Sunscreen news

[Ann G]

Did you see the recent news about sunscreen? My personal favorite, Coppertone Sport Lotion SPF 50, is among the worst, and none of Coppertone's sunscreens were judged to be safe and effective, according to this Environmental Working Group report. Banana Boat and Neutrogena didn't do very well either. The products that got a pass, like Trukid, California Baby, and Badger, were all things I've never heard of and can't find in the local K-Mart. Maybe I'll have to look for things online.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/02/health/webmd/main4227214.shtml

[jesvetmed]

Wow... thanks for posting that. I actually used coppertone for the first time in years at my tri the other day -- it worked. I was out for 3 hours and didn't burn, and it didn't come off in the wetsuit or on the sweaty bike/ride either. So it may not pass, but it passed for me! Course, I had the "55" on!


Among more widely available brands, Blue Lizard, California Baby, CVS, Jason Natural Cosmetics, Kiss My Face, Neutrogena, Olay, SkinCeuticals, Solar Sense, and Walgreens made the list.

Of these, Kiss My Face and Neutrogena and Olay are all widely available. And the other night I noticed Target carried "California Baby".... at least in their baby products. I know you can get them online, too.

California Baby makes the list of pretty good products based on lack of toxic chemicals in them, also.

Someone here posted a great website for cosmetics, shampoos, etc, and the site rated them based on their ingredients and whether or not any are considered toxic. Wish I could remember the site. Someone else probably does?

Jes

[Blueberry]

Here's the badger website: http://www.badgerbalm.com/

I've been using their "balms" for years and love them. I have not tried the sunscreen.

CA

[salsabike]

I think this is what you want--the website for the Environmental Working Group--

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/

[KnottedYet]

Many years ago I went through the whole "OMG I have malignant melanoma, OMG I'm gonna die!" crap. My cancer-man told me to always wear sunscreen that contains both a chemical screen (the ones that break down) and a physical block (zinc or titanium) and is at least 30 spf.

Kid's or baby's sunscreen is the stuff most likely to have both. I buy tons of it. Chemical screen doesn't wash off, and physical block doesn't wear out. (the chemical screen works by absorbing rays, which breaks it down. The physical block works by reflecting the rays, which won't help if it washes off with sweat or rubs off with clothing.)

Follow the directions on the bottle. If it says to apply 15 minutes before you go into the sun, that's referring to the chemical screen. Do it. If it says to re-apply, that's referring to the whole shebang. Do it.

When in doubt, put on your chemical/physical mix then put on a layer of a pure neutral physical. The physical blocks UVA and UVB, the chemical is your emergency back-up plan.

Best of all.... long sleeves, long pants, and a wide brimmed hat! (not so easy on the bike, eh?)

[michelem]

I'm allergic to the chemical sunscreens, so have to stick with pure physical blocks (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide). Problem is that even the "non-whitening" forumlas make me look like I've rubbed white paste all over. Or, worse, Burt's Bees new "non-whitening" formula is yellow/orange! I called the hotline to find out if maybe I had a "bad" tube, but was told that the yellow/orange is the real color of the stuff! My hubby made fun that it looked like I had dried mustard all over my face! YUCK!!!:eek:

So, has anyone found a good zinc/titanium sunblock that blends into the skin and can even be worn under makeup??? :confused:

On the bod I wear long-sleeves and long pants (full-length bike tights on the bike) with SPF 50 year-round. So, it's just my face/neck/hands that I need to worry about.

[jesvetmed]

Thanks, Salsa... that is the one!

[Dogmama]

So, has anyone found a good zinc/titanium sunblock that blends into the skin and can even be worn under makeup??? :confused:



Fallene Total Block comes with a small tube of dark flesh colored mix that you can add to the white sunblock & approach your natural color. There is also a tube of white, in case you overshoot your mark. I got mine at Drugstore.com. I wear it over my Neutrogena SPF55 with Helioplex that was recommended by my dermatologist. The sun in AZ is relentless & I easily get brown spots on my face :eek:. This combo works pretty good.

