Sun sensitivity

[jbrinkm]

I use these when I really need full coverage in the water. I did have to size up - not sure if everyone does. I use swim pants and long sleeved rash guard with bikini top underneath.

 

[Dispro1]

I'm all over this thread... Hope I'm not hijacking it - This is a subject I'm passionate about!

The only sunscreen that I can wear on my face without irritation is from Juice Beauty. It is expensive, so I use other brands for the rest, but I always have to have some of that in the summer. It comes plain or tinted. I like the tinted for outdoor summer adventures where it can substitute for foundation and reduces that zinc/white "glow" you can get with mineral sunblock.

We're all just here to help each other have the best trip possible, right? I really appreciate any tips that people can give me because this is all new to me and there is so much uncertainty in my life right now! I did find a hat I might need to order from Sunday Afternoon you recommended!

Lol, thanks for posting. I’m glad for any suggestions. I’ve never heard of Juice Beauty. I usually use Neutrogena because my skin doesn’t react to it. I have chronic hives that can get set off by anything, so I try to stick with what I know works and won’t give me a flare.

I bought a bunch of UPF 50 shirts, a few hats, and I just ordered sleeves too. I’m debating what to do about swimwear. I always wear rash guards anyway, and would wear swim shorts, but shorts doesn’t seem like enough coverage. And then I wonder if I should be out swimming anyway.

I have always used Neutrogena face sunscreen too so I'm glad to hear that still works for you. I have been getting a bit of a butterfly rash on my face lately so I certainly don't want to irritate that! My doctor said it's ok for me to be in the pool for a little while with a rash guard and lots of sunscreen of course, but she didn't say anything about needing to wear leggings?? She just said I needed to be completely covered when poolside. I was hoping that the sunscreen and my legs being under water would be enough since I can't be in the heat or sun for very long at one time anyway. I hope I'm not wrong and learn the hard way, but I'm much more worried about the parks!

 

[bluecruiser]

Thanks to @jbrinkm for the mention of Sunday Afternoons! I'm always on the lookout for good sun-protection hats. Has anyone bought any of their Adventure hats? I love this style with the flap to protect the back of your neck, as well as the color varieties they offer. Looking for feedback on the pros/cons of the different Adventure Hat styles.

 

[lauritagoddess]

I have always used Neutrogena face sunscreen too so I'm glad to hear that still works for you. I have been getting a bit of a butterfly rash on my face lately so I certainly don't want to irritate that! My doctor said it's ok for me to be in the pool for a little while with a rash guard and lots of sunscreen of course, but she didn't say anything about needing to wear leggings?? She just said I needed to be completely covered when poolside. I was hoping that the sunscreen and my legs being under water would be enough since I can't be in the heat or sun for very long at one time anyway. I hope I'm not wrong and learn the hard way, but I'm much more worried about the parks!

I’ll have to ask my doctor about what to wear on my legs. I would only be in the sun while I was in the water, I wouldn’t be laying out in the sun on the pool deck.

My concern with the parks and covering up is that I also have hyperhidrosis. I’m on meds now that are helping, but I have a competing need to cover up, wit wanting to not get ridiculously sweaty.

 

[jbrinkm]

Thanks to @jbrinkm for the mention of Sunday Afternoons! I'm always on the lookout for good sun-protection hats. Has anyone bought any of their Adventure hats? I love this style with the flap to protect the back of your neck, as well as the color varieties they offer. Looking for feedback on the pros/cons of the different Adventure Hat styles.

You're welcome! Glad you like them - they've always been my favorite since I first got them for my kids when they were little (especially at the beach).

I have the Shade Goddess hat, but I think that all of them in that style are pretty similar. I chose the Shade Goddess because I wear a ponytail 99% of the time in the summer and I liked the opening at the back. It has the seam in the front so it can fold and pack - which is convenient but I think I like the look of the brims that don't fold slightly more. When it is windy, I love the chin strap, but when it is not, it annoys me and I tuck it up into the hat on the top of my head or around the back of my neck. I might get another one this year in a different style so I'd also love to hear if people try any of the others at WDW!

