Best Sunscreen

[BamaEd1]

Hey Fellow WISH'ers

I'm running in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon this weekend and have no clue what the best sunscreen is for an event like this. I'm usually more sedentary when I use it (like at the beach) so I can reapply as needed. I have a shaved head so coming home glowing is not something that I want to do.

Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[chimera]

Hey Fellow WISH'ers

I'm running in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon this weekend and have no clue what the best sunscreen is for an event like this. I'm usually more sedentary when I use it (like at the beach) so I can reapply as needed. I have a shaved head so coming home glowing is not something that I want to do.

Thanks!!!!!!!

My first job out of undergrad was making Panama Jack sunscreens!

Just generally, you need something that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Most will say so on the front of the bottle, but look on the ingredients list for oxybenzone or avobenzone. Those are the UVA blockers. Peak sun hours are between 10 am and 4pm so if you'll finish before 10am, you'll likely only need one good application. Most folks only need SPF 30 or 45, those 50 and 75 ones out there are overkill. I dont remember the exact numbers, but SPF 30 blocks something like 95% of the suns UV rays. Upgrading to 45 blocks 97 to 98% of the UV rays so diminishing returns with increasing SPF.

Personally, I like Bullfrog as a brand. They've been on the UVA bandwagon a long time. I like their gels instead of the lotion as they seem to dry faster though can be a bit sticky. I'm not a fan of the aerosols...too much lost to the air and I can so smell the alcohol. I avoid Banana Boat which may not be fair. When I worked for PJ, Banana Boat got in trouble with the FDA for not having their SPFs up to par, but that was 15 years ago and I'm sure it's better since they're still on the market.

Dont forget sunscreen on your ears...huge site of skin cancer particularly for men. Also don't forget lip balm with sunscreen.

 

[BamaEd1]

Thanks, Mel. Bullfrog is usually our prefered brand but I'm worried that it will come off with all of the sweating that will happen in the course of a long race.

 

[scoolover]

I have had good luck with Bullfrog. I wear it at most races and have not noticed a problem with it comming off.

 

[rKyDeX]

X 4 for Bullfrog

 

[dsnyfan21]

I use the Bull Frog SPF 36 Quick Gel Sport Spray Sunblock.
It says it has a UV extender that allows the UVA & UVB to protect longer. The one I have is not an aresol but more like a pump and can spray upside down. It dries very quickly. It's waterproof and sweatproof. Non greasy but alittle tacky whe first applied. I also will spray some on my hand to wipe it around. I love it and use it all the time!! It workd pretty good in SE Florida.

 

[Kristi1357]

I have been using Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock Ozone Sport SPF 60 for all my races & any beach days for the past two years. It is really thick and I really slather that stuff on. I have never gotten burned with that!
http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_1006094_hawaiian_tropic_sunblock_ozone_sport_spf_reviews

And this is from a very fair-skinned redhead.
If I use SPF 30 at the beach or pool all day, I still tend to get pink.
This stuff works!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I really like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer sunscreen. It's non-greasy and doesn't run.