Favorite Sunscreen?

[NannyMin]

I have always used Neutragena SPF 55 Sunscreen when skiing. However, last week in CO it wasn't as effective despite the fact that I reapplied as required. :( I had the dreaded racoon eyes and the puffy Angelina Jolie lips to match (well that part wasn't so bad!). What kind of sunscreen are you loyal to?

 

[pinto]

I have always used Neutragena SPF 55 Sunscreen when skiing. However, last week in CO it wasn't as effective despite the fact that I reapplied as required. :( I had the dreaded racoon eyes and the puffy Angelina Jolie lips to match (well that part wasn't so bad!). What kind of sunscreen are you loyal to?

Have you skied in Colorado before, or is that your first time?

I've never found any sunscreen that totally protects me during a sunny spring ski day here. The sun is so intense (imagine being up here without ANY sunscreen ... ack!). Perhaps zinc oxide would work.

 

[persee]

I love Aveeno SPF 50 stuff. It's the first stuff I found that I can stand the feeling of on my skin - I've got sensitive dry skin so I tend to be fussy!

 

[dloveski]

Protech

At the Outdoor Retailers convention in SLC, I got samples of ProTech suncreen. Since then, I've purchased a tube. It is the only suncreen that is not heavy and that gets it done in extreme ski conditions.

This is from someone who has suffered second degree burns on the face from spring skiing Alta in the 70's without protection. Quite the experience.

In short, the outdoor life, especially the ski life, is tough on the skin. But it's worth it. What's a few age spots and wrinkly skin? It's the price paid for an outdoor addiction. But ProTech is the best I've found to help my skin.

 

[NannyMin]

Thanks I'll try it out when I'm at A-Basin in a week or so.

 

[NannyMin]

Have you skied in Colorado before, or is that your first time?

I've never found any sunscreen that totally protects me during a sunny spring ski day here. The sun is so intense (imagine being up here without ANY sunscreen ... ack!). Perhaps zinc oxide would work.

It wasn't my first time. I've had issues with getting burned at higher elevations before. But, this time I was really miserable and motivated to find a diff product.

I found this information on the ProTech website:

Q. Why only 30+ -- isn't SPF 45 or higher better?

A.
Part 1: The FDA has given all sunscreen makers until 2005 to comply with new labeling requirements requiring no claim higher than "30+" can be made. Higher SPF products do not make it safer to be out in the sun longer and the FDA has determined that the higher claims are misleading consumers into thinking that they can safely stay outside longer.

Part 2: Protech is SPF 30+, which means that it's "over 30". We are in compliance with the impending FDA ruling on acceptable labeling regarding SPF.

Interesting. I ordered the ProTech and I'll try it out at A-Basin and report back!

 

[num]

Part 1: The FDA has given all sunscreen makers until 2005 to comply with new labeling requirements requiring no claim higher than "30+" can be made. Higher SPF products do not make it safer to be out in the sun longer and the FDA has determined that the higher claims are misleading consumers into thinking that they can safely stay outside longer.

Until 2005 to change the lable, huh. I wonder if they changed their mind about that requirement or just extended the grace period. I see lots of
sunscreen marked higher around here.

About sunscreen I don't have much to contribute. I never used sunscreen until pretty recently, and I never burned, even while lifeguarding. Something about desert skin, I guess. With skin cancer rates creeping up among people of color, though, I figured it's worth the protection. I tried a few kinds that all felt disgusting on my skin even though they were called "ultra sheer" and "weightless", but I found Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Mist to be bearable.

I hope the ProTech works well for you!

 

[Kimmyt]

Got a free sample of the Protech and LOVE IT!

Funny though, the free sample tube was small and the first time i used it without reading what it was, i thought it was a chapstick. It tasted like butt. Heh. Then I realized. It sure did work though!

K.

 

[Quiver Queen]

Cheap old Walgreen's Sport 45--waterproof, light, and doesn't sting the eyes. I first got on to it a few years ago after reading a review on sun blocks & it rated among the highest, and for the money you can't beat it. As for the raccoon eyes, I briefly got them this season after trying for years, so I'm totally jealous of whoever succeeds.

