Sunscreen recommendations?

[BarbaraL]

Any recommendations for a good sunscreen? I recall reading that many suncreens don't have as high an SPF factor as they claim; naturally, now I can't find the article!

[misskitty100]

Seems like there are so many sunscreen for sale. My favorite is Trader Joe's sunscreen as it doesn't have a scent AT ALL!!! :D

[Kyra]

Hi Barbara! My current favorite sunscreen is Coppertone Spectra 3, SPF 50. It comes in a 6 oz white bottle with a funky hole in the top. There may also be a kids' version. I burn very easily, and have trouble finding sunscreen that prevents sunburn. This stuff works, it doesn't smell too awful (no fragrance in it), and I'm not allergic to it. It is a little greasy, and can stain some fabrics, but it beats sunburn!

Hope this helps.

[Angelina]

I used Clarins when I was in the Dominican Republic, about a month ago (*sigh* When can I go back?? Oh, what a tangled web we weave...). It worked great, but it didn't keep me out of trouble.

Oh yes, sunscreen. It smells good! And it definitely kept me from burning! Personally, I love scented sunscreens...to me that's the scent of summer. :)

Angela

[stacy7272]

Something I look for in a sunblock is Avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789). This ingredient blocks both UVA and UVB rays and from a wider range of wavelengths than other ingredients. Many sunblocks will keep you from burning but if they don't have Avobenzone in them they may not keep you from the premature aging that UVA rays cause.

Some people are sensitive to this ingredient though - luckily I am not. :D

[ttubbs]

All we use is BullFrog Quik Gel (http://www.bullfrogsunscreen.com/about.asp). I was turned on to this when I worked with a SCUBA school. I also wear it when I play golf. You put it on in the morning, and it lasts all day. I've got a friend who does bike rides all over the country, and it's all she uses too. Lasts all day even riding your bike on the blistering pavement. The only down side IMO is that it can feel a little gritty. I can live with that for all day protection.

[LaraW]

I was going to suggest Bullfrog as well. It goes on as a gel, and dries quickly.

[sdcook]

I got the Target brand (like Coppertone, I believe) sport sunscreen continuous spray with SPF 30. Works great and I love the spray. My boys have used it in the pool the past couple of weeks and we haven't had a hint of pink.

[krhm]

Something I look for in a sunblock is Avobenzone (also known as Parsol 1789). This ingredient blocks both UVA and UVB rays and from a wider range of wavelengths than other ingredients. Many sunblocks will keep you from burning but if they don't have Avobenzone in them they may not keep you from the premature aging that UVA rays cause.

Some people are sensitive to this ingredient though - luckily I am not. :D

I've had two dermatologists tell me this is a key ingredient to look for in a sunscreen. I have rosacea so I need to be extra careful about sun. I love Neutrogena's 45 sunblock...no oil, no fragrance, and Parsol 1789.

[BarbaraL]

Many sunblocks will keep you from burning but if they don't have Avobenzone in them they may not keep you from the premature aging that UVA rays cause.:D

This is definitely a concern (although at 49, I'm not sure if it's prematurely aging!).

Thanks, everybody! DH and DD used to laugh at me when I'd have a question and say "I'll ask on my Bulletin Board." Now, they'll ask me to post a question for them!

Angelina, I also think sunscreen smells "like summer". I used to love Hawaiian Tropic - the one in the brown bottle that smells like a pina colada (wish that one had a higher SPF). Of course, unscented is good when you're out and about, not lying on a beach (like I wish I was doing now).

[clairea]

I'm another Bullfrog fan. I use the quick-dry spray on my kids and it is so fast and easy to get them covered all over. You just spray it all over and go, no rubbing in or waiting for it to dry. It really stays on, too. My kids and I are all very fair skinned, and spend lots of time at the pool and beach, and none of us have gotten burned using this. I do apply it very liberally (my family of 4 went through 5 bottles during a week at beach last week).

[wallycat]

For everyday wear, I use Oil of Olay COmplete SPF 15 with 3% zinc oxide.
For outdoor activities, I use bullfrog spf 45 waterproof with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Mexoryl is the dream ingredient that the FDA will not approve, though people in Europe hve been using it for several years.

