I've used all kinds of sunscreen over the years. Worked as a lifeguard when I was younger and would buy what was on sale or what was laying around. I burn easily until I get a tan going.

For me, the biggest issue was remembering to apply it and apply it to every inch the sun could hit(burn feet and toes are not fun). That and reapplying as needed.

Always best to apply before you leave your house. Applying outside in the sun when your sweating never seems to work as good as putting it on in your house before you start sweating.

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:
Blue Lizard.

That had been my go to but I finally got tired of the white zinc look.

Looking for a new standard. Bull Frog Land Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, SPF 50 has my attention. Just ordered some.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bald1,

If I'm going to be outside for an extended time, I prefer sun shirts and wide-brimmed hats or something covering my neck in conjunction with a ballcap.

Fishing style shirts are cool and block the sun.

Then again, my wife is ashamed to be in public with me in the summer. But I'd prefer to not have skin cancer.

Elta MD 30spf.
Get it in the pump bottle. Non greasy, goes on easy, stays on. Top rated.
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+, 7.0 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000..._apa_i_dg2cBbMTW057H

I'm out in the sun almost 300 days a year in FL between my real full time job as an environmental consultant and my full time - part time fishing/dive captain job. This is by far the best stuff that I have used.

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:
If I'm going to be outside for an extended time, I prefer sun shirts and wide-brimmed hats or something covering my neck in conjunction with a ballcap.

Fishing style shirts are cool and block the sun.

Then again, my wife is ashamed to be in public with me in the summer. But I'd prefer to not have skin cancer.

I use arm sleeves for extended rides. Minimal use of sun block for short exposures as it blocks uvb for vitamin D production. I was always amazed to see workers in the tropics covered up so much that they would still be warm if it were snowing-but it actually kept them cool
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d...%2Btattoo&th=1&psc=1

No-Ad.

Price is right, it works well and has less harmful or cancer causing chemicals than many name brand. Some times not widely distributed, we got hooked on it back when Walmart carried it.

https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=U...f=pd_sl_2jdvymsl2l_e

I hate the oily greasy feel as well. Neutrogena Sport Face works for me because I seem to now be sensitive to some of the chemicals in typical sunscreens. I tried one of the expensive zinc oxide products recommended by dermatologists, but despite claims it does not disappear into the skin and leaves you looking starkly pale and white.

What I hate is the staining I get on my clothes, particularly the collars of my shirts from sunscreens. Requires some extra attention to get it out at laundry time.

Long sleeve shirt, broad brimmed hat, and work gloves. Old time farmers dressed like that for good reason.

Bullfrog. Especially the gel.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Neutrogena Dry Touch.

This is what I use. I’m lily white, burn super easy, and haven’t been able to really get any tan in 41 years of life.

Thanks folks! I grabbed some Neutrogena Dry Touch yesterday, and am looking into some of the other recommendations also. The sunscreen/repellent combos also look promising, as bugs can be a big issue at times!

And good advice on the clothing; I do try to stay covered as much as possible. I even wear a wide brim straw hat frequently, to the amusement of some of the other fellas!

quote:

Originally posted by Syngin1066:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
Neutrogena Dry Touch.

This is what I use. I’m lily white, burn super easy, and haven’t been able to really get any tan in 41 years of life.

+3 or +4 or whatever we’re up to now

Some research:

Equate Baby Zinc Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, SPF 50
EWG rating 1 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p...SPF_50/#.Wwx59nYbsY0

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive, SPF 30+
EWG rating 1 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p..._30%2B/#.Wwx193YbsY0

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 30
EWG rating 1 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p...SPF_30/#.Wwx4qnYbsY0

NO-AD Sun Care Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
EWG rating 3 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p...SPF_50/#.Wwx1qHYbsY0

Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
EWG rating 4 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p...SPF_30/#.Wwx3RnYbsY0

Bull Frog Land Sport Quik Gel Sunscreen, SPF 50
EWG rating 5 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p...SPF_50/#.Wwx1cXYbsY0

NO-AD Sun Care Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 45
EWG rating 5 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p...SPF_45/#.Wwx10XYbsY0

Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+
EWG rating 7 https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/p..._50%2B/#.Wwx3vnYbsY0

quote:

Originally posted by SigSentry:

quote:

Originally posted by chongosuerte:
If I'm going to be outside for an extended time, I prefer sun shirts and wide-brimmed hats or something covering my neck in conjunction with a ballcap.

Fishing style shirts are cool and block the sun.

Then again, my wife is ashamed to be in public with me in the summer. But I'd prefer to not have skin cancer.

I use arm sleeves for extended rides. Minimal use of sun block for short exposures as it blocks uvb for vitamin D production. I was always amazed to see workers in the tropics covered up so much that they would still be warm if it were snowing-but it actually kept them cool
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d...%2Btattoo&th=1&psc=1

I absolutely despise wearing sunscreen, therefore, I only wear it on exposed skin. Everything else is covered in clothing with at least UPF 25.

When I know I'll be in the sun for hours with little relief, I wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun sleeves that cover my hands (except fingers), and also a neck gaiter.

Using modern technical fabrics, even covered head-to-toe in Florida summer heat, I am always quite comfortable.

quote:

Originally posted by MNSIG:
Bullfrog

This. Used properly it is great. stays put. 2 years back to back I did the swim around key west race. Most swimmers were all lubed up with thick white zinc oxide, I sprayed up good with Bullfrog, on the water all day, no burn.

It is all I use. But it will clog the shit our of your pores, so scrub good at night.

No reason to go over SPF 50, they say.

And I don't think there is something you don't have to reapply if you will be out all day.

My dermatologist recommended zinc based sunblock. For a specific recommendation, he stated Vanicream. I recently started using it, and it appears to be very effective.

 
The SPF rating only applies to UVB, which will cause cancer but which is also filtered somewhat by the ozone layer. It is also responsible for sunburn.
 
UVA also causes cancer. It penetrates deeper into the skin, and the SPF rating has no meaning for UVA blocking.
 
Only in the last decade or so has the FDA permitted ingredients that block UVA. Look for the words "Broad Spectrum" on your product, which indicates some degree of UVA protection. Look for the ingredients Avobenzone and Oxybenzone for good UVA protection. Also compare products with regard to the percent of those ingredients. One of the best is the one pictured by Woodman on page 1, and it is the one my dermatologist has recommended ever since the UVA blockers have been permitted in the USA. Some "Broad Spectrum" products have lower percentages of the UVA blockers. I prefer the one pictured, the "melt-in milk". LaRoche-Posay's Anthelios also comes in other delivery forms.
 
Links:
 
skincancer.org
  
Wikipedia
 

Great post, henryaz. Thank you for that information.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 has kept me from burning for years and I still get a bit of a tan with it. Not greasy and I don’t have a problem with bugs when I use it.