Sunblock - Does it even exist???

[sonofanarchy]

A couple weeks back I asked about swimming and being in the sun with new tattoos. I was told to buy "sunblock" instead of "sunscreen". I've been to Target, Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, and not 1 of them carries anything called Sunblock. If you google it online, you can find some articles about the 2, but I can't find it anywhere. I even found something that was called Sunblock by Neutrogena, but when you click on it, the bottle still says Sunscreen.

So, does Sunblock exist and can anyone recommend where it can be found?

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

Cotz is one of the only ones I know of that only has the barrier (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) without also having a chemical sunscreen.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I believe that with new Govt. labeling standards... they can not use the term 'block. Also, just a note... they can not use the term waterPROOF any more. They use the term water resistant, then note, for example, 40 minutes or 80 minutes.

Just use a good high SPF water and sweat resistant sun protection.

I have actually seen ones on the shelf that say 'tattoo' on the label.

There are high SPF sticks that are for faces, lips, etc... they go on like lipstick or glue-stick or deodorant stick. I would think those might work well to apply especially over tattoos.

 

[Wishing on a star]

PS: the ones with the mineral sunblockers, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide might be good for tattoos, since they are actually a topical barrier, or'block' and not chemicals.

If you are hearing the word 'block' being used, perhaps this is what the person is trying to refer to????

 

[Gracie09]

Try blue lizard. It's a physical block as opposed to a chemical one.

 

[trip]

Shop for sunblock on Google...

Banana Boat Sunblock Spf...
$9.00
REI

Banana Boat Sport Perform...
$6.99
Walgreens.com

 

[bcla]

Whether it was called "sunblock" or "sunscreen" was sort of a nebulous thing. I remember when it got to about SPF 15, that's when it may start being called "sunblock". However, there was no regulatory standard for what could or couldn't be called sunscreen or sunblock until perhaps recently.

For the most part it's not that important what it's called as long as it does what it claims.

And it's been mentioned that there is the terminology of what it actually does - sunblock is something that physically blocks/reflects the UV and prevents it from reaching the skin. These would be ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The main issue with them is that a lot tend to make the skin look pasty. Titanium dioxide is used to make certain paints more opaque. There are the micronized versions that go on more or less clear, but there's a question as to their efficacy.

Then there are chemical sunscreens that absorb the UV rays and convert them to heat. The main issue with these is that many actually bond with the proteins in the skin and require some time before they're fully effective. Many also "photodegrade" where the instantaneous protection starts going down as the UV causes the sunscreen to break down.

There's also the deal with UVB and UVA protection, with some chemical UVA sunscreens being more effective (like avobenzone) or extremely effective (ecamsule from Loreal). The latter is only available from brands belonging to Loreal and is supposedly extremely resistent to photodegradation. The physical sunblocks are known for being very effective UVA blockers, but then again they give that pasty look.

 

[StephMK]

I don't know the brand but we bought a small plastic jar of zinc oxide from Walgreen's for DS one summer when he was having skin issues at the beach.

As far as a good strong sunscreen, we are an extremely pale family and survive the beach with no burns by using Coppertone 50+. They have a sport version too.

 

[Jennasis]

Maybe a rash guard would work better for protecting your new tat (and your skin in general)?

 

[tinatark]

I've seen sunblock for tattoos at Wal Mart in their summer section. No tats here... I assumed it was a marketing ploy for tatted up peeps!

 

[sonofanarchy]

I've seen sunblock for tattoos at Wal Mart in their summer section. No tats here... I assumed it was a marketing ploy for tatted up peeps!

I bought some of those, but then read that I'd want sunblock, not sunscreen, which is what that tattoo stuff is.

 

[Jex]

I was one of the ones that mentioned it, I have quite a few kinds and would have to look to tell you Exactly what brands. My fall back however is nuetrogena, they do offer 100spf sunblock. I have it in a few different types, one is a lotion, and they make them as sticks as well. Also check for ones labeled "baby" by any brand, a lot of them are sunblocks. Banana boat may be what my other one is.

 

[indygirl99]

http://dermae.com/product/343/Antioxidant-Natural-Sunscreen-SPF-30-Body-Lotion.html

This is what DH used and it worked great. It has zinc oxide in it which is what you want and doesn't have a bunch of chemicals.

I get it from the company because I use their other products but I know in my area you can get it at Ulta.

 

[Squirlz]

Try blue lizard. It's a physical block as opposed to a chemical one.

We just got some of this. Yesterday we drove 180 miles in an open car in full sun and we didn't get burned at all.