Introduction:
Sunscreen is crucial in everyday functioning as it safeguards and shields the skin from potentially hazardous ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunscreen in any form helps prevent sunburns by inhibiting and absorbing UV rays. It is known that consistent use of sunscreen could lower the risk of skin cancers like melanoma. Moreover, sunscreen helps retain youthful skin by reducing or alleviating the development of age spots, wrinkles, and fine lines caused by UV exposure. Daily sunscreen enhances skin health, decreasing the likelihood of various skin concerns.
Is Spray Sunscreen Safe?
Spray sunscreen is a convenient form of sun protection that can be applied by spraying a fine mist onto the face or skin. It is designed to help protect the skin from the potentially harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and other problems.
Spray sunscreen is safe when it is used correctly, following the instructions given by the manufacturer. It is crucial to follow the directions labeled on the product for appropriate application and prevention of spray inhalation, ensuring the sunscreen's safety and efficacy.
Will Spray Sunscreen Affect Respiration?
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are more likely to get affected by aerosol or spray sunscreen. So, individuals with underlying g respiratory concerns might need to go without the use of sunscreen loaded in the spray bottle. The highest risk of aerosol sunscreen exposure on the lungs can also affect children and infants, especially those with asthma. Asthma is a chronic lung disorder that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, affecting individuals of all ages. About 25 million people in the United States have asthma, with seven million accounting for children.
Any form of aerial can precipitate an asthmatic attack or worsen asthma in people with a sensitive airway system. Asthma management usually involves the determination of the attributes triggering an asthmatic attack to prevent or circumvent the known potential triggers. Not every person with underlying asthma, chronic lung disease, breathing problems, and airway construction has similar triggering factors. However, many health professionals admit that aerosol is a moderately common attribute to blame.
Spray or aerosol from sunscreen could get into the lungs through sensitive airways and those people with asthma. Asthma people have twitchy airways, manifesting the muscles associated with the airways tend to respond and constrict to the inhaled particles in certain ways that the healthy airway system does not. Moreover, people with asthma are recommended not to be around cigarette smoke, pollution, strong perfume, and dust particles. These triggering factors can make the sensitive airway contract, resulting in asthma attacks or worsening of pre-existing conditions.
What Are the Effects of Spray Sunscreen on Lungs?
Inhaling the sunscreen spray or aerosols could cause adverse effects on the lungs, as such products are formulated to be used on the skin tissue and not for inhalation. The specified effects of spray sunscreen on the lungs can vary depending on the ingredients incorporated in the product.
However, the potential consequences associated with a spray form of sunscreen include the following.
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Irritation: Inhaling the chemicals in the spray sunscreen might irritate the respiratory system and its components, resulting in physical symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
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Chemical Exposure: The aerosol or spray sunscreen constitutes a range of chemical substances. Inhaling the chemical particles could expose the lungs and airways to potentially hazardous substances. It is crucial to note that prolonged exposure to certain chemicals incorporated in spray sunscreen might harm healthier and asthmatic people.
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Allergic Reactions: Several people might be allergic or sensitive to specific drugs or ingredients. The signs of allergic reactions or hypersensitivity include rashes, hives, breathing problems, and swelling of the face and throat. Some individuals might be allergic to particular sunscreen ingredients in such a case. Inhaling them can provoke allergic reactions, which might influence the respiratory system adversely.
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Lung Concerns: The particles of spray sunscreen accessing the airways and entering the lungs can increase the risk of lung infection or inflammation.
What Are the Ways to Use Spray Sunscreen?
Here are some tips to apply sunscreen more safely and effectively.
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Spraying Till Glint: Sunscreen lotion can be recommended in amount. But it is hard to measure in amounts when spraying sunscreen. However, it still requires an ounce of spray to protect the face from sun exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology advises spraying all exposed skin areas until the skin glints or glistens. In other words, one can spray sunscreen on the specified parts of the body for six seconds.
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Rubbing: Though the aerosol or spray sunscreen is meant only for spraying, it has more than just spraying to be effective. The health experts recommend rubbing the spray sunscreen following the spraying to achieve an even and consistent layer over the skin. Hence, one can rub the sunscreen eventually after spraying on the exposed areas.
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Safe Spray: It is not recommended to spray directly in the face. Better avoid inhaling the spray sunscreen. It can irritate the lungs, though the ingredients specified in the spray sunscreen are safe. One can try spraying it on the hands and rubbing it onto the face, preventing its entry to the eyes and nose. Avoid inadvertently inhaling sunscreen spray during a breezy day or wriggling in.
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Lotion As Base: People might need clarification about the adequate amount of spray sunscreen. Consider using the sunscreen topical lotion initially and then switching to a spray when it is time for reapplication.
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Reapplication: When it is time for reapplication, It is advisable to spray lavishly until the skin is glistening and slather the sunscreen in to validate the effective coverage. It is known to reapply sunscreen every two hours. However, inspect the specified instructions regarding the timing for reapplication that one is using.
Conclusion:
To minimize the possible risks associated with spraying sunscreen, using sunscreen sprays following the directions mentioned on the label is crucial. One should avoid spraying the sunscreen closer to the face, considering the precautions to prevent inhalation.
If one encounters any adverse respiratory effects following inhaling spray sunscreen, seek medical attention immediately. Using the spray sunscreen appropriately matters to a greater extent. It is generally safer to apply sunscreen to the face and use certain other protective measures, including wearing hats and sunglasses to safeguard the sun from sun and UV radiation.