[Lifesgreat]

My derm. recommends Neutrogena SPF55 with Helioplex . It is more expensive (but not as expensive as melanoma :o), and it is a lighter feeling sunscreen. I really like it.

[Geonz]

I have not seen "zinc oxide" in the ingredients of a single sunscreen that I've looked at this summer. I wondered if it had been deemed hazardous (especially in the microbead form) and pined for the old days hwen I could get VItamin A & D Ointment (a greasier formula) that prevented and treated sunburn. I woulnd't mind having a white nose, even...

[Thorn]

In my neck of the woods, the only zinc oxide sunscreen that I've found is the Walgreens Face and Neck in a 2oz tub. But, it is also a chemical block as well as physical. It works really well and blends nicely, but, sigh, if I use it too many days in a row, I break out into hives.

We mail order sunscreen to get zinc oxide. I've been having good luck with Blue Lizard Baby. A little ghosty, but it seems to last and [knock on carbon fiber] no allergies to the base chemicals.

Just an anecdotal warning on "Helioplex"--make sure to reapply as often as it says. While I will admit that I don't reapply most sunscreens, when I didn't with the Heliplex I burned really badly. I've read elsewhere that the chemical compound that they call "Helioplex" must be reapplied frequently. Great spectrum coverage, but needs to be reapplied.

[michelem]

Fallene Total Block comes with a small tube of dark flesh colored mix that you can add to the white sunblock & approach your natural color.

Oh! I got excited about this one until I looked at the ingredients. In addition to the zinc and titanium it has Benzophenone, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, and
Octocrylene. :(:(:( Oh, well . . . :(:(:(

[Grog]

I think Dermatone, which has a white pasty version containing zinc oxide, is available online rather easily...

[ny biker]

I've used coppertone sport (40-50 spf) for years. I burn very easily (very very easily) but with this sunscreen the only time I burn is when I miss a spot while applying it. I put it on 30 minutes to an hour before I start to ride and that's it - no reapplying because I don't like to carry lots of stuff when I'm on the bike.

Last year I also bought a Neutrogena sport sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays (the Coppertone didn't protect against both). It also works great. I just used the last of it and bought a new bottle of Coppertone that does protect against both UVA and UVB. I haven't used it yet but it's the same active ingredients as the Neutrogena so I expect it to work just as well.

FWIW I have ridiculously sensitive skin but I have not had any allergic reactions to either brand. They both feel a little irritating on my face when I first put them on but no rashes or anything.

[michelem]

I think Dermatone, which has a white pasty version containing zinc oxide, is available online rather easily...


Also available at REI. And, yes, it is VERY white and pasty! :eek:

[michelem]

Oh! Looks like one of the EWG top-rated sunblocks, UV Natural, is now carried by REI. I think I'll have to try this one . . . It's pretty pricey, so I think I'll wait for one of those 20% off coupons. ;)

http://www.rei.com/search?query=uv+naturals&brand=UV+Natural&hist=query%2Cuv+naturals%5Ebrand%2CUV+Natural

[ilima]

Clarins makes a very light (and pricey) physical blocker for the face. I've tested it out, but haven't brought myself to buy it yet although that's on my To Do list.

http://us.clarins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/beauty-products_complimentary-gifts_new-uv-plus-day-screen-spf-40_C010410008_10051_10204_-1_31181

When I ride, I have resigned myself to looking like a zombie with my white streaked legs and arms.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

It's essential to understand the difference between chemical sunscreens and non-chemical sunblocks.

The non-chemical blocks use either zinc or magnesium dioxide to physically prevent the sun from reaching your skin. That's where the white stuff comes in.

There is some controversy as to whether chemical sunscreens are bad for you or contain cancer-causing ingredients.

I myself use Neutrogena non-chemical sunblock for Sensitive Skin. It looks a bit whitish at first but that mostly disappears after a few minutes. Smoothes on nicely.