 

[Starwind]

I bought a bunch of UPF 50 shirts, a few hats, and I just ordered sleeves too. I’m debating what to do about swimwear. I always wear rash guards anyway, and would wear swim shorts, but shorts doesn’t seem like enough coverage. And then I wonder if I should be out swimming anyway.

Coolibar sells very a couple styles of nice swim tights in varying lengths [eg long short, capri, full length].

I wear those (full length) and a long sleeve rash guard over top a one piece bathing suit. If I want more protection I have a UPF 50 sim hood gloves, and socks. I also have a different rash guard that has a built in hood that I can replace the normal rash guard with. And a chlorine and salt water safe sun hat, and proper sunglasses if not going underwater.

SW

 

[Starwind]

I’ll have to ask my doctor about what to wear on my legs. I would only be in the sun while I was in the water, I wouldn’t be laying out in the sun on the pool deck.

My concern with the parks and covering up is that I also have hyperhidrosis. I’m on meds now that are helping, but I have a competing need to cover up, wit wanting to not get ridiculously sweaty.

I also have hyperhidrosis. For me, my solution is layers. A suitable undershirt for those who sweat a lot [e.g. Thompson Tee ( https://thompsontee.com/ ) ; I use a men's style because it offers better coverage of their special underarm area than the women's styles]. A cotton tshirt over it. And then a lightweight UPF 50+ THIN weight layer over that -- coverup, loose shirt, jacket, whatever is comfortable and weather appropriate. I also have rain jackets and windbreakers if needed to go over everything. If a bra or tummy liner is needed to deal with sweat in those locations, I recommend Pambra's: https://pambras.com/

I find getting the fabric right for the UPF layer is important. In hot weather, the right fabric can mean I a COOLER with it than without it. It will catch and amplify a breeze [but still stay covering me]. It will act as a barrier to direct sun on my skin [which is painful, so the barrier is awesome!] which also significantly reduces heat, it wicks away moisture which helps with cooling and the sweating issue. My favourite cover tops for hot days use Coolibar's Aire fabric, but they have a range of fabrics to choose from, as do other manufacturers.

YMMV. Hope this helps.

 

[lauritagoddess]

I also have hyperhidrosis. For me, my solution is layers. A suitable undershirt for those who sweat a lot [e.g. Thompson Tee ( https://thompsontee.com/ ) ; I use a men's style because it offers better coverage of their special underarm area than the women's styles]. A cotton tshirt over it. And then a lightweight UPF 50+ THIN weight layer over that -- coverup, loose shirt, jacket, whatever is comfortable and weather appropriate. I also have rain jackets and windbreakers if needed to go over everything. If a bra or tummy liner is needed to deal with sweat in those locations, I recommend Pambra's: https://pambras.com/

I find getting the fabric right for the UPF layer is important. In hot weather, the right fabric can mean I a COOLER with it than without it. It will catch and amplify a breeze [but still stay covering me]. It will act as a barrier to direct sun on my skin [which is painful, so the barrier is awesome!] which also significantly reduces heat, it wicks away moisture which helps with cooling and the sweating issue. My favourite cover tops for hot days use Coolibar's Aire fabric, but they have a range of fabrics to choose from, as do other manufacturers.

YMMV. Hope this helps.

Good recommendation about the layers. I actually have liners from Pambra. I’ve used the ones for the bra. I actually prefer these now. https://decentexposures.com/Bras/Sweat-Pads . They’re not as wide as the Pambras, but they’re very absorbent and comfortable.

 

[Dispro1]

I also have hyperhidrosis. For me, my solution is layers. A suitable undershirt for those who sweat a lot [e.g. Thompson Tee ( https://thompsontee.com/ ) ; I use a men's style because it offers better coverage of their special underarm area than the women's styles]. A cotton tshirt over it. And then a lightweight UPF 50+ THIN weight layer over that -- coverup, loose shirt, jacket, whatever is comfortable and weather appropriate. I also have rain jackets and windbreakers if needed to go over everything. If a bra or tummy liner is needed to deal with sweat in those locations, I recommend Pambra's: https://pambras.com/

I find getting the fabric right for the UPF layer is important. In hot weather, the right fabric can mean I a COOLER with it than without it. It will catch and amplify a breeze [but still stay covering me]. It will act as a barrier to direct sun on my skin [which is painful, so the barrier is awesome!] which also significantly reduces heat, it wicks away moisture which helps with cooling and the sweating issue. My favourite cover tops for hot days use Coolibar's Aire fabric, but they have a range of fabrics to choose from, as do other manufacturers.

