What kind of sunblock is best?

[william41]

...yeah, I know... what kind of a question is that?!
But last year I cooked at the beach and my daughter did, too. She gets her blonde hair and fair complexion from me, also.

I did learn one thing- don't bring any 'rub-on' aloe vera gel! You'll die a thousand deaths if your back looks like a lobster and your wife tries to put some of that on you!LOL!

So, tell me - I'm not really interested in getting burned and I also need a good sun-burn aid just in case it happens ... what do you recommend?


Thanks!

 

[mar3990]

We have had really good luck with Coppertone kids colorblock spray, spf 30. We have had some bad burns in the past but have used this for our last three trips with good results. I agree with the aloe vera thing but I use it anyways because after the initial shock it seems to help.The one we have is Panama Jack after sun care. If you have a really severe burn there may be a better answer(is it cool compresses?)

 

[mainey-mouse]

I burn, always have, and I did it at St. Petes beach in May. Even my husband got burned (but not as nicely as I did) and he doesn't burn.

So far neither kid has burned - at St. Pete's beach or elsewhere. I have always used something with at SPF30 on the kids - whatever is cheapest or available, and find they all work very well. I don't think there is actually alot of brand differentiation from a performance standpoint. Its the SPF # that matters.

Once I burn I usually just use the SPF30 on myself as well, and its proven good enough to protect even already burned skin - ie I don't reburn with it on and can spend the day outside with exposed skin.

What is important is to re-appy the sunscreen regularily - especially if swimming. I will usually re-apply to the kids shoulders, backs, tummies and for my daughter, bathing suit bum-line, every 2 hours under those conditions - and make the kids stay out of the water till the sunscreen dries. The bottle will usually claim the sunscreen will last much longer even in the water, but I've never wanted to actually test that claim. If we are not in the water, I'll re-apply at least once during the afternoon - usually around 2 o'clock. And, don't forget to apply sunscreen to ears and tops of feet.

 

[Kermit]

You should get a sunblock that says it's a Sport formula. This means it won't rub off as quickly. You should still reapply frequently, and don't stay out too long. It doesn't matter if you have SPF 45, if you're fair skinned and burn in half an hour, you can't spend the entire sunniest part of the day in the sun. That's not as much of a problem in the parks, but it is at the water parks and at the beach. Spend some time in the shade, and schedule a long lunch inside.

For sunburn relief, I like the things you can spray on. It's cool and soothes the skin faster. Also, Tylenol or Advil is good.

 

[RussH]

I can only add what works for me. I use this stuff called Bull Frog Sunblock at 36SPF. I hate getting all greasy after just getting out of shower. Bull Frog is a gel that goes on really cool. It looks like clear Jell-O that you sort of just smear over the area and it dries in seconds. It works great definitely non-greasy but does take a little getting used to applying evenly.
Haven't burned at all in several years but when I last did at WDW I had a bottle of Water Gel. This stuff feels wonderful when applied. Nice and cool and you don't have to work it in. I looked for days and had to get it from a medical supply house. Apply a coating and then slowly walk to the bar for some additional Vodka relief.
RussH

 

[jenelise]

I remember reading a Consumer Reports article a little while back and they said most are good, get a high SPF. But they found that the No Ad brand was inferior and did not provide adequate protection.

 

[shamrock30]

I avoid the midday sun, wear a hat, etc, but, but would still burn right through my sunblock when in Florida. I finally saw Nature's Gate sunblock mentioned on another board. It is SPF30, and it really stays on. It is hard to find--I bought it at Bread and Circus, which is a health food store. It is also good for sensitive skin, as it is fragrance free.