Waterpark or not? Sunburn problem

[trekker93]

Been burning all my life. But this year I found a spray on sun block from Coppertone that I used this past weekend. It worked great! It had an SPF of 50. I sprayed it on my body just before I went out. I was in our pool about 15 minutes after I sprayed it. I was outside all day and DID NOT BURN!!!! I was in the water most of the time too. It worked great1 I've already bought one and packed it for our trip in Sept.

 

[lucyem]

Another person who burns very easily here.

My first thought was that you should try other sunscreens. Not all are made equally. I recently read a report and these were the top 6 in effectiveness:

Up & Up Sport Continuous SPF 30, by Target.
Walgreens Sport Continuous SPF 50. Also a spray.
Banana Boat Sport Performance Continuous SPF 30. Spray.
Aveeno Continuous Protection SPF 50. Spray.
Coppertone Water Babies, with an SPF of 50
Coppertone UltraGuard Continuous rated a 70+ in SPF

Also make sure to apply a good 2-3 tablespoons worth to your body 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming. So more often at the waterpark.

I would also highly encourage you to wear swimshirts as well.

 

[leeh1530]

I'm a fair-haired blue eyed Irish lass as well who has often gone to TL and BB. Granted, when I went to BB, it was January, but when we went to TL, it was the summer / fall. Now, I've gone on the slides (the twisty ones, I don't do the straight down fast ones) and I've always worn a T-shirt. Never been a problem with me. When I've been in the lazy river too, I have a hat on as well. I just still have to figure out how I still get a sunburn even when I have a dang shirt on!

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

All I can add is to avoid the spray stuff. I "used" it 3x over 5 hours and ended up with second degree burns.

I used the baby Hawaiian Tropic SPF 50 with great success this summer - I blew it using my friend's!

I would find a swim shirt or cover, a hat, and lots of reapplying. The WPs are a lot of fun!!

Worst-case scenario, seek out Banana Boat Sooth-A-Caine. Found it in Hawaii and it has saved my butt on many occasions. Has menthol in it and it literally pulls the heat out of the burn. I'm down to my last half bottle before I have to try to find it online!

 

[omghidanielle]

I'm very very very pale, and have used this sunscreen successfully every year, and we go to WDW the week of Sept 19/20 every year. Can't beat SPF 100!

I spent a whole week in WDW using this sunscreen and had no problem (all day in the sun)
the day after we got home, I went to a walk for Autism w/o sunblock and wound up with severe sunburn (2 hours in the sun)

 

[dis314]

Thank you again for great info! I think you're right, I don't think I was using the right sunscreen, and wasn't reapplying it enough. I was using Target one for no great reason (other than it was cheap), and wasn't really thinking it would make much difference. I'll compare the stuff you guys mentioned, and will get a good one, apply it early, then constantly reapply it throughout the day.

I also decided to take an advice of some of you and go to the waterpark when it opens so that we can secure a place, and try to leave in the early afternoon before we get too burnt. With the shirts, good sunscreen, and staying under the shade, we may, for the first time, be able to avoid getting burnt at the waterpark

 

[elgerber]

I just still have to figure out how I still get a sunburn even when I have a dang shirt on!

It's because regular t-shirts offer barely any SPF factor at all. To prevent a sunburn you really need the swim shirts with SPF in them.

 

[Disneyholic]

I agree with a PP about putting sunscreen on at the resort then reapplying again at the park. The first batch at the resort gets to soak in and then reapplying adds another layer of protection. Make sure it is at least an SPF 50 and waterproof. I like the stuff made for Babies because it doesn't sting my eyes. Get everything, especially ears and nose. They have SPF 50 lip balm too. Reapply as directed. Even water-proof only protects so long, especially if you are towelling off occasionally.

The first time we went to the WPs I put the sunscreen on when we got there and didn't reapply. I was so red and puffed up like the Pillsbury Doughboy. The sheets on the bed hurt. With doing it the way I suggested above, I haven't had problems since. I haven't tried any of the shirts, but I may try that too next trip. Nothing makes a trip as miserable as a sunburn.

Also, remember to apply sunscreen when going to the regular parks. The sun can be brutal there too. With all the concrete to bounce its rays off of you can get a burn really quick.

 

[StacyMarie]

Neutrogena SPF 100 spray, works wonders! I spent 6 hours at Lake Michigan and just made sure to reapply as instructed and did not get burned at all!

 

[Brian Noble]

Another vote for rash guards. I have the same problem---no matter how often I reapply, or how I try to stay in the shade, I inevitably get a burn on my torso if I'm at the beach or a water park for the day. As a result, I was never a big fan of beach vacations (much to my wife's dismay.) Since buying a rash guard a couple years ago, I'm a true believer. Not a single burn since!

 

[heatherwillmom]

There is a laundry aide called SunGuard from Rit that is supposed to wash SPF into clothes. I bought some but have not used it yet.

 

[donaldsgirl]

Dont worry yourself. I am so pale that I am pretty sure I glow and on top of it all I have a sun allergy. If I am out in the sun more than about 10 minutes without a high spf sunblock then I am in pain!! I feel like I am being stung by thousands of bees and I break out in itchy hives that HURT if you scratch them and soon after comes the little blisters (sun poisoning). I do just fine as long as I am covered in at least 50 spf for sensitive skin. I really did miss an excellent opportunity to be an albino. By the way, TL has a ton of shade, you really have to actually look for a sunny spot but I don't think BB does. We go as soon as the park opens and stay for a few hours. It really is no different then going to a regular park or walking the dog. Go and have a great time!

 

[chabs]

Land's End and LL Bean sell the long sleeve rash guard with sun protection built in. I think the Land's End ones are UPF 30.

I also disagree with going late in the day. I'm not sure when you are going in September, but early September it usually rains late in the day and the water parks usually close at 5. You could also try buying a hat with the UPF in them that has a string to keep you from losing it.