’ll perform on my skin.
ISDIN Sunscreen Review – Fusion Water SPF 50
What Does The Reddit Community Says?
Final Thoughts
As with anything in the skincare world, my opinions aren’t set in stone. Our skin changes, product formulations evolve, and what works today might not work tomorrow (and vice versa). While I currently don’t see myself reaching for a sunscreen stick anytime soon, I won’t rule them out entirely.
If I do eventually try one that surprises me with its performance, you’ll definitely hear about it on this blog. Until then, I’ll stick with what works for me, even if it means missing out on the convenience that sunscreen sticks promise.
I’m curious, did any of you were in a similar situation like mine and now use sunscreen sticks actively?
If yes, I would love to know your experience. Let me know in the comments; I’m always open to having my mind changed by your experiences and recommendations.
This was it for today. Have a lovely day ahead. ✍🏻
