Anyone else not wearing sunscreen?

[flamestarrdust]

My father just passed away this past Memorial Day from skin cancer.He was 56.He was first diagnosed with it when he was 50. We are from NJ so we only have strong sun for 2-3 months out of the year and he never had a bad sunburn. I always wear sunscreen when I am out in the sun.

alison

I am so sorry for your loss. This is why I always wear sunscreen. My grandfather keeps having skin patches removed because of skin cancer. He live is Southern Georgia near the tip of Florida. I always wear sunscreen when I'm out in the sun for long periods of time. The sun is much more dangerous than in the past due to the wearing away of the ozone. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[Randy K]

I highly recommend that any fair skinned person do not even consider going to Disney World in the Summer without using Sunblock. On our July 2001 trip I saw some the worst sunburns I have ever seen and it amazed me how these people could go out with no lotion and they were also wearing the skinny strap shirts that leave the whole shoulder exposed. I saw at least 3 different women that had sunburn and several puffy air blisters the size of silver dollars. It is just as painful to type as it was to see it. Can't image what it actually felt like

 

[jjarman]

I was at our lodge pool Sunday getting a tan and relaxing. It is my favorite weekend thing to do. By the way, I always wear at least a 15 and I have a tan. Anyway, I way lying down facing away from the family about 15 feet away and heard one of the 2 mothers scream at her mother who was about to put suntan lotion on the kids ages about 8, 6, 5, and 2. One of the mother's screamed (literally) "I don't want that stuff on my kids!" Well, grandma hollered (literally) back "You don't want them to get skin cancer! You don't want that on your conscience!" I think grandma won. I was so shocked to hear a young mother say that about her kids. Most young mothers are so overprotective of their kids (at least the ones I have run across) but this woman was a big exception to that rule.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I never wear it, but my kids get loaded up with it. I hate putting on sunscreen. I hate putting on lotion of any kind. I just can't stand the feeling of it. Now, this Neutrogena dry touch is interesting. Does it go on dry feeling. If so then I might try it. I wish they had a sunscreen that went on like talcum powder.

I have to say... I didn't think the 55 felt very "dry touch," but I have tried their 30 and 45 (without the new Helioplex ingredient), and those did have a much nicer texture than other sunscreens.

It's not as dry as talcum powder, but I don't feel greasy like I do with other sunscreens.

 

[CheshireVal]

Refusing to wear sunblock is very unhealthy.

It's funny how worked up people get about smoking and how unhealthy it is, but skin cancer is no laughing matter either.

 

[aristocat]

my fiance doesnt wear sunscreen ever because he "never burns"... that being said, he DID get actually a little pink after our 10 day trip last year (without sunscreen)

as for me, i'm very fair-skinned and not so lucky. i'll burn in literally 10 minutes in the sun without any protection.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Totally agree - I wear Factor 35 over here in England, it's 45+ for me in Florida.

You do know that the numbers (15, 35, 45 SPF) only refer to the length of time you can be safely exposed to the sun?

The 45 does not give you better than the 15 protection, just longer.

It is a common misconception. Last year I learned more than you would ever want to know as my BF was diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

 

[ptrbryant]

Well, I was just diagnosed with skin cancer earlier this year, so I certainly use sunscreen as well as cover up and try to stay in the shade. Fortunately, I didn't have melanoma, but a form of basal cell carcinoma that can invade tissue and bone if left untreated. I really equate people not using sunscreen in Florida to chain-smokers...we all know how unhealthy it is, but people find a way to justify anything.

Karla B.

 

[Ride Junkie]

And I really hate the quarter-sized white spot on my forehead where I had to have a basal cell carcinoma removed. My sunscreen-free childhood in Florida probably had something to do with that.

I hear ya. Mine is a vertical scar above my left eyebrow where I had a basal cell carcinoma removed. The doctor said it was probably the result of a sunburn I had as a child (back in the days when nobody worried about sunscreen). My advice to people: do protect your kids as best you can with sunblock and sun-protective clothing, and if you insist on tanning, do it in small increments (a few minutes at a time), as getting a sunburn is what leads to skin cancer. You don't need to get burned to get a tan going.

There are some great companies that offer sun-protective clothing with an SPF factor: www.coolibar.com and www.sungrubbies.com. Be safe!

 

[pouncingpluto]

You do know that the numbers (15, 35, 45 SPF) only refer to the length of time you can be safely exposed to the sun?

The 45 does not give you better than the 15 protection, just longer.

It is a common misconception. Last year I learned more than you would ever want to know as my BF was diagnosed with malignant melanoma.

That's only partly true, according to my understanding. Here's a good explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunscreen#Sun_protection_factor

By the way... mexoryl is the European ingredient that the new helioplex in Neutrogena 55 is supposed to be similar to.

 

[°O°Joe]

I consider myself to be a very healthy person, and I don't wear sunscreen. I don't burn either.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but there have been studies that show that sunscreen can actually be harmful to your health because it does not allow your skin to absorb vitamin D. Yes you get your vitamin D from the sun. Now, I'm not saying that people should never wear sunscreen, especially if they burn easily, as it is the burning that damages the skin. But I believe you should be in the sun for 10-20 minutes without protection nearly everyday to get your vitamin D. And I also agree with the previous poster who said that chemical sunscreens aren't helping much if any. Here's a good natural sunscreen. This is a very good and informative article IMO so I recommend reading the entire page and decide for yourself.