[elk]

TE has a sunblock with zinc ox...I was thinking of trying it:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=4041

[KSH]

My derm. recommends Neutrogena SPF55 with Helioplex . It is more expensive (but not as expensive as melanoma :o), and it is a lighter feeling sunscreen. I really like it.

Since that tends to not stay on with sweat, I mix that with my Hawaiian Tropic, Ozone Sport 60 SPF sunblock. The HT is really thick and stays on. By mixing I get the best of both worlds!

[KnottedYet]

TE has a sunblock with zinc ox...I was thinking of trying it:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=4041


I have some of the AquaSport sunblock. I reeeeeeeally like it!
(I need to buy some more.)

I have *almost* as many tubes of various sunscreens as I do bikes. ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Be sure to check expiration dates. :o
Never occurred to me until once I put some sunscreen on and it smelled really BAD...then I saw it was 3 years expired. :(

[michelem]

Re expiration dates, I recently read (sorry I don't have the reference) that the expiration date applies to UNOPENED containers of sunscreen/sunblock. The stuff degrades more rapidly once opened, if left in a hot car, etc. . . . :eek:

[OakLeaf]

It must be just me - I can't use anything from Neutrogena. It breaks me out something awful.

Funny the EWG didn't review Bullfrog, which seems to be the most popular sunblock among outdoor types. I guess I'll have to read the label, since Coppertone discontinued my favorite (and EWG-favored) brand. I wish they'd update the site, too, since a lot of formulas have changed since they did that. (I guess I could send them a donation if I'm asking for more information...)

I also read just last week that the spec SPF rating is valid only if you apply 2 oz (!) of sunblock to your entire body. Now, I don't know how much that translates to when it's only the arms from mid-bicep down (excluding the hands), back of the neck, tips of the ears, and nose. ;)

ETA: I've always been nervous about buying sunblock mail order since I can't verify the expiration date before I buy it. Anybody want to share their experiences? I don't mean "expired before it gets here," I'm afraid of "expired before I've used a third of it."

[roadie gal]

They didn't rate the one that I use: Aloe Gator. I've had great results with it and it doesn't hurt when you sweat it into your eyes, unlike some of the others.

[VeloVT]

I have run across Skin Deep/the EWG website a few times. I am fairly skeptical. EWG is an advocacy organization, not a scientific organization. It's not clear what the qualifications of its "researchers" are -- the "About" and "FAQ" sections of the website are suspiciously vague about this. The fact that they are an advocacy group that campaigns on behalf of "natural" products and touts the dangers and carcinogenicity of practically everything makes me doubt how neutral and scientific their evaluations can be. I'm sure there are lots of FDA-approved ingredients out there that are less than safe, but until they show me some serious credentials I'm inclined to view EWG as being unduly alarmist.

I would also like to point out that in the sunscreen review, the copy is quite misleading in that they pull you in with the assertion that many conventional sunscreens are ineffective and don't protect against UVA. Then they go on to give poor marks to products that even by their own standards give perfectly fine broad-spectrum coverage (like many of the Neutrogena products), but contain "nasty chemicals" that EWG doesn't like. However, the way the report is written they elide these two issues and imply that the sunscreens that are "bad" because of chemicals also offer inadequate coverage (some of them may, but many don't). This tends to confirm my suspicions about EWG.

I'm not convinced.

Of course, it is true that there are only a handful (3-5) ingredients approved in the US that give UVA coverage, and plenty of sunscreens don't contain them, so you do need to read the label and look for zinc, titanium, Avobenzene, mexoryl, etc -- but EWG is greatly overstating the problem in my opinion.

[Jen-Jen]

I can verify that Coppertone does not work, since I ended up with one of the worst burns I had in years! Within 24 hours I had burn blisters! Ouch! After that I bring the can with me to reapply every so often and even then I tan up even more. I heard that Bullfrog was really good. Has anyone used that?

Thanks for the tip on the others, I might need to switch.

