Slightly OT: best sunscreen recommendation for use at WDW

[MindyLuvsMickey]

I agree with California Baby. Just so you know, because I had an awful time finding it, it's not with the other sun screens at Target. Its in the baby aisle.

 

[Liltx]

FYI The EWG is an extreme organization who lobbies against ANY man-made chemicals. If you are also against this then the website is a wonderful resource. If you are not then the website is not that helpful because they will not recommend any product (including safe ones) that have any of these chemicals. They are also against vitamin A and any sunblock over spf 50. If you have sensitive skin it can be helpful.

I would choose something that's easy to apply and has broad spectrum protection of spf 50. I like regular lotion type from Aveeno but others like the spray. If you don't like the product you buy you are less likely to reapply. Reapplication time is very important and where most people are lax and in turn get sun damage.

 

[Liltx]

From the American Academy of Dermatology

Q: How much sunscreen should be used, and how often should it be applied?
A: Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outdoors. When using sunscreen, be sure to apply it to all exposed areas and pay particular attention to the face, ears, hands, and arms. Coat the skin liberally and rub it in thoroughly — most people apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen.7

One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is considered the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Don't forget that lips get sunburned, too, so apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Sunscreens should be reapplied approximately every two hours or after swimming or perspiring heavily. Even so-called "water-resistant" sunscreens may lose their effectiveness after 40 minutes in the water. Sunscreens rub off as well as wash off, so if you've towel-dried, reapply sunscreen for continued protection.

Also, there are a number of combination cosmetic products, such as moisturizers that contain sunscreen, but it is important to remember that these products also need to be reapplied to achieve continued UV protection.

 

[nytimez]

FYI The EWG is an extreme organization who lobbies against ANY man-made chemicals. If you are also against this then the website is a wonderful resource. If you are not then the website is not that helpful because they will not recommend any product (including safe ones) that have any of these chemicals. They are also against vitamin A and any sunblock over spf 50. If you have sensitive skin it can be helpful.

I would choose something that's easy to apply and has broad spectrum protection of spf 50. I like regular lotion type from Aveeno but others like the spray. If you don't like the product you buy you are less likely to reapply. Reapplication time is very important and where most people are lax and in turn get sun damage.

Weird how EWG actually recommends quite a few sunscreens, all of which contain chemicals, if they're so extreme and so against "ANY man-made" chemicals.

In fact, making such a statement that flies in the face the facts sounds rather... extreme.

I think people here can choose to inform themselves without someone launching uninformed attacks against the groups that are providing some of the information.

 

[epcot.girl]

Most of the name brands from Walmart or other mass retailers, Coppertone, Neutrogena, etc., are not good. They are filled with chemicals, and some of them, despite saying broad spectrum, actually don't do a good job of blocking harmful rays.

. . .

You want to stick with Blue Lizard, California Baby, Loving Naturals or Badger, as these use titanium dioxide, so it's mineral based. Goes on a bit thicker, but this way, you can see where it goes, and it covers well.

Well yes, that's rather the point of a chemical lotion sunscreen - and titanium dioxide is also a chemical (even though it acts as a physical sunscreen). Titanium dioxide also potentially has issues, along with zinc oxide, due to the fact that it's in the form of nano particles and may be absorbed by the skin rather than just sit on top of it (from what I've read though people with sensitive skin generally do better with zinc oxide than titanium dioxide). Anecdotally, I've found that zinc oxide doesn't sting my eyes, while sunscreens containing titanium dioxide do.

I agree about the broad spectrum thing - which is why we have a UVA star rating system over here, in addition to UVB ratings. The FDA licensed it for use in the US back in 2007 I believe but it hasn't taken effect for some reason.

I would recommend not bothering with anything above SPF 50 - I don't go over SPF 30 (and 5 star UVA) myself - because the increase in chemicals does not result in a linear increase in protection:
SPF 15 only lets through 1/15 of UVB (it blocks ~93.3%)
SPF 30 only lets through 1/30 of UVB (it blocks ~96.7%)
SPF 50 only lets through 1/50 of UVB (it blocks ~98.0%)
SPF 70 only lets through 1/70 of UVS (it blocks ~98.6%)

 

[Liltx]

Weird how EWG actually recommends quite a few sunscreens, all of which contain chemicals, if they're so extreme and so against "ANY man-made" chemicals.

In fact, making such a statement that flies in the face the facts sounds rather... extreme.

I think people here can choose to inform themselves without someone launching uninformed attacks against the groups that are providing some of the information.

I didn't say they don't recommend chemicals just not made man ones. The only chemicals they recommend are zinc and titanium. I am not attacking anyone and actually said that the website is helpful if you believe the man made chemicals are harmful. I just think that everyone should know they are a lobbying group and what their beliefs are. No big deal clam down I am not attacking you.

