sun cream

[LeCras]

DH uses Bullfrog factor 36, this is a quick dry, once-a-day gel which we buy in Publix. He burns really easily but has always been fine with this. I also use this in the parks to avoid getting a t-shirt tan... By the pool I stick to factor 20-25, one of the spray varieties. I think it's Piz Buin.

For kids, I think it's wise to use the highest level of protection available. Skin damage from sun is accumulative, so this will help them stay healthy later in life too. Babies under six months old should not use sunscreen, and should be exposed to the sun as little as possible.

If in doubt, I'd say go with the higher figure. Getting a bad sunburn can really ruin a holiday - ask my DH about our honeymoon...

Charlotte

 

[Funky_dino]

We always buy our sun cream in florida, Publix is usually pretty good.
We go for banana boat or Panama jack
The sprays are usually rubbish though has anyone else found this out?
Although I did think I have ever got burnt whilst out at the parks in the 20+ years I have been going, and even when we do use it, it's SPF 2 or 4.

But last year my mum kept getting prickly heat so bad, we went to Walgreens and were told any Sun lotion that has a strong sweet smell to avoid. The stonger the smell of perfume the less protection it will give, and the best to use was unperfumed, hypoalergenic stuff. Unfortunetly it is about $15 for a very small bottle and it is roughly SPF40. But if it stops the heat and protects your skin it is well worth it.

 

[Goofyish]

We just take Boots Sultan (sp?) factor 40 at least for us all - can't see the point in getting different protection factors for adults and children - we all want the same protection from burning/skin cancer etc.

I have a Boots rrewards card so I save all my points up and then spend them on all our holidays sun creams, aftersun creams and insect stuff

 

[Vickitav]

We use Ultrasun, similar to P20 I believe, we use the factor 20 sport formula, it's not greasy at all and really does seem to last all day, we've never burnt at all, and we're very fair skinned. Way better than having to keep reapplying every few hours and covering yourself & your clothes with suncream.
I'm going to buy something cheap & cheerful to top up with on waterpark days, I wouldn't want to find out the hard way that it does wash off if you spend all day in the water!

 

[JohnnySharp2]

We always buy our sun cream in florida, Publix is usually pretty good.
We go for banana boat or Panama jack
The sprays are usually rubbish though has anyone else found this out?
Although I did think I have ever got burnt whilst out at the parks in the 20+ years I have been going, and even when we do use it, it's SPF 2 or 4.

But last year my mum kept getting prickly heat so bad, we went to Walgreens and were told any Sun lotion that has a strong sweet smell to avoid. The stonger the smell of perfume the less protection it will give, and the best to use was unperfumed, hypoalergenic stuff. Unfortunetly it is about $15 for a very small bottle and it is roughly SPF40. But if it stops the heat and protects your skin it is well worth it.

We find the spray's appear more watery in consistency, but find them easier to apply when out and about.

I have never thought about the effectiveness of the stronger smelling lotions, as I said earlier we buy Australian Gold from Publix as I would rather not have the extra weight in our cases, it's a top product and we like the smell too.

 

[PoppyAnna]

Another vote for P20 - I am fair with freckles and I have a red haired 2yo DD. We use it on the girls too. For those of you thinking that doesn't sound like much protection for children - with the regular creams/lotions/sprays it's the reapplying that keeps the protection consistent. Because it's a guranteed 20spf ALL DAY it's fantastic. Yes, it is pricey - but you can't put a price on a sunburn free holiday - especially with little un's.
We used it for both our trips to WDW last year and its the only product that means DH doesnt get the back of his neck burned, eldest DD and I came home looking "healthy" with a little bloom of colour and youngest DD (the red head) had no colour change whatsoever.
We were nervous the first time we used it but it does work.

 

[dor1]

Hi all we've used p20 in europe in the past and its been fab,just wondering if you can actually buy the product in orlando?
Gotta be worth asking as it's sure to be cheaper.

 

[PoppyAnna]

Hi all we've used p20 in europe in the past and its been fab,just wondering if you can actually buy the product in orlando?
Gotta be worth asking as it's sure to be cheaper.

I have never seen it outside Europe. As it's a German product, I would imagine if you did ever find it in the US it would probably be more expensive.
Somebody earlier on the thread said it was cheaper in costco, just been on Superdrug and the larger size (200ml) is £21.95.

 

[Vickitav]

I get Ultrasun from ifsogo.com, I think they do P20 as well.

Ultrasun also do a factor 28 I think, but it's a proper thick cream, whereas the sport factor 20 is a clear liquid that goes on really easily.

The only thing with the all-day creams is that they must be applied at least 1/2 an hour before you go out into the sun, something to do with it bonding to the surface of the skin, but that's not really a problem as long as you get into the habit of putting it on as you get dressed.

 

[princess jackson]

Another P20 and Pizbuin once a day.

I hate doing the sun cream ritual, so once a day its great

 

[higgy66]

I would never have thought of P20 as I always use factor 40+ on my DDs

Will give this a try in Spain this summer. The thought of applying once a day really appeals to me?

What's it like if you're swimming?

 

[PoppyAnna]

I would never have thought of P20 as I always use factor 40+ on my DDs

Will give this a try in Spain this summer. The thought of applying once a day really appeals to me?

What's it like if you're swimming?

In our experience - perfect!
We did three long waterpark days in October with no burning, and as you know the reflective property of all that water can increase the suns rays.
DD2 did have some Banana Boat Tear free 40spf on her face as she has really sensitive eye area. I wouldn't hesitate to use it again for the whole family - in fact, it's the only product DH will use as the girls aren't very good when it comes to sun cream application

 

[stephensmum]

We swear by Piz Buin 1 Day Long SPF30, one application lasts for about 8-10 hours and so its really convenient. It ends up working out as being pretty good value too.

We get this also. Boots do one too now but for me this as a nicer fragrance. In 05 & 07 we managed to get this buy 1 get 1 free, at Boots & Superdrug. It is so convienient, we usually apply at morning, hit the parks & thats it, may top up exposted bits like face, shoulders.

 

[barnaby1]

Another pale skinned redhead here. We always use walgreen's own brand childrens factor 50. It is cheap (about $5 from memory) and we then only have to carry 1 bottle instead of 2!

 

[Lizzybear]

Me and bf use factor 40/50 as we're paranoid about tattoos fading and not bothered about tanning, with kids i'd use factor 30 minimum.

 

[Funky_dino]

Do many people get burnt whilst walking around the parks? Ive never really caught the sun that badly whilst walking around