[Blueberry]

I've used Bullfrog. It smells nice, and it's (in most forms) a gel, not a lotion. We made it through a trip to Florida where we were (not by choice) out in the sun all day, every day without a burn. We did re-apply, but I don't think excessively so. However - the negatives - it DOES NOT come off in the shower. You can feel it for a day or 2. Also, be careful handling plastic after applying (I think this would apply to paint too) - it dissolved a couple of pens on me.

[OakLeaf]

I am fairly skeptical. EWG is an advocacy organization, not a scientific organization.

Well, not exactly. They don't lobby anyone for anything. Their purpose is to provide information to the public. Their scientists compile research done by government agencies and in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and all the research is quoted on their site. They don't rely on any non-peer-reviewed data except government data.

Organizations like the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, etc., those are advocacy organizations whose members profit when consumers and governments follow their recommendations. EWG is a news source that accepts no advertising and gains no direct benefit from providing their information. And, in terms of the proportion of program expenses to total fundraising, they're perennially a top-rated charity.

[KerryCrow]

I am very happy with the Neutragena products. I use their 70 "face shield" and then then spray-on (I think 55) for arms and legs. I am very fair and freckly. The spray-on stuff does not seem to need to be reapplied even with sweating.

For the face stuff on a long day, I squirt a tiny amount into a snack size zip lock bag for reapplication, takes up no room at all in my shirt pocket, and it's not messy.

I did have the break out problem with the Neutragena, but now I wash my face with a good cleanser AS SOON as I walk in the door and it seems to have solved the problem for me...that or this "Face Shield" is easier on my skin.

[roadie gal]

I can verify that Coppertone does not work, since I ended up with one of the worst burns I had in years! Within 24 hours I had burn blisters! Ouch! After that I bring the can with me to reapply every so often and even then I tan up even more. I heard that Bullfrog was really good. Has anyone used that?

Thanks for the tip on the others, I might need to switch.

It works well. My only problem with it is that it STINGS if it gets in your eyes. I sweat like a fiend, so this is a big consideration for me.

[VeloVT]

Well, not exactly. They don't lobby anyone for anything. Their purpose is to provide information to the public. Their scientists compile research done by government agencies and in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and all the research is quoted on their site. They don't rely on any non-peer-reviewed data except government data. (...) EWG is a news source that accepts no advertising and gains no direct benefit from providing their information. And, in terms of the proportion of program expenses to total fundraising, they're perennially a top-rated charity.

I'm still skeptical. How many people go and check the sources and have the background to determine whether the conclusions extrapolated by EWG are really valid conclusions to draw from the data they cite?

If you browse the Skin Deep site, the level of danger they ascribe to just about everything is SO outside the mainstream that I really have to believe they choose their conclusions ahead of time and then search very hard to find some evidence that might support them if presented in the right way.

Edit: EWG has both a 501(c)3 and a 501(c)4, and use the c4 organization to engage in lobbying (http://www.ewg.org/about)... Not that I have any problem with lobbying, but it suggests that EWG has a specific agenda to promote and may have a vested interest in the nature of the results they find/publish.

[VeloVT]

On the topic of sunscreen though, I've been using Neutrogena Age Shield Face SPF 70 on my face. I'm a bit oily and this sunscreen is very light & dry, although it smells like house paint. I really like it for exercise or anytime I'm going to be out for a long time. For general use I like something a little lighter (usually with SPF 30), I've had good luck with some of the Murad products.

For body, I use Coppertone Waterbabies SPF 50, which DOES offer good UVA protection (3% Avobenzene). It works well for me (and smells like baby powder, which I like!), but I'm more of a tanner than a burner anyway. However, my boyfriend is very, very fair and burns at the thought of sun, and this has done a good job protecting him from burning on 3-4 hour rides before. (I use this on my body instead of the Neutrogena basically because it comes in bigger bottles and is cheaper).

Someone mentioned the Clarins titanium dioxide block. I used to use that and it's really, really nice, especially if you have combination-to-oily skin. It has a watery texture that just disappears on your skin. I wouldn't use it