3 Reasons to Skip Combo Sunscreen-and-Bug-Spray

Sunscreen and bug repellent have different reapplication schedules Sunscreen needs reapplying every two hours or after swimming or sweating, while bug repellent like DEET lasts six to eight hours. Using a combo forces you to either overapply repellent or underapply sunscreen.

DEET can reduce sunscreen effectiveness When mixed in the same bottle, DEET can lower SPF effectiveness by about a third. This leaves you more vulnerable to sunburn than you might expect.

Layering separately works better Apply sunscreen first, let it dry for a minute or two, then add repellent on top. This lets you reapply sunscreen as needed without disturbing the bug protection—two steps that prevent both sunburn and tick-borne diseases.