Sunscreen- How much? What brand? What "kind"?

[emma'smom]

We're leaving on Friday for 5 days in the world. I have a very fair skinned dd and a dd with eczema. Both need very good sunscreen coverage (not that everyone doesn't).

Any tips on what brand to take? What delivery method (continuous, cream, spray, etc)?...and most importantly, how many bottles/cans do I need for five days in June? We use 50 SPF at home, but the continuous spray cans that we use are so pricey and don't seem to last very long.

Any ideas would be great!

[Mom to Jordan]

I would just keep using what you are using now if it works. If you need 50 at home, you will for sure need that in Flordia. The continous spray is so nice because it is so fast. Use it everywhere and reappy often. I would cut something else in the budget and get the best suncreen you can.

[airline2]

i use spf 30 they say anything after is 30 is a waste of money. that is what our doctor says. :cool1:

[newtowdw1]

you may want to look into SPF clothing as well. RIT makes a laundry additive that makes clothes into a higher SPF. I wanted lightweight, light colored Tshirts at WDW to make us cooler, but we're fair skinned northerners. It worked fine. I bought the wet suits from CWD for my kids. They're only 15.00 now!
http://www.cwdkids.com/servlet/quagga/boys/product.jsp/_qprm_/browse?groupId=11564&itemId=D040&cat=boys-swimwear
These worked super last August. DD was white as snow under it!

We use the NoAD Baby 50+ (the bottle is pink). DH has eczema, and major skin allergies, and this brand has never caused a break out. All of us use it. When my kids were little I used the spray, but it never worked the way I wanted it too, so I just use the gloppy stuff and our hands. We reapply every four or five hours.

[aristocat]

i always go for the strongest SPF i can find (although who knows... maybe spf 30's enough and anything more is overkill?). i'm really fair skinned and i burn soooo easily. As for brand, i dont have a preference and i just buy whatever.

[jennifer293]

We use Coppertone SPF 50 and it works fine on the girls, but DH still turns into a lobster with that on. HE needs like SPF 4000.... :rotfl2:

[Alexsma]

Just returned from WDW from 6 days last week. Used up two cans of the Coppertone sport SPF 30 spray. I really like the clear spray they don't feel like anything is really on at all. Just look for coupons and sale prices.

[debster812]

I have always sworn by Bullfrog, Spraygel SPF 36. It is as waterproof as any sunscreen I have ever used. I am very fair, prone to burning. Since we started with this, I've not gotten a burn.

This weekend just served to reinforce my opinion. DS had a soccer tournament, it was in the mid-90s, high humidity, and these kids were sweating BUCKETS. No sunburn for DS either.

We use the spray for our bodies, and the stick for faces.

[llp479]

I like the Coppertone Oil Free for non-water use, and BullFrog for any water activites. Currently in Hawaii where the sun can kill you in minutes, and my 3 dds were in the water from 10 - 4 yesterday and didn't burn at all. Only reapplied once on their bodies, and did their faces twice. I kept checking every hour to be sure, but no one needed more.

[welovedis]

DS has many allergies and exzema (sp) too and we have had good look only with the following two products:
Aveeno Baby Continous Protection Sunblock Lotion with SPF 45 (http://www.aveeno.com/detailAction.do?id=3964)
OR
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 (http://www.neutrogena.com/ProductsDetails_329.asp)

These are the only 2 products that work for us without breakouts or hives, etc.. I typically take 2 containers for a 10 day trip, however, I use a separate product for my face, while DH & DS use these exclusively.

[jcriket]

I've been hearing lots of reports that a sunscreen with a new ingredient called heioplex is the best. It's supposed to protect you from some parts of the sun that no other's do. I think it's offered in lots of different products. I know I've seen it in some neutrogena products.

here's a link http://www.klas-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=5041476

[MayMom]

We have a pool and spend a TON of time in the summer outside, usually 3-4 hours every day (my DH and I are both teachers = off all summer). I SWEAR by Coppertone WaterBabies 50+...it is the only sunscreen I will buy anymore. It is SO waterproof - I never have to reapply... I tried Hawaiin Tropic baby faces 50 about a month ago and they both BURNED with it on. I could have called the company in a spitting rage I was so mad!! I think Waterbabies is $6.99 or so....I would think you wouldn't need more than 1 spray bottle, it takse us awhile to go through a bottle.

