This sounds so superficial but I need some advice.

[ConnecticutNonna]

I'm basically the lol (little old lady) who, even though half garlic (the other half is Gaelic) who fries to a crisp. I wear water babies sunscreen #70, a big hat, and have been known to buy one of those lovely umbrellas from China in Epcot on blistering hot days.
My skin is ruined from years of slathering on baby oil mixed with iodine and rotisserieing (not sure that's a word) in the sun. I have to be especially careful now to make up for all those years of abuse!
So you are definately being smart about your skin! But, heed what others have said about frying your scalp and the top of your ears. These are delicate spots and will make your life just not worth living if you burn them up!

 

[Kimberly9701]

Obagi sunscreen. I've had skin cancer 3 times, 1 very recently on my face. Obagi and Skin Cueticals are the 2 brands that my doctor recommended -- both are wonderful! ( I tend to use Obagi more just because I use their other skin care creams) Also, wear a hat, ball cap would be easiest at the parks! You're already doing over sized sunglasses which would be my other advice

 

[DisneyOma]

Please, no umbrellas. Potential hazard to anyone around.

Umbrellas are risky in the rain in crowded places, when they're likelier to be unfurled. They can be even more hazardous in nice weather, when they're not expected. We all need to remember we're not in the parks alone.

People need to be aware of their surroundings. I've had more problems with ECVs, wheelchairs and strollers than I've had with people using umbrellas, rain or shine. ECVs are more of a hazard than an umbrella, IMO.

 

[Duckiedee]

Tilly Hats are great too.

 

[Kimberly9701]

Summer Solstice in June (21st) gets the sun up for the longest period of time - March sun is close to September sun in the length.

It also completely depends on where in Florida you live. Most of the time when people say "I'm a Floridian", they are in central or north Florida. South Floridian's generally classify ourselves as such...don't know why...but it usually seems to be the case.

Florida has 3 climate zones. South Florida is sub tropic climate. A March in Boca Raton or Miami is typically much different than an Orlando March, and our winter months are also typically very different. I never even liked to go to Orlando past Halloween Horror nights, because I felt it was too cold. Now I live in Cincinnati and long for the cold in Orlando..

OP remember that most of the heat you are feeling is due to humidity, much more than the actual temperature. I stand by my recommendations in my earlier post..but there are definitely places where the sun is stronger. Be smart and reapply the lotion, combined with a hat and glasses.. you will be fine

 

[Amunet]

Umbrellas, like many things, are only an issue if the person using it is not aware of their surroundings.
Again, I recommend child size, they are great for a parasol. They are smaller and easier to manage. Just be mindful of the people around you.

 

[KnittingMom]

Wear one of Neutragena's 70 spf face creams and wear a hat. No biggie, I always do it to prevent wrinkling and sunspots.

And the Neutragena products are not greasy at all -- at least some of the line is. Look for "dry coverage."

 

[moliuchick]

That's a great idea.

I need to protect my skin from the sun because of skin cancer. I have a wonderful floppy hat but it is really a pain to take on and off and hold for rides. And it doesn't cover the tops of my shoulders, which tend to burn. A hat is hot, too. I had an umbrella with me on the last trip and decided to use it for the sun. It worked great, especially since it was a small umbrella. I am looking for a lightweight small umbrella for our June trip. I think I'll check out children's umbrellas.

If that's the case, I think I will bring an umbrella too. I just don't want people to stare at me especially I am not Caucasian. I am Asian and I don't want to look like I am stupid or something. I am 48 but I don't have any wrinkles because I don't let the sun damage my skin.

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Have you used one in Disney? How did it go? did anyone stare at you?

I have several different hats I use at Disney as well as a parasol...
No one stared at me funny, except those folks who complemented my hat! (I add a scarf and flowers to my hats! Sparkle, you know?)
Disney is that wonderful place where you can wear anything you like and no one bats an eyelash!

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

If that's the case, I think I will bring an umbrella too. I just don't want people to stare at me especially I am not Caucasian. I am Asian and I don't want to look like I am stupid or something. I am 48 but I don't have any wrinkles because I don't let the sun damage my skin.

And I am a chubby old white woman who still gets taken for at least a decade younger because I protected my skin! Good for you, own your beauty and make your hats and umbrellas fun!

 

[Jess30]

Floppy hats. Big sunglasses.

Later your sunscreen products and reapply often! I find that layering chemical sunscreen with physical sunscreen helps the most.

Take a mineral powder sunscreen with you to the parks for easy reapplication.

Or cushion foundation makes it easy to touch up and reapply.

 

[winterwhite]

I wear upf clothing, including long sleeve sunshirts. People ask me all the time if I'm hot but actually I'm quite comfortable. The material they are made from is cooling and they pass a ton of air through the material without the beating heat from the sun.

They cover the back of the neck (1/4 zip style mostly) and are very lightweight.

 

[tigertirz]

You need to get sunscreen with zinc. Chemical sunscreens with higher SPF will not be as effective in preventing hyper pigmentation. I'm not a huge fan of hydroquinone (skin lightener) but pre treating can help keep your melanocytes in check. Don't use the HQ long term. Elta sunscreens are great and not terribly expensive. Drug store sunscreens with zinc usually don't have a high percentage so it's best to get a brand like Elta. Sheseido is good too. Make sure to reapply often. Hope this helps! I'm an RN for a plastic surgeon so skin is what I know. Have fun!