 

[wrighter]

I swear by Coppertone Kids Continuous Spray. The one in the green bottle. It is SPF 50, goes on clear, and is pretty much instantaneously effective. The past two summers I have used this on my whole family at the pool. I don't put it on until we get there, just spray it on, have the kids stand still for about 2 minutes while it dries, and they're off and running. Knock wood, nobody has been sunburned the past two seasons! (I do reapply, of course.)

It goes on clear and we have not had a problem (yet!) with staining.

 

[Tiger926]

Where do you get those kind of sunscreens up in Canada, or do you buy them in the US?

I stocked up about 2 yrs ago on Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic as they offered coupons and were under $5 a bottle. I tried to get the bottles with the longest expiry date. I have bottles that are still good.

Some of them are available here, and some of them I buy while in the US.

I just ordered a bottle of Blue Lizard )and I'm waiting to try it out. My daughter has extrememly sensitive skin and we're very limited in what we can use on her. We've tried California Baby and Badger along with a couple other mineral sunscreens and I just can't stand the feel of them (not to mention that Badger definitely stains clothing and still gave her a rash). I've been spending a lot of time on EWG's website tryng to find a sunscreen that is effective and reasonably safe that I can handle the way it feels. I'm hoping that Blue Lizard will be the one for us. I've also heard good things about Dr. T's Supergoop and KINeSYS. Neither of them is chemical free, but they're rated much better by EWG than most chemical based sunscreens. We may have to try those if the Blue Lizard doesn't do it for us. Good Luck!

Here are the EWG links to a couple that I mentioned (the lower the rating the better)

Blue Lizard - both the sensitive and baby versions have a rating of 2 on EWG...other formulas have higher rating
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sun...lue_Lizard_Baby_Australian_Suncream,_SPF_30+/

Dr. T's Supergoop
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sun...39/Doctor_T's_Supergoop!_Everyday_UV,_SPF_30/

KINeSYS - some of their formulas have a higher rating but this one is pretty low at a 3
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sun...een_with_Parsol_1789,_Fragrance_Free,_SPF_30/

Thanks for mentioning Kinesys, as I forgot to mention that one, as we like it as well. We don't use it often though as we don't find the coverage is as great as the other ones I mentioned, but it is available at Costco, so it's easy to get.

Well yes, that's rather the point of a chemical lotion sunscreen - and titanium dioxide is also a chemical (even though it acts as a physical sunscreen). Titanium dioxide also potentially has issues, along with zinc oxide, due to the fact that it's in the form of nano particles and may be absorbed by the skin rather than just sit on top of it (from what I've read though people with sensitive skin generally do better with zinc oxide than titanium dioxide). Anecdotally, I've found that zinc oxide doesn't sting my eyes, while sunscreens containing titanium dioxide do.

I agree about the broad spectrum thing - which is why we have a UVA star rating system over here, in addition to UVB ratings. The FDA licensed it for use in the US back in 2007 I believe but it hasn't taken effect for some reason.

I would recommend not bothering with anything above SPF 50 - I don't go over SPF 30 (and 5 star UVA) myself - because the increase in chemicals does not result in a linear increase in protection:
SPF 15 only lets through 1/15 of UVB (it blocks ~93.3%)
SPF 30 only lets through 1/30 of UVB (it blocks ~96.7%)
SPF 50 only lets through 1/50 of UVB (it blocks ~98.0%)
SPF 70 only lets through 1/70 of UVS (it blocks ~98.6%)

Many of us can't have chemical sunscreens, so we need to use titanium or zinc oxide. There is still lots of research to be done, but the physical block sunscreens do seem to offer more protection, especially for broad spectrum, which is essential, especially in the hot Orlando sun.

Excellent advice on SPF ratings too - people seem to think that 80 or 100 SPF will totally prevent sunburns, and that's not how it works. Thanks!

I didn't say they don't recommend chemicals just not made man ones. The only chemicals they recommend are zinc and titanium. I am not attacking anyone and actually said that the website is helpful if you believe the man made chemicals are harmful. I just think that everyone should know they are a lobbying group and what their beliefs are. No big deal clam down I am not attacking you.

Why would they recommend products that don't do their job of broad spectrum coverage, as well as that are harmful to the environment and our bodies? They are lobbying for a worldwide, or at least North American suncreen rating system that is consistent and easy for consumers to understand. They are also advocating for consistent definitions and ratings on SPF and broad spectrum. What in the world is wrong with that?

They rate all sunscreens, and so you can put in any brand, and get invaluable information. Much better than Consumer Reports, which is totally bogus. People can go on EWG's website and make informed decisions about the product that they are thinking of purchasing, what's wrong with that? They aren't preventing anyone from buying anything, as they are just providing ratings scales that are very helpful for consumers, as far as I'm concerned.

The problem right now, is that sunscreens are not regulated, nor under a consistent ratings system, and that is dangerous for consumers, as skin cancer is at an all time high, and so this is an area that is very important, especially for those of us who spend several weeks each year in the hot Florida sun.