[DisneyDotty]

We also favor the Neutrogena spray with helioplex. The stuff is like shellac. Works wonderfully (and I'm fair-skinned and a melanoma survivor.)
I think the key is to find a product you like and one that works for you and stick with it. My dermatologist says to reapply every 2 hours.
Have a magical trip! :sunny:

[KJMAX1]

We use Aveeno for our little crew, and the older ones get Neutrogena with Full spectrum coverage. I only buy sunscreen with full spectrum because it prevents ALL rays. Like anothe rperson said its like plastering your skin! :lmao:

[Mouse House Mama]

My dd has eczema and we tried the Aveeno baby sunblock on our last trip. It is so far the ONLY sunscreen that she didn't have a reaction to. It works great! I would buy 2 tubes though as they are only 4oz. My Mom also has eczema and I asked her if it burned her hands when she was putting it on my dd and she said it was the first sunscreen that didn't. princess:

[Lisa loves Pooh]

We tried the new "sprays"--I don't really care for them. They leave a residue on you and on things that might get the droplets on them.

And it smells like really bad aquanet.

I feel like I am putting on hairspray!

Usually I use waterbabies 45 or 50.

[ChrisKsAngel]

I use the Coppertone 50 Spray also. I like it, as long as you put on a thin layer you should be fine.

However, Hawaiin Tropic has a 70+ sunscreen also.

[HayGan]

We use Avon's Skin so Soft sunscreen on both of our boys and it works great as a sunscreen and bug protector (and DEET free!!!) We were just at a waterpark all-day on Tuesday. We applied it twice and their skin stayed perfectly milky white and absolutely no bug bites :thumbsup2 The SPF is 30 and they even sell a version that goes on blue and disappears so that you know you hav efull coverage :thumbsup2

[NotUrsula]

Regardless of the SPF, sunscreen needs to be reapplied no less often than every 2.5 hours if you are in full sun, and as an adult you need to use one full ounce for each application to get the advertised protective coverage. Most people don't use nearly enough, nor use it often enough.

Remember that preventing sunburn isn't enough; even tanning is skin damage, and skin damage is cumulative over your lifetime.

The Shade Foundation, a melanoma support organization, has one of the best sun exposure info pages I've found on the web: http://www.shadefoundation.org/sunwise_sunscreen.php

PS: A typical trip for us is 3 days beach and 5 days WDW. Last yr we went through 19 cans of Coppertone spray over that period, on 3 adults and one school-age child.

[holden]

We reapply every 2 hours we are outside. You can't be too careful. For 3 of us (one who tans - DH)... I would bring 5 spray bottles. One for each day of our trip.

[welovedis]

holden-you sound like me, I just finished packing up some sunscreen for our trip and we have 8 bottles for 9 days in WDW! :)

I recently had some moles removed, one was cancerous and the had to operate to remove it, so those 60 stitches across my back made me promise to overdo it on sunscreen rather than underestimate things. Thankfully I'm ok but I'm going to make sure my family is protected from the sun from now on.

[Gillian]

I like both the bullfrog gel 36 and coppertone continuous spray. We go through the spray quickly but it's worth it. Probably 1 bottle every 2 days for the 4 of us (2 kids and mom who usually wears capris).

The cheapest I found the Coppertone spray was at Walmart in Florida for $5.75 or so. I was going to stock up in NJ before our April trip, but figured I might find a better price when we got there.

[rlrx]

We just returned from a 6 day trip and I used Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 30 for my fair skin and Water Babies SPF 45 for my 2 DS (my DS7 breaks out in a rash from any sunscreen but Water Babies) and none of us got any sunburn at all (or any tan for that matter). You are really inside or in the shade quite a bit at WDW and we would get out of the sun when we could.

