Calling all Gingers (and other fair-skinned folk)

[LuckyBelle81]

We are heading down in 10 days (!!) and I'm trying to figure out my sunscreen strategy. We have traditionally gone in the Spring and Summer when there was no question of how much sunscreen I should use and how often I should reapply. But this is the first time we've gone for more than a couple of days in the Fall. I wear sunscreen everyday so I will definitely be using it but I'm trying to decide how much to worry about it with the kids (they don't burn quite as easily as I do) and how much I should harass DH about it (he's reluctant in July at the beach). Also, we will be Disney Bounding several of the days we will be there and my outfits do not include hats so I'm just thinking about the fact that my face will be more exposed than it normally would on a day at the parks. I know this probably seems trivial to most people but I thought my fellow pale-skinned peeps might have some insight and appreciate this kind of problem.

 

[Baklava]

I have always been one of those obnoxious people who does not burn... right up until the day I got placed on two prescription drugs that have a side effect of sun sensitivity. It was a rude awakening. I asked DH, "Is this what it's like being one of the pasty people? It's very unpleasant!"

Focus on you and the kids. Offer it to DH when you're putting it on the children and there's a stop anyway, and he may be more receptive. You should reapply often and treat yourself to whatever sort of sunscreen you like best, even if it is more expensive. You're more likely to *use* a product you like. If you like spray, don't cut costs with a cheaper lotion you won't want to use.

 

[LuckyBelle81]

Good points Baklava! Thanks!

 

[loves to dive]

Sun is sun, doesn't matter what time of the year it is, if it's shining and you burn easily you will burn without sun screen. I'm another of those fortunate ones that has olive toned skin so I don't burn, I am, however allergic to the sun. Talk about a bummer. I have to cover up and wear sun screen all year.

 

[Bluegrrl]

I have a red head boy, and I also burn a lot. Use sunscreen. Use it a lot. There is nothing more unpleasant or unslightly that being burned like a lobster.
The worst mistake people make is not wearing sunscreen during days that are overcast or cool. Folks don't think that you can burn, but you most certainly can!

There are lots of sunscreens on the market that don't smell like sunscreen/beachy, so if that is a concern (like it is for me), look into getting them. Badger makes a lavender scented one, but it is kinda thick since it's made with zinc. You really have to smooth it out to prevent looking like some demented ghost. Alba makes a green tea scented one, which is nice to wear. Aveeno makes a great and smooth one that smells like pretty lotion instead of the beach. We also like California baby for our baby (and you can use it too!) A lot of people wear plant based sunscreen, but I think wearing anything rather that nothing is best. Put it on first thing in the morning, and then reapply as the day goes on. Be sure to get a broad spectrum sunscreen.

Apply the sunscreen every where, even where you think you might not need it. That includes tops of feet, back of shins and back of neck and arms. Do every part of your body. Remember that the sun can even go through clothing.

One other thing - there are lots of makeup/foundations on the market that have an sunscreen in them, and I find them to be helpful. Look for one that have broad spectrum sunscreen and you should not only look pretty, but also be protected!

I know I sound over-kill, but it's so easy to protect yourself, why not do it? Why get painful burns when you could slap on some lotion and not burn? Have fun and bring that sunscreen!

 

[kj2mom]

My children are redheads and while we were there in July, my strategy would be the same anytime of year because of their complexion. I had watched a test of sunscreens on TV and the one that tested best in my range was the Walmart Equate Ultra Protection 50. I literally ran out the next day and bought some. I can not say enough positive about this lotion. Typically no matter how much we try we always have that spot that was missed or that the reapply was too late but with this we lotioned in the morning waiting for rope drop and we relotioned after our lunch and none of us has so much as a pinpoint of burn. None of us wore hats and were fine with just the lotion (don't forget ears). We had a small bottle (the 3oz okay for airline carry on) that I filled each night in preparation for the next day so we didn't have to carry around the big bottle but had enough to get through the day.

 

[LuckyBelle81]

I actually went out and bought the Equate kids sunscreen too! Must have seen the same thing you did or read it somewhere. I was really surprised at how well it performed over the summer. I'm definitely planning on taking it with us. My daily moisturizer has SPF 35 and my foundation cream has SPF 15 but I don't know if I should add something on top or replace the moisturizer with something with a higher SPF. I don't really know how layering SPFs works. I've used some of the Neutrogena sunscreens on my face before with success so I think I may go to one of those.

 

[msmama]

I basically won't be outside in Florida without a hat. As a burner who has had several basal cell carcinoma's removed, that's what struck me about your original post. I actually have a special hat I only wear at WDW, even!!

My strategy with sunscreen (any time of year) is to lotion up in the morning and then use a spray to reapply during the day. It's what works best for us (even though I know there's a big backlash against spray sunscreen, I'd rather those chemicals than the suns rays).

 

[Pesky]

I certainly cannot have sunlight ruining my consumptive pallor. DH jokes that he is amazed I don't burn up instantly when sunlight falls on me. Yeah. DS has my complexion while DD has MIL's so she tans. Regardless, especially knowing someone who just passed away from melanoma in her early 30s, I make EVERYONE put on sunblock. I handle me and the kids and DH does himself (which does explain probably why he burns now and again ::shakes head:. It's just something that my family knows is non-negotiable. For fall days, I will play it by ear but the kids at least get a coat in the morning.