I will be standing on the surface of the sun when my family and I are in DW in the 1st week of JUN.
I am worrying as usual because my face has really got really bad hyperpigmentation from 10 years of sunbathing in California. I have used so many different expensive products and finally get my pigment lightened a bit. And now, once again, I will need to stand under the sun for at least 8 hours a day for 6 days! What should I do? Last time it was 2 years ago, we went around March so that sun was not as bad. I used plenty sunscreen and I also had my big sunglasses on.

I am wondering if you have similar problems like I do? What do you wear on your face to protect your delicate skin? I really wish that my teenage kids will allow me to wear a mask. You know, I am not shy and I don't care what people say. (J/K) Anyway, please let me know if you have any great ideas or products that you have used before to protect you from the sun. Thanks ahead of time!

 

[moliuchick]

And I am a chubby old white woman who still gets taken for at least a decade younger because I protected my skin! Good for you, own your beauty and make your hats and umbrellas fun
YOu are awesome!

 

[moliuchick]

You need to get sunscreen with zinc. Chemical sunscreens with higher SPF will not be as effective in preventing hyper pigmentation. I'm not a huge fan of hydroquinone (skin lightener) but pre treating can help keep your melanocytes in check. Don't use the HQ long term. Elta sunscreens are great and not terribly expensive. Drug store sunscreens with zinc usually don't have a high percentage so it's best to get a brand like Elta. Sheseido is good too. Make sure to reapply often. Hope this helps! I'm an RN for a plastic surgeon so skin is what I know. Have fun!

Thanks for your info. I am an RN too. I work in a medspa part time and they always try to push skinmedica and colorescience product. I personally not a big fan of it. So you recommend Elta and Shiseido? Which one do you like better? Do they not have carcinogenin their sunscreen?

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

I don't have hyperpigmentation, but I am crazy sun sensitive. I will start burning in 15 minutes without sunscreen during the summer. How I survived all day in the sun during a June WDW trip is to wear natural sunscreen and carry an SPF umbrella. Specifically, the sunscreen had to contain zinc-oxide and titanium-dioxide. For me, personally, these physical blockers (they reflect the sun) are the only long-term reliable options. I reapply if I've been wiping sweat off of my face. The "disadvantage" that you may like is that it does leave a slight white "tint" to your skin - you won't be white if you rub it in, but you will be paler than normal. The SPF umbrella is a ventilated silver folding umbrella specifically made to block sun - you carry it around like a space parasol. This umbrella really helped keep me cool and shaded. The sunscreen is still vital because I will burn from sun reflected off of pavement.
Sorry if this is a repeat - I didn't read whole post - just wanted to share my personal experience FWIW.

 

[moliuchick]

Obagi sunscreen. I've had skin cancer 3 times, 1 very recently on my face. Obagi and Skin Cueticals are the 2 brands that my doctor recommended -- both are wonderful! ( I tend to use Obagi more just because I use their other skin care creams) Also, wear a hat, ball cap would be easiest at the parks! You're already doing over sized sunglasses which would be my other advice

Yes, oversized sunglasses are my favorite. I wish I could have a pair that covers all the way down to my neck!

 

[moliuchick]

I don't have hyperpigmentation, but I am crazy sun sensitive. I will start burning in 15 minutes without sunscreen during the summer. How I survived all day in the sun during a June WDW trip is to wear natural sunscreen and carry an SPF umbrella. Specifically, the sunscreen had to contain zinc-oxide and titanium-dioxide. For me, personally, these physical blockers (they reflect the sun) are the only long-term reliable options. I reapply if I've been wiping sweat off of my face. The "disadvantage" that you may like is that it does leave a slight white "tint" to your skin - you won't be white if you rub it in, but you will be paler than normal. The SPF umbrella is a ventilated silver folding umbrella specifically made to block sun - you carry it around like a space parasol. This umbrella really helped keep me cool and shaded. The sunscreen is still vital because I will burn from sun reflected off of pavement.
Sorry if this is a repeat - I didn't read whole post - just wanted to share my personal experience FWIW.

SPF umbrella? so you are saying the regular rain umbrella won't block the sun? Do I have to buy a new umbrella now?

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

You need to get sunscreen with zinc. Chemical sunscreens with higher SPF will not be as effective in preventing hyper pigmentation. I'm not a huge fan of hydroquinone (skin lightener) but pre treating can help keep your melanocytes in check. Don't use the HQ long term. Elta sunscreens are great and not terribly expensive. Drug store sunscreens with zinc usually don't have a high percentage so it's best to get a brand like Elta. Sheseido is good too. Make sure to reapply often. Hope this helps! I'm an RN for a plastic surgeon so skin is what I know. Have fun!

Nice! Thanks for sharing your expertise!
Edited to add: RN x 43 years, no skin care experience - lol...

 

[tigertirz]

Thanks for your info. I am an RN too. I work in a medspa part time and they always try to push skinmedica and colorescience product. I personally not a big fan of it. So you recommend Elta and Shiseido? Which one do you like better? Do they not have carcinogenin their sunscreen?

I really like the Elta and Sheseido. Obagi is good too. You can always get a sample of the Sheseido at a counter to try out before you buy. I haven't read the labels recently so can't really comment on all the ingredients.