Sunscreen- How much? What brand? What "kind"?

[welovedis]

holden-you sound like me, I just finished packing up some sunscreen for our trip and we have 8 bottles for 9 days in WDW!

I recently had some moles removed, one was cancerous and the had to operate to remove it, so those 60 stitches across my back made me promise to overdo it on sunscreen rather than underestimate things. Thankfully I'm ok but I'm going to make sure my family is protected from the sun from now on.

 

[Gillian]

I like both the bullfrog gel 36 and coppertone continuous spray. We go through the spray quickly but it's worth it. Probably 1 bottle every 2 days for the 4 of us (2 kids and mom who usually wears capris).

The cheapest I found the Coppertone spray was at Walmart in Florida for $5.75 or so. I was going to stock up in NJ before our April trip, but figured I might find a better price when we got there.

 

[rlrx]

We just returned from a 6 day trip and I used Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 30 for my fair skin and Water Babies SPF 45 for my 2 DS (my DS7 breaks out in a rash from any sunscreen but Water Babies) and none of us got any sunburn at all (or any tan for that matter). You are really inside or in the shade quite a bit at WDW and we would get out of the sun when we could.

 

[emma'smom]

Well, I ended up buying two cans of continuous spray spf 50, one pump bottle of water babies SPF 50, a smaller water babies SPF 50 to clip on the stroller so it is always accessible, one SPF 30 lip balm, and one SPF 50 facial stick. We have sun hats and sunglasses for all!! Extra t-shirts for swimming to keep some of the sun off their backs. I think we're as ready as we can be! I can always buy more in the World if I need it!

 

[welovedis]

Sounds like you are all set then! Have a great trip, we are leaving tomorrow morning!!!!!

 

[isla bonita]

I do try to get the highest SPF I figure it can not hurt and the brand is the new Sports Quick Dry.

No rubbing just spray and it is not sticky my kids are in the pool with their friend all summer and it is quick, easy non messy but a little pricey. FDor us it is worth it.

My friend Sue just told me they are not carrying it at the local dollar store so I am on my way to grab some. We use a lot. It is kid central art our house in the summer. Lots of fun here.

 

[Mr._The_King]

holden-you sound like me, I just finished packing up some sunscreen for our trip and we have 8 bottles for 9 days in WDW!

I recently had some moles removed, one was cancerous and the had to operate to remove it, so those 60 stitches across my back made me promise to overdo it on sunscreen rather than underestimate things. Thankfully I'm ok but I'm going to make sure my family is protected from the sun from now on.

I hope that you have a wonderful trip to Disney. It sounds like you deserve it. I will put more suncreen on my family because of you.

 

[IowaGirl]

Aveeno sunscreens are on sale this week at Walgreens. 6.99 with coupon from in-store flyer.
Hope this helps someone out there!

 

[pigletof4]

I noticed at Kmart today that they had the Coppertone Brand Buy One get the Second 1/2 off.

 

[100AcreWood]

This was on 20/20 last week. The "expert" said this: I plan to buy the Aveeno continuous protection sunblock she mentioned.

QUOTE: "There are certain ingredients that actually provide effective protection against UVA. The three most common include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and something called Avobenzone, or parsol 1789," Herschenfeld said.

She recommends using products with the first two ingredients, especially for children.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

I'm a fair skinned redhead with a family history of skin cancer and I never leave the house without some kind of sun protection.

Here are my choices for when I spend a day in the sun:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 for my body. I apply this at home before heading out into the sun.

Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF 45. I take this with me. I use this to reaaply every two hours. I like the spray because it is quick drying and easier than trying to rub in a cream in the park.

The Neutrogena sunblocks now contain Helioplex which blocks both UVA and UVB rays while offering broad spectrum protection. My derm was really excited about Helioplex and the new Aveeno Continuous Protection line.

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 45 I use this on my face as it is more gentle and doesn't sting as bad when it gets into my eyes. Sometimes I switch it up with Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free SPF 50. The Banana Boat is made with an oil base so you will blink it away before it stings your eyes.

Neutrogena Healthy Defense Eye Cream SPF 30 is good extra protection for the delicate eye area. I use this daily along with the Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 when I won't get too much sun exposure.

SPF for your lips is very important as well! I had a friend recently have melonoma on her lips. My derm recommended Neutrogena Moisture Shine Lip Soother SPF 20 . This was also recommended by Allure and Self magazines in their sun care issues. Any lip balm with SPF 15 or higher is a must!

On top of all this, I wear a wide brimmed hat and large sunglasses for extra protection.

Remember, no matter what sun block you choose, reapply every two hours! And apply and reapply liberally! Most people don't apply enough to begin with. Sun block can only protect for so long; it "breaks down" the longer you are exposed to the sun and will become less effective. Even if you don't burn, harmful UVA/UVB rays will still be attacking your skin. Choose a sunblock with at least SPF 30 and remember to apply sun block under your clothes too. Clothing is not 100% protective. Remember to protect your lips, ears, back of neck, tops of hands, and feet as well!

I know that is a lot of information, but this is what works for me. Hope that helps.

 

[AuroraBorealis]

One more thing:

The Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF 45 is available at Costco in a 2-pack for about $13.00.

I paid $8.99 at Target for one, so the 2-pack is a pretty good deal.