YMMV. Hope this helps.

I love the feel of Coolibar's Aire fabric, but I had planned to wear the cardigan style wrap made with their Zno fabric over a sleeveless undershirt. Do you have any experience with the Zno fabric in hot weather? Their leggings are made with Zno fabric too.

 

[Starwind]

I love the feel of Coolibar's Aire fabric, but I had planned to wear the cardigan style wrap made with their Zno fabric over a sleeveless undershirt. Do you have any experience with the Zno fabric in hot weather? Their leggings are made with Zno fabric too.

My sister has one of their Zno wraps: 01263 Women's Marietas Sun Wrap UPF 50+

She's had it for a number of years and has worn it at WDW and on our DCL cruises. However, she finds it a little heavy and would rather have the Aire fabric in one of their zip-up coverups. She just shouted to me that the Zno would be good on a cruise ship if I get cold after eating (I often feel chilly after I eat). YMMV.

Keep in mind she is wearing it over a tshirt, so over the equivalent of a tank top you may be ok. I would suggest bringing an alternative in case you do find it too heavy. An advantage of the Aire fabric is it folds up small so is easy to pack into a park bag

 

[Lilsia]

Funny story - the last time we visited, the whole family was wearing our sun hats all day while in the parks. We went to dinner one night at one of the resorts and, in the elevator with us, was a dermatologist who said that she was sitting behind us at It's Tough to Be a Bug at AK and how happy she was to see us protecting our skin!

We are big on having head coverage, especially when the kids were little. I get so angry when I see really little ones with nothing protecting their heads from the sun. I guess some parents just don't think about it since they don't use them but little ones have sensitive, new skin that needs to be covered. I wish that they had public service announcements about that as well as face coverings.

 

[Starwind]

I have always used Neutrogena face sunscreen too so I'm glad to hear that still works for you. I have been getting a bit of a butterfly rash on my face lately so I certainly don't want to irritate that! My doctor said it's ok for me to be in the pool for a little while with a rash guard and lots of sunscreen of course, but she didn't say anything about needing to wear leggings?? She just said I needed to be completely covered when poolside. I was hoping that the sunscreen and my legs being under water would be enough since I can't be in the heat or sun for very long at one time anyway. I hope I'm not wrong and learn the hard way, but I'm much more worried about the parks!

The water provides little protection from the sun; you can sunburn underwater. see: https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/can-you-get-sunburnt-underwater/

For me, quality UPF 50+ swim tights is the way to go as I don't have to put sunscreen on covered areas [which I react to anyway, and which needs reapplying regularly, especially when playing in water] and they work in the water and on the pool deck/beach. Coolibar has a whole selection of swim tights ( https://www.coolibar.com/search/?q=swim+tights ), I'm sure other companies do too. I suggest full-length ones that go well to the ankle so you have full coverage.

Also think of your feet. I wear a good watershoe - I have Crocs swiftwater but they no longer make the style I have. Lands End and others make nice full-coverage water shoes with good soles, eg https://www.landsend.com/products/womens-slip-on-water-shoes/id_343106?attributes=7223

If you really want to go all out, a pair of swim socks - actually, they are thin fin socks normally worn by people wearing snorkelling or scuba fins. I got a pair of Deep See Lycra Fin Socks from Amazon. Made of Lycra, seams not in uncomfortable places, and since I am wearing them inside water shoes, I do not need "no slip" grips, which these ones don't have. There are other brands. A local scuba shop can probably help you too if you want to see some up close before buying. They aren't UPF rated, but are basically swimsuit material and seemed to give a decent barrier.