 

[Gloria]

My favorite is California Tan Heliotherapy. I like it because, I don't burn even at high elevation and it doesn't run into my eyes, oh I hate that, and it isn't filmy. I have used both skiing and in the water and so far, it hasn't failed me. Some sunscreens will burn ( not sunburn ) my facebut this one does not.

 

[Gloria]

googled

So I just googled this sunscreen, because I bought at a Spa in JH , to see if it was readily available, ummm this may not be the best company out there.
The other funny thing is they reccomend this also for "indoor tanning". Amazing how well it works for the result it isn't suppose to accomplish. I got nothing after days in the sun and they are promoting this as a "tanning aid" where's my tan?
I got ripped off.:p

 

[Greeley]

I like Rocky Mountain Sunscreen the best. It seems to stay on when sweating and even while waterskiing.

 

[cyn]

I use Biotherm products for most sunny days. I'm not sure if they're available in the states. My sister brings them from Canada.
I also use a stick for nose and lips - necessary when I'm kayaking.

One feature that's important to me is that the product be waterproof and sweatproof. There is nothing worse that windsurfing and having that stuff run into your eyes and start stinging.

The other thing I have done to protect my skin is have a complete skin cancer screening with a dermatologist. I firgured after all those years in the sun I was due. I am happy (and relieved) to report that my skin is fine.

 

[ski diva]

The other thing I have done to protect my skin is have a complete skin cancer screening with a dermatologist. I firgured after all those years in the sun I was due. I am happy (and relieved) to report that my skin is fine.

This is great advice, cyn, and something that most of us overlook. It's really important to be screened. When I was growing up I spent every summer day on the beach, and I don't even like to think about the damage I probably did (this was years before we ever heard about the dangers of sun exposure. Imagine, we used to smear ourselves with baby oil ).

 

[num]

The other thing I have done to protect my skin is have a complete skin cancer screening with a dermatologist. I firgured after all those years in the sun I was due. I am happy (and relieved) to report that my skin is fine.

That's great. I'm planning to get screened by a dermatologist before this summer really starts. Since I found out about skin cancer rates climbing up in people of color, as well as the (not huge but still significant) link between scars, which I have my share of, and basal cell carcinoma. I just figure I'll get a complete screening, then I can look out for anything new that comes, instead of thinking "oh it's like that other bump I have" , without even knowing if the bump I'm referring to is safe. Knowing's always better, right?

 

[dloveski]

I like ProTech because of the way it soaks in the skin, more like a moisturizer than a heavy sunscreen. It's good for hiking and every day. It seems hard to get, though. I stock up at the Outdoor Retailer shows, but find it hard to get retail.

 

[Jilly]

I use L'oreal - Ombrelle in 30. It comes in "sport" version that is waterproof and sweat proof. When skiing I use a stick from "President Choice". It has 30 SPF too, but the stick is handy in the jacket pocket. I use that same stick on my face during the summer, when we're out on the boats. I think both products are Canadian only!

 

[ski now work later]

SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense 45, but haven't had a chance to try it skiing West in Spring when the sun is at its strongest. Worked great in Vermont last summer being out in the sun swimming, boating, etc.

SkinCeuticals is a skin care line sold in spas and doctors' offices. Great products. PM me for a link to a web site that sells them 20% off retail (they ain't cheap).

 

[NannyMin]

I've never found any sunscreen that totally protects me during a sunny spring ski day here. The sun is so intense (imagine being up here without ANY sunscreen ... ack!). Perhaps zinc oxide would work.

I'm thinking you may be right Pinto. I tried the skinceuticals sample yesterday (and reapplied twice during the day) and still ended up a bit burned. The same thing happened with the protech today. I did LOVE how the protech felt and absorbed so quickly and may use it for my everyday sunscreen. I'm going to try reappling every 1.5 hours tomorrow and see if that helps. I'm a bit too vain to wear zinc....remember when it was cool?! :D

 

[Jilly]

What, you don't want purple streaks!! Oh maybe now they're green or pink!!