I've also read on more than one occasion that eating red colored (i.e. tomatoes, watermelon, red bell peppers, etc...) fruits and vegetables are very good at helping your skin block UV-B and they also help to reduce your risk of cancer.

Of course I am not a doctor and these are just my views on this topic. Please keep this in mind.

 

[pearlieq]

No way would I go without!

I don't like it, DH can't stand it, but it's non-negotiable. I also try to keep us inside between 11 and 3pm and won't use the pools during those same times.

I have a couple of friends who call me "the sunscreen nazi". We'll see who's laughing in 20 years!

 

[pouncingpluto]

I consider myself to be a very healthy person, and I don't wear sunscreen. I don't burn either.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but there have been studies that show that sunscreen can actually be harmful to your health because it does not allow your skin to absorb vitamin D. Yes you get your vitamin D from the sun. Now, I'm not saying that people should never wear sunscreen, especially if they burn easily, as it is the burning that damages the skin. But I believe you should be in the sun for 10-20 minutes without protection nearly everyday to get your vitamin D.

Yes, it is true that you need some unprotected time in the sun to get vitamin D. But walking to the mailbox, to and from the car to your home and office, or around the block with your dog with a bare face and arms is enough to do the trick. That's not exactly what we're talking about here, on a WDW vacation.

 

[Wish I lived in Fl]

I hate sunscreen also.
Wish i could post the picture of me in front of the EPCOT globe wearing pants,longsleeve shirt and a Big hat! It is my screen saver. Pants and shirt were special lightweight sunclothing by Ex Officio and Columbia.
Sister talked me into trying Neutrogena dry touch and it isn't too bad.
I have a younger friend who has already had skin cancers removed.

 

[CheshireVal]

I'd also like to add that just because you "don't burn" doesn't mean you aren't being exposed to harmful UV rays.

 

[ryley26]

We always wear it Because no mtter how tan you can still burn. Fla sun is much stronger than up north.

 

[°O°Joe]

Yes, it is true that you need some unprotected time in the sun to get vitamin D. But walking to the mailbox, to and from the car to your home and office, or around the block with your dog with a bare face and arms is enough to do the trick. That's not exactly what we're talking about here, on a WDW vacation.

I know, I understand that. But I guess my point more than anything is - just because you don't wear sun screen doesn't mean you are sure to get skin cancer. People with a family history of skin cancer and people with a northern European heritage are at the highest risk - maybe they should be more cautious than others. Many people go their entire life without wearing sun screen without getting skin cancer. Everyone is different and if people believe that a person who choses not to wear sun screen is unhealthy, I think that is unfair. Again, I also believe that proper nutrition goes a long way in preventing and fighting all types of cancer. And proper nutrition is definitely something that most American's lack.

Again just my opinions.

 

[Marie17]

For those that don't like wearing it why don't you at least....

Try Solbar Shield
SPF 40 Hypoallergenic very water resistant unscented
no synthetic sunscreen agents Zinc Oxide & Titanium dioxide
UVA/UVB sun protection

This works absolutely wonderfully. I use it on all my kids (16,12,4,2,8 months) and not one complains, crys or fights me when it goes on their face. The reason - no chemicals to cause irritation. When you put it on just rub it in and you can tell when it is rubbed in completely because it is no longer whitish tint.

We even make sure we use a chapstick/lipstick with sunscreen in it.

 

[Ride Junkie]

I know, I understand that. But I guess my point more than anything is - just because you don't wear sun screen doesn't mean you are sure to get skin cancer. People with a family history of skin cancer and people with a northern European heritage are at the highest risk - maybe they should be more cautious than others. Many people go their entire life without wearing sun screen without getting skin cancer. Everyone is different and if people believe that a person who choses not to wear sun screen is unhealthy, I think that is unfair. Again, I also believe that proper nutrition goes a long way in preventing and fighting all types of cancer. And proper nutrition is definitely something that most American's lack.

Again just my opinions.

True about your heritage. Look at the people in your family. My dad has had many basal cell carcinomas removed, so I knew skin cancer was a possibility for me. I had one removed about 4 years ago, and now I go to the dermatologist annually to get checked out. If you are fair-skinned and freckle easily, your chances of burning are higher. I do the spray-on tan!

 

[CheshireVal]

I know, I understand that. But I guess my point more than anything is - just because you don't wear sun screen doesn't mean you are sure to get skin cancer. People with a family history of skin cancer and people with a northern European heritage are at the highest risk - maybe they should be more cautious than others. Many people go their entire life without wearing sun screen without getting skin cancer. Everyone is different and if people believe that a person who choses not to wear sun screen is unhealthy, I think that is unfair. Again, I also believe that proper nutrition goes a long way in preventing and fighting all types of cancer. And proper nutrition is definitely something that most American's lack.

Again just my opinions.

And people can smoke for 30 years without getting lung cancer, too, but that doesn't mean that it's the smartest thing in the world to risk.