Best Sunscreen?

[momof1princess]

i need some help, guys...i'm allergic to the sun, even 5 minutes w/ sun shining through the car windows on my arms, face or neck makes me break out in a rash and itch. that said, when we went to wdw in april 2003, i'd bought some banana boat maximum protection sunscreen w/ an spf of 50, which seemed to work ok, although i still itched, i got through it. fast forward to sept. 2005-we took a quickie trip to wdw for dd8's b-day, and i realized at the last minute that i hadn't bought any sunscreen, so i dug out the leftover banana boat-we were gone 2 days and my face was broken out for almost a week afterward, so obviously, this stuff is past it's prime, lol.

what sunscreen would you recommend for someone such as myself? i've looked at wal-mart, but can't find anything higher than spf 50. should i buy a new tube of banana boat max protection, should i check a drugstore, look online? HELP!!

 

[INDISMOM]

I recommend NO-AD -- I don't know if you can get 50 SPF, but I know you can get 45. I have very sensitive skin and this is one of the only ones that doesn't make my skin burn and break out with hives. It's also cheaper than the name brand ones.

Also, sunscreen has a shelf life of about 1 year, so I always throw out the old bottles at the end of the summer -- unless we are going to Disney .

***also just checked drugstore.com -- they have different sunscreens up to 70 SPF --- just do a search for SPF 70. AND there is a sport brand of NO AD that is 50 SPF.

 

[littleteapot]

When my husband was diagnosed with Rosacea, I did a lot of research on sunblock. Last year I ordered several tubes of Photoderm Max Lait 100 spf from www.beautycenter.co.uk. It took a few weeks to arrive, but I am very pleased. Both my dh and red-headed 5 yob swim team member made it through the summer without a hint of a burn. It is the best sunblock I've ever used. It was recommended by people on several Rosacea boards, it is non-irritating and effective.

Europe and Canada sell sunblocks with several ingredients that are still waiting for FDA approval.

hth,

 

[momof1princess]

thank you ladies! i'll definitely check both of those out! i was leaning toward the coppertone sport (found a bonus package at wal-mart-the bonus is a keychain bottle on a carabeener), but i have a few months to find something really good. thank you again!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Aveeno just came out with a sunscreen. They usually work well for sensitive skin. We are going to try it this trip.

 

[JELBoggio]

Bullfrog - great for sensitive skin. My DD breaks out in a rash and swells with certain brands. Her pediatrician recommended Bullfrog. It also is listed in INSTYLE Magazine in their current issue of in the "Best Beauty Buys" section.

 

[mommybunnyof2]

We're a BULLFROG using fam too. Just restocked for the summer -- my kids were allergic to just about everything out there and my ped recommended BULLFROG. We love the spray on and also the face stick so there's no running stuff in the eyes.

 

[fuji]

I use spectra 3 spf 50 I am very fair skinned and I didn't even tan in Florida with this.

 

[ruttie]

BULLFROG!! We are a bull frog family fair sensitive skin and avid swimmers we buy the GEL it is easy to go on casues no problems....

 

[Schmeck]

Neutregena (sp?) just came out with a new sunscreen that is super - no odor, not greasy, and waterproof too! Last year's version smelled like lilacs, too perfumy for me, but the new one doesn't even make my face break out, it's like a dry lotion.

 

[shamrock30]

Blue Lizard Baby or Blue Lizard for sensitive skin. (They are the same formula.) I think you can still buy them from drugstore.com.

 

[snickerboo]

I use Neutrogena or L'oreal Ombrelle. Ombrelle has one that is 45 SPF (kids, but it wouldn't matter) and one that is 60. Neutrogena's website says they have 45 and 55. I find both of these are excellent for our skin. I find the highly scented stuff (ie: Coppertone, Banana Boat, etc) to be the very worst. Water babies and Baby Faces made my daughter's skin turn bright red and itchy. I have even found the ones others suggest (like No Ad) to give my kids terrible rashes.

 

[Coloradomom]

Though it might cost a bit more, you could check with a dermatologist. MY DH's dermatologist gave him a list of ones he recommends for good coverage and skin types. He says a lot of them are not effective. I do not have this list right now....DH needs to get an updated list when he goes for his checkup next month.

 

[momof1princess]

you know, i hadn't thought of that...i have an online friend who's a dermatology resident in miami, i'm sure he'll have some good suggestions! thank you everyone!

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I don't know if I'm allergic to the sun or the sunscreen... Bullfrog is the only thing with real staying power, but it does not feel nice on. I've found some natural sunscreens for much $$ that don't leave me red, rashy, stinging or feeling like I'm covered in goo but I will try some of the suggestions here too.
My favorite trick is the SPF clothing. (I'm talking specialty fabrics woven to provide UPF 30-50 as wide brimmed hats some with shoulder flap, long shirts and long pants.) It really works for me and helps me to feel cooler than bare skin with lotion of any kind. The clothing is not cheap but is well worth it - much more so that I could have imagined before owning any. (I hiked to the bottom and back of the Grand Canyon during record July 2005 heat and have lived to tell the tale ) So when you see the crazy American woman at WDW impersonating "Matilda Outback," rather than contemplate what kind of insane fashion dunce/statement is that, wave at me and say, "Hi!"

 

[kepmaro]

Bullfrog - great for sensitive skin. My DD breaks out in a rash and swells with certain brands. Her pediatrician recommended Bullfrog. It also is listed in INSTYLE Magazine in their current issue of in the "Best Beauty Buys" section.

I have 4 young kids (4 and 2 year old triplets)...2 of them with nasty eczema...but I LOVE Bullfrog! It is the only thing that I can get on them without them running away or taking half of our pool time! It sprays great, and they haven't gotten burned with it, nor have they broken out. I use a baby sunblock stick for their faces.

 

[ruttie]

We can slatherr on Bullfrog Water Pro gel and head fo rteh beach and my red haired blue eyed boy can be out in teh surf all day and he does not even come home with even a bit of red! on the other hand It does take industrial strength soap to get it off at bath time