Tiger

 

[Wadecool]

If I'm not mistaken, the OP simply asked for recommendations for good sunscreens to use, not a background into political lobbying groups. Its sunscreen. If you have a particular brand you like, by all means recommend it. I have actually been jotting down a few of these to try on our upcoming trip to FLA. My daughter has sensitive skin and the Neutrogena SPF 100 has worked well for her and us.

 

[YodaGirl]

If I'm not mistaken, the OP simply asked for recommendations for good sunscreens to use, not a background into political lobbying groups. Its sunscreen. If you have a particular brand you like, by all means recommend it. I have actually been jotting down a few of these to try on our upcoming trip to FLA. My daughter has sensitive skin and the Neutrogena SPF 100 has worked well for her and us.

 

[Tiger926]

If I'm not mistaken, the OP simply asked for recommendations for good sunscreens to use, not a background into political lobbying groups. Its sunscreen. If you have a particular brand you like, by all means recommend it. I have actually been jotting down a few of these to try on our upcoming trip to FLA. My daughter has sensitive skin and the Neutrogena SPF 100 has worked well for her and us.

I wasn't trying to hijack the thread, sorry if that was how it was taken.

I just wanted to better explain how useful that website is, based on the other poster's comments about it.

I find it invaluable as it shows what the bottles of sunscreen look like, amounts, different types, ingredients (which are different in Canada vs US), etc. Being from Canada, we can't get some of those sunscreens here, so it's been helpful for me to take a photo with me of the actual product to the store for purchase when I'm in the US on vacation.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[BonnieA]

I discovered Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunblock. You can't even feel it after putting it on. I hate the sticky feeling I used to get with other sunblocks.

 

[PoohsFan1]

I used the spray on Coppertone Sport SPF 50 for my kids a couple of weeks ago. It worked great neither one of the girls got sun burnt. The only problem was I forgot to pack ours before we left so I was stuck paying Disney prices . However, I have to agree with you that if you have never used sunscreen on your 15month old, then maybe you should go with something more natural like California Baby that was already mentioned.

 

[All American]

If I'm not mistaken, the OP simply asked for recommendations for good sunscreens to use, not a background into political lobbying groups. Its sunscreen. If you have a particular brand you like, by all means recommend it. I have actually been jotting down a few of these to try on our upcoming trip to FLA. My daughter has sensitive skin and the Neutrogena SPF 100 has worked well for her and us.

With that being said, I can tell you what not to use. Hawaiian Tropic Suntan Oil, SPF 2 hastily applied only once--worst sunburn of my life. I was in high school and have never forgotten. It was a painful learning experience, and I don't care what kind of sunblock I use--Coppertone, Banana Boat, Generic, a total body SPF swimsuit. As long as I'm not burned at the end of the day, I'm happy.

 

[mousegear]

Neutrogena SPF 60 that is in the tube.... and slightly more expensive but works great are Lancome Soleul Untra SPF 40 face and body lotion and Shiseido SPF 60 face and body lotion.

 

[hardingk]

This is a great thread. I was recently diagnosed with skin cancer last fall and now that I have been deemed NED (No Evidence of Diease) after 2 major surgies and several scans - I don't leave the house without sunscreen on. I always wear a 30 on my face and a min. of 30 anywhere else exposed.

I really like Neutrogena Ultra Sheet bc it sprayed on so nicely; however, it is not recommened by the skin cancer foundation. I love the Colorscience Powder Sunscreen and use it often, but bc I have to use so much so often - it is expensive so I save that for special occasions when I don't want to slather the other stuff on or for emergencies. I like Aveeno & Coopertone. Also Soleo makes an organic sunscreen that is great. We used California Baby when DD was a baby too and that is really good.

The other thing I recommend is Coolibar clothing. I always wear a hat whenever I leave the house, and they have a great line of UPF 50+ hats, clothing, gloves, umbrellas etc and was the best brand my dermotologist recommened for sun protective clothing.

But no matter what kind you use - ALWAYS wear sunscreen out the sun!

 

[hardingk]

Here are the links to the Skin Cancer Foundation's Sunscreen Lists that have their seal of Approval. The first is Sunscreen and the 2nd is Children's sunscreen.

*Please note they do not list organic/natural sunscreens.

http://www.skincancer.org/seal/display.php?c=1

http://www.skincancer.org/seal/display.php?c=3

 

[Welcome Home]

My family uses Trukid lotion or colorescience sunforgettable powder. I love them both.

http://www.amazon.com/TruKid-Sunny-...sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=beauty&qid=1306619101&sr=8-2

http://www.amazon.com/Colorescience...21NW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1306619179&sr=8-3

 

[Shanan]

Thanks Tiger926. Will check it out.

 

[Vivianne]

I usually wear any sunscreen 45+

I have a scar from a fall and the advice I got from my plastic surgeon was
to wear a hat and some type of sunscreen.

So, I recommend a hat of some kind...wide brimmed or sun visor...something
will be better than nothing and good for your skin.

People I know tell me I didn't get any sun after my vacations. Rather than
going through some detailed explanation, I just go...