Sunscreen Question Help!

[princessboogirl]

Hello,

I was wondering what type of sunscreen everyone uses? I am looking for sunscreen that is light, not to greasy, sweatproof, last good amount of time without reapplying, and offers high SPF. I burn very very easily. I don't want to feel all greasy and dirty right after taking a shower in the morning. Some sunscreens can make your skin feel pretty yucky.

Also wondering if anyone has used those neck bandanas that are the cooling bandanas? The ones with the cooling beads in them. Which brand and do they work and keep you cooler? We are going in July and was interested in any expert opinions. Thanks

 

[JKanownik]

DH and I both have fair skin and burn easily. We use the Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sweatproof SPF 30. It is waterproof, non-greasy and doesn't have a scent. We usually only apply it in the morning and afternoon. It is really nice because it absorbs instantly and does not feel greasy at all. In fact, I have oil-free Coppertone for my face and find that to be more greasy than the Banana Boat. The Coppertone was so bad that I stopped using it and now use a foundation with SPF.

I have never used the neck bandanas, but I would suggest buying one of those spray fans. We bought one in WDW for $16 in 2002 and it broke last year. We decided to pick one up this year from Wal*Mart for around $8. I also like to use Dove wipes when it gets really hot. They are very refreshing and help keep you cool.

By the way, does anyone know how long it takes for sunblock to expire? We have had ours since last May and are going back in 13 days. Our sunblock does not have an expiration date listed. I am assuming it expires eventually, but will it be ok to use being a year old?

 

[lenshanem]

THE ULTIMATE -

Coppertone Sport
rub free spray SPF 30
waterproof

Comes in a blue bottle.

We have used this for several years now and it is like GOLD to my family. If we can't find it somewhere, we'll go looking elsewhere. No other sunscreen will do.

My girls are WHITE, light blond hair, burn very easy. They have NEVER been burned while using this stuff. You don't even have to rub it in! It sprays easy and is not greasy at all! Goes on clear... Not sticky. It is the BEST!

I break out easy and have never had a problem using it on my face even under makeup. Only thing that might be a problem is it has alcohol in it so if you have dry skin you might want a lotion instead. But, I can't stand that!

Try a bottle, then you'll end up going and buying more. I even pour a little into a smaller spray bottle to keep in my purse.

 

[sconnell]

I think most sunscreens last 1 to 2 years, but I am a redhead and don't take a risk. I have started buying smaller bottles every spring. (I normally buy the giant size everything, love SAM's & COSTCO!)

 

[CharlesandCamilla]

I've tried both of those and prefer the Banana Boat.

 

[princessboogirl]

Thanks for the feedback...What about those neckbands?? Any expert input? Thanks again.

 

[gctong]

JKanownik

From the preventcancer.org site is says "most sunscreens without without expiration dates are good for about three years, according to the FDA. Extreme heat, however, may decrease a sunscreen's shelf-life. Store sunscreens in a cool, dry location, and, if you notice an odor, color or consistency change in the product, invest in a new product."

I usually buy a new bottle every year regardless.

 

[JKanownik]

Thank you so much for your help! Our sunblock has been stored away in our hall closet, so I think we will be fine.

 

[Mickey527]

I have used the neckbands and they do keep you cool. The one disadvantage is they make the collar of your shirt wet and when you go inside somewhere where the AC is too high you get a chill. And you get a silly white ring on your neck where you don't tan.
I soaked mine in water each night to refresh it. Then you run your hand along the band and squeeze out the excess water. But they are wet, and like having a wet towel on your neck all day. Personally I didn't really like it and only used it one trip.
You can also get wrist bands that use the same principle at sports stores.
I love the heat so as long as I drink enough water I am fine. Can't wait for the 100 degree weather to start.
I have also used the water bottles with the fan and found them to make me feel hotter. It is not the heat, but the humidity, and spraying more warm water on my face doesn't help reduce the humidity at all. Peggie

 

[debster812]

We just did this a couple of days ago on the CB.

Here is a link to that thread:

Sunscreen Thread

As you can see, I am a BIG Bullfrog fan.

 

[InSearchForDisney]

I haven't tried my neck band at WDW yet, but am leaving Tuesday and will take it. I like the neck band and I think it helps keep you cool. I wouldn't use it though unless it was really hot outside. I will probably soak it in really cold water at night and then keep it in a freezer bag in my back pack until it gets hot later in the day. If you are wondering if they stay cold for a long time, yes, mine stays cool a long time. And yes, it does make your collar a little wet, but if it is hot enough for me to be using one, then I am already sweating and not worried about a damp neck.

 

[qtwns]

Last May we used the neck bands (Wal-mart) and they we're a life saver. We prepped them each night and then kept them in our small soft-sided cooler. As the day wore on and they lost ther cool, we'd run them under a water fountain it would suffice.

The small personal fans are great--I like them better than the water bottle fans (which 3 boys easily turn into water cannons!)

This year we each have our own neck band and personal fan.

 

[dani blaski]

I have used the stick sunscreens and they have worked well. It is compact and takes up no space at all. The last brand that I bought was Hawaiian tropic Ozone SPF 50+ because I am so white! The only thing is to make sure that you overlap your strokes. The first time that i used it I did not do do this and ended up with stripes of sunburn-I looked like a red zebra!! As for my face, my makeup has a sunscreen, but my dermatologist recommended Eucerin and Neutrogena--she feels that the amount of sunscreen in foundation is not adequate. Both are oil free and I did not find them bothersome.

 

[jeancbpugh]

Originally posted by lenshanem
THE ULTIMATE -

Coppertone Sport
rub free spray SPF 30
waterproof

Comes in a blue bottle.

Us, too. My boys are fair. This stuff works well. Also, my youngest has a serious peanut allergy --contact sensitive-- and this is a safe sunscreen for him. Some sunscreens/lotions use peanut oil as an ingredient.

 

[iceskatejen]

I love Coppertone Sport, but I go with spf 48. I'm pretty fair and I tend to forget to reapply, so this lets me off the hook pretty well. My favorite thing, though is that it's sweatproof. I hate getting sunscreen in my eyes because I was sweaty and I never do with this stuff.

 

[McCall]

Originally posted by princessboogirl
Thanks for the feedback...What about those neckbands?? Any expert input? Thanks again.

I have MS and I use the neckbands regularly. you can buy them at DW at the emporium on main street though the first CM said they did not sell them, they were on a display 5 feet from her.

You can also make your own if you have a sewing machine
Anyway they work very very well, you renew the water at a drining fountain various times throughout the day. For me they are a lifesaver.

 

[lenshanem]

Originally posted by jeancbpugh
Us, too. My boys are fair. This stuff works well. Also, my youngest has a serious peanut allergy --contact sensitive-- and this is a safe sunscreen for him. Some sunscreens/lotions use peanut oil as an ingredient.

My oldest is also severely allergic to peanuts. Small world... I, too am afraid of many of the lotions and the oils they use in them.

 

[Tamickey]

Last time we went was about 4 years ago. The spray sunscreen was new and we took some with us. I really liked it and plan to buy it again for our trip next month. It's quick to apply since it's a spray. You also don't feel silly rubbing lotion all over yourself in public. We usually applied the lotion type when getting dressed in the morning and then used the spray the rest of the day.

 

[Deborah in IL]

As for sinscreen, I prefer Mary Kay Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 30. Even my picky mother in law loves it for her trips to AZ.

 

[Magickndm]

Our sunblock does not have an expiration date listed. I am assuming it expires eventually, but will it be ok to use being a year old?

Most doctors here in FL say you should buy a new bottle every year. We use Bull Frog.