[emma'smom]

Well, I ended up buying two cans of continuous spray spf 50, one pump bottle of water babies SPF 50, a smaller water babies SPF 50 to clip on the stroller so it is always accessible, one SPF 30 lip balm, and one SPF 50 facial stick. We have sun hats and sunglasses for all!! Extra t-shirts for swimming to keep some of the sun off their backs. I think we're as ready as we can be! I can always buy more in the World if I need it!

[welovedis]

Sounds like you are all set then! Have a great trip, we are leaving tomorrow morning!!!!! :dance3:

[isla bonita]

I do try to get the highest SPF I figure it can not hurt and the brand is the new Sports Quick Dry.

No rubbing just spray and it is not sticky my kids are in the pool with their friend all summer and it is quick, easy non messy but a little pricey. FDor us it is worth it.

My friend Sue just told me they are not carrying it at the local dollar store so I am on my way to grab some. We use a lot. It is kid central art our house in the summer. Lots of fun here.

[Mr._The_King]

holden-you sound like me, I just finished packing up some sunscreen for our trip and we have 8 bottles for 9 days in WDW! :)

I recently had some moles removed, one was cancerous and the had to operate to remove it, so those 60 stitches across my back made me promise to overdo it on sunscreen rather than underestimate things. Thankfully I'm ok but I'm going to make sure my family is protected from the sun from now on.

I hope that you have a wonderful trip to Disney. It sounds like you deserve it. I will put more suncreen on my family because of you.

[IowaGirl]

Aveeno sunscreens are on sale this week at Walgreens. 6.99 with coupon from in-store flyer.
Hope this helps someone out there!

[pigletof4]

I noticed at Kmart today that they had the Coppertone Brand Buy One get the Second 1/2 off.

[100AcreWood]

This was on 20/20 last week. The "expert" said this: I plan to buy the Aveeno continuous protection sunblock she mentioned.

QUOTE: "There are certain ingredients that actually provide effective protection against UVA. The three most common include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and something called Avobenzone, or parsol 1789," Herschenfeld said.

She recommends using products with the first two ingredients, especially for children.

[AuroraBorealis]

I'm a fair skinned redhead with a family history of skin cancer and I never leave the house without some kind of sun protection.

Here are my choices for when I spend a day in the sun:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 for my body. I apply this at home before heading out into the sun.

Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF 45. I take this with me. I use this to reaaply every two hours. I like the spray because it is quick drying and easier than trying to rub in a cream in the park.

The Neutrogena sunblocks now contain Helioplex which blocks both UVA and UVB rays while offering broad spectrum protection. My derm was really excited about Helioplex and the new Aveeno Continuous Protection line.

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 45 I use this on my face as it is more gentle and doesn't sting as bad when it gets into my eyes. Sometimes I switch it up with Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free SPF 50. The Banana Boat is made with an oil base so you will blink it away before it stings your eyes.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Eye Cream SPF 30 is good extra protection for the delicate eye area. I use this daily along with the Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 when I won't get too much sun exposure.

SPF for your lips is very important as well! I had a friend recently have melonoma on her lips. My derm recommended Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lip Soother SPF 20 . This was also recommended by Allure and Self magazines in their sun care issues. Any lip balm with SPF 15 or higher is a must!

On top of all this, I wear a wide brimmed hat and large sunglasses for extra protection.

Remember, no matter what sun block you choose, reapply every two hours! And apply and reapply liberally! Most people don't apply enough to begin with. Sun block can only protect for so long; it "breaks down" the longer you are exposed to the sun and will become less effective. Even if you don't burn, harmful UVA/UVB rays will still be attacking your skin. Choose a sunblock with at least SPF 30 and remember to apply sun block under your clothes too. Clothing is not 100% protective. Remember to protect your lips, ears, back of neck, tops of hands, and feet as well!

I know that is a lot of information, but this is what works for me. Hope that helps.

[AuroraBorealis]

One more thing:

The Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF 45 is available at Costco in a 2-pack for about $13.00.

I paid $8.99 at Target for one, so the 2-pack is a pretty good deal.