One problem I have is that my face is really sensitive to sunscreen. Even the best of the mineral-only sunblocks (Vanicream; Blue Lizard sensitive) cause me issues on a bad day or if left on too long or when exposed to the sun (!!) on a good day. So I REALLY try the "cover up" method first, leaving sunscreen as my last resort.

One of the solutions I have is this hat from Coolibar. I will often wear it in the pool when I am going to be keeping my head above water [I have dunked my head with it, but I'm talking about when I am going to putter around or do laps with my head out of the water]. I have a previous version of it that is a little bit different, but it is basically the same. Mine is in white. https://www.coolibar.com/uv-swimwea...hlorine-resistant-ultra-sport-hat-upf-50.html I will also wear it out of the pool and sometimes in the parks. It can get hot underneat as the fabric is not as breathable as say the Aire fabric. But it is easy enough to open slightly to adjust temperature. A nice thing is the front 'veil' peice can be worn across or not, so you have versatility. It gives great coverage in the back for your neck. In the pool this fully deployed with a pair of sunglasses gives you quite good coverage - just be cognizant that sun will bounce up off the water at your face so any still exposed skin does still need sunscreen. I've even worn it over a scully cap ( https://www.coolibar.com/uv-swimwea...m-hats/unisex-aqua-sun-skully-cap-upf-50.html ) and that combo, with wrap around sunglasses, while hot, pretty much covered everything [I was desperate and couldn't use sunscreen on my face that day].

For poolside, Coolibar makes a couple different shawls that are taller than me and wide enough that they make a nice blanket for laying over me when lounging. Made of their Aire fabric, they are lightweight and really easy to pack, and versatile so I can actually use them as a shawl/wrap too I will drape it over me on the lounger and get both an added layer of sun protection and also I find I am cooler under it as it will catch a bit of a breeze and is not as heavy as a towel. It will also block the breeze a bit if I wrap it a bit on the sides [think cocoon]. Check the dimensions as they have a few different styles which have different length and width combos. They also have heavier-weight baby blankets that can work, but they are not as large.

Now, if you really want to get adventurous, I have some Sunsnapz UPF 50+ blankets and on one of our cruises, at Castaway Cay I made basically a little fort out of my lounger that I relaxed under for hours. I also used a Coolibar aire fabric shawl directly over me. It was AMAZING !!

Some pictures of the "tent". In some you can see the shawl on the lounger:





SW

 

[Starwind]

I love the feel of Coolibar's Aire fabric, but I had planned to wear the cardigan style wrap made with their Zno fabric over a sleeveless undershirt. Do you have any experience with the Zno fabric in hot weather? Their leggings are made with Zno fabric too.

FYI, I bought these Sprinter pants from Coolibar before our December 2019 B2B2B on the Disney Dream [bookended by WDW resort stays on both ends - CCV and AKL] and loved them so much I practically lived in them and barely wore the other pants I brought. They were AMAZINGLY comfortable. I highly recommend if you are still looking for options; also they make a matching jacket which I haven't tried yet but am thinking of buying ['cept it has no hood!]: https://www.coolibar.com/women-s-sprinter-sport-pants-upf-50.html

 

[Dispro1]

My sister has one of their Zno wraps: 01263 Women's Marietas Sun Wrap UPF 50+

She's had it for a number of years and has worn it at WDW and on our DCL cruises. However, she finds it a little heavy and would rather have the Aire fabric in one of their zip-up coverups. She just shouted to me that the Zno would be good on a cruise ship if I get cold after eating (I often feel chilly after I eat). YMMV.

Keep in mind she is wearing it over a tshirt, so over the equivalent of a tank top you may be ok. I would suggest bringing an alternative in case you do find it too heavy. An advantage of the Aire fabric is it folds up small so is easy to pack into a park bag

This is very helpful info since I have two of the Marietas Sun Wraps! So far, I really like them, but it's not over 90 degrees like it will be at Disney. I'm very cold natured so maybe I'll be ok since I'll be wearing a tank top underneath and plan to take off the wrap whenever possible?? It gets really hot at home too so I'll probably get a chance to try different things out before our trip. I have a tunic shirt made from the Aire fabric that I have worn as a jacket over a tank top and it feels pretty good so maybe I should get another one just in case.