Sunscreen Recommendations?

[SamRoc]

I just started using Coppertone water babies spectra 3 and love it. It doesnt burn my face like the other ones do.

 

[T1130]

I also swear by no-ad.

 

[Ub_Iwerks]

Another vote for NOAD. Just make sure you shake up the bottle well. If you don't, it will be too greasy at first and then at the end of the bottle, too thick.

 

[Snoozan]

I'm a fan of the continuous spray Coppertone(30 SPF)-the last couple trips to WDW in May I came home as white as I went! Plus, I can get my husband to put it on me without whining 'cause he doesn't have to rub it in on my back. (Not sure why that's such a bad thing! ) I also got my DS to use it on his beach trip this summer and he didn't burn at all. Just getting sunscreen on anyone in this house is such a hassle(and the "kids" are over 20)so the continuous spray helps me convince them.

 

[golfgal]

I like the continuous spray ones too, easy to apply and your hands don't get all sticky, especially good on the golf course.

The Spectra 3 stuff provides the best protection we have found. DH burns very easily, he will burn in the winter shoveling snow even. He did not get even the slightest bit pink last summer in our 10 days at Disney/Cocoa Beach. That is the only sunscreen we have found that is that good for him.

 

[Ariel Wanna-be]

... I personally like how the Target-brand continuous spray sport sunscreen smells. To me, sunscreen is sunscreen.

Is this true? Do the "off" brands really work as well?

I was always leery of trying the "store" brands for Tylenol, Advil, etc. until a pharmacist friend told me that she used the store brands exclusively. I've wondered the same about sunscreen...is the "generic" really as good as BF or Coppertone? I'm sure it prevents burning, but does it protect against the "aging" rays as well? Or are the "burning" and "aging" rays the same?

Anyone have any insight?

 

[shortbun]

The best sunscreens are the ones that have either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.

Yep, ya need coverage for both kinds of rays!

 

[shortbun]

Neutrogena lotion

I use this on my face and I also wear a hat. I use the sensitive skin variety. For the rest of my body, I use something with zinc or titanium oxide in it to block ALL the rays.

 

[RC Fan]

I like No-Ad. I usually use the SPF45 variety.

 

[Laura]

Is this true? Do the "off" brands really work as well?

I was always leery of trying the "store" brands for Tylenol, Advil, etc. until a pharmacist friend told me that she used the store brands exclusively. I've wondered the same about sunscreen...is the "generic" really as good as BF or Coppertone? I'm sure it prevents burning, but does it protect against the "aging" rays as well? Or are the "burning" and "aging" rays the same?

Anyone have any insight?

This should help you look for specific ingredients in any brand:

Reviews say that sunscreen ingredients are just starting to catch up with the discovery of how bad UVA rays are, and unless the product contains avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide, (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.), you're not protected from UVA. There are two different types of UV rays in sunlight: UVB light causes surface sunburn, while UVA light penetrates and causes deeper connective tissue damage -- even when the skin surface feels cool. UVA light is the culprit for premature aging and cellular damage. With the number of sunscreens on the market, it's important to know which ones will protect you from both UVB and UVA rays.

The SPF (sunscreen protection factor) in sunscreen is frequently misunderstood; many people think that an SPF 30 offers double the protection of an SPF 15. However, reviewers say SPF 15 blocks 93% of rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%, only 4% more. SPF ratings higher than 30 don't offer any further UV protection, and let the same 3% of UV rays through as SPF 30. Further, SPF only blocks UVB rays. For that reason, it's just as important to look specifically for UVA protection.

http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/sunscreen/index.html



I like Coppertone's gel.

 

[BeNJeNWaFFLe]

The Spectra 3 stuff provides the best protection we have found. DH burns very easily, he will burn in the winter shoveling snow even. He did not get even the slightest bit pink last summer in our 10 days at Disney/Cocoa Beach. That is the only sunscreen we have found that is that good for him.

I will have to completely agree! I absolutely love and swear by the Spectra 3 products!

I am very fair skinned, red haired and blue eyed. (Get the picture yet? ) I have tried every single sunscreen/sunblock product on the market. Banana boat, coppertone, bullfrog, bath and body works, no-ad...all of them. I always burned no matter how much I put on, the spf, or how often I put it on. I was going on a cruise to the caribbean two years ago and I was so afraid I was going to get badly burnt on the trip. I bought the Spectra 3 spf 50 in hopes that it would do the job. IT IS AMAZING! I put it on once in the morning and it lasted hours. Let me say this: I actually laid out in the sun for about 2 hours in the caribbean and I didn't get burnt. I actually got a little bit of color. I am going on another caribbean cruise in two weeks and I am bringing the spectra 3 spf 50 along.

I've been out on a boat for hours and had no problems with the sun. I've gone to the beach for hours and no problem. I went to Disney (where I always burn!) and I came home a little bit tan. I am in love with this product and I recommend it to everyone. My mom loves it and my brother who hates sunscreens even uses it. I cannot recommend this enough.

 

[mom2rb]

My boys and I glow in the dark. We also have VERY sensitive skin. We love Banana Boat Kids Tear Free.

 

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

Thanks, everyone!

We're leaving in the morning for the beach.

Anymore last minute recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[Wishing on a star]

Although I have never liked Coppertone products, (haven't used any for years!) and I just HATE that coppertone smell.

I just went out and bought some of their Spectra3!
After reading the recommendations on this thread, at the pool, the people next to us had some, and I noticed it. I put a little on DS cheeks, because they always turn bright red.

It is completely unscented!! And, it is not super sticky or greasy either.
I just went out and bought two bottles.

Now for a nice tropical tanning oil. I love the Hawaiian Tropic 'dry oil'. It has an SPF6, which is really a good bit of protection if you want to oil up and tan, and will not be out for hours. It is non-greasy for an oil, and it has a light tropical scent that is nice.

 

[Jennifer S]

I'm a huge fan of the Coppertone Continuous Sprays. They're all I use.
http://www.coppertone.com/spray.aspx

Me too!!!! Bye Bye rubbing in lotion. I can spray four kids in one minute. I do use lotion on their faces though.

I will NEVER buy anything else. Great stuff.