Parsol breaks down under UV conditions (great for a sunblock, huh?) but no one knows how long under the sun it needs to be before the product begins to fail. It also stains clothing, which is the main reason I stay away from it.

Physical blocks like zinc and titanium dioxides actually BLOCK the rays instead of "screening" them.

[rosen]

Any SPF over 30 doesn't really offer all that much more protection. Example: a #45 only offers 15 more minutes than a 30. You pay more for the higher numbers, but don't really get more protection. If you reapply every 2 hours as instructed, you don't need the higher numbers.
Below I have posted some interesting reading from the website given. Check out the site for some recs.

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/sunscreen/fullstory.html#intro
Important Features: Sunscreen
Experts say the following about choosing sunscreen:

The number-one cause of skin aging and damage is sun exposure. Therefore, reviews recommend your sunscreen have no less than an SPF 15, and should include UVA protection with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or avobenzone, (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.). The SPF factor only indicates UVB (or surface sunburn) protection, and SPFs over 30 don't offer any better protection from UV rays. Sunscreen should be worn any time you are outside, regardless of how long you will be out, and should be reapplied frequently (every 40 to 80 minutes if swimming or perspiring, even with water-resistant sunscreen).
Waterproof versus water-resistant sunscreen. In 2002, the FDA mandated that manufacturers change their labels from waterproof to "water resistant" or "very water resistant," since no product can be completely waterproof. Interestingly, not all manufacturers have made this change.
Some medications and topical retinoids (such as alpha hydroxy acids) increase sun sensitivity. Check with your pharmacist about medications, and read cosmetic labels for sun-sensitizing products. Take extra care to apply sunscreen every day, and wear appropriate clothing and a hat when outdoors.
Children's skin is more sensitive than adults and they should wear UVA/UVB-protectant sunscreen too. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants/children in lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirts as a first defense, but recommends that sunscreen can be used on infants even under six months if adequate shade and clothing aren't available. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the gentlest UVA protective ingredients for children's more-sensitive skin.
If you wear makeup with SPF plus a second sunscreen, the resulting SPF is not additive, but only the highest of the two products. Because sunscreens can clog pores and cause breakouts, experts say that women with oily skin may prefer to use a foundation with a good SPF on their face, and a good sunscreen from the neck down.

[mbrogier]

I love my thick cream with shea butter from L'Occitane. It isn't greasy, and it is easy to apply a lot of it. I haven't been burned while wearing it--even when driving around with my sunroof open. It is a bit expensive, but I've gotten bad burns from the cheaper brands even when putting them on correctly. I'm pretty sure the L'Occitane has the zinc and titanium dioxide in it.

[Veronica]

Physical blocks like zinc and titanium dioxides actually BLOCK the rays instead of "screening" them. Yes! Sunscreens with Parsol 1789 don't work for me, so I swear by sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They're so gentle on the skin, and they do the job. Right now, I'm using Oil of Olay Complete for my face and Trader Joe's sunscreen for other exposed skin. I've just ordered Paula's Choice Pure Mineral Sunscreen (Titanium Dioxide 6.36%; Zinc Oxide 2.19%) to see how it works.

[tippy7]

There's actually an article about sunscreen in today's New York Times.

There is a new Neutrogena sunscreen, I believe it is called Ultra Sheer SPF 55, that the article says acts similar to Mexoryl. I haven't used it yet but plan to as soon as I use up my current bottle of sunscreen, which is Neutrogena Oil Free SPF 30. I wear it at the beach and have never burned after applying it, although since I am quite fair I religiously reapply every two hours.

[wallycat]

There's actually an article about sunscreen in today's New York Times.

There is a new Neutrogena sunscreen, I believe it is called Ultra Sheer SPF 55, that the article says acts similar to Mexoryl. I haven't used it yet but plan to as soon as I use up my current bottle of sunscreen, which is Neutrogena Oil Free SPF 30. I wear it at the beach and have never burned after applying it, although since I am quite fair I religiously reapply every two hours.

I think you're thinking of Helioplex. It is a blend of the Parsol and oxocyl (can't spell complete ingredient).
I don't think Mexoryl has any Parsol in it but I could be wrong.
Mexoryl doesn't break down under UV conditions and Parsol does....and the thinking is that somehow combing the two will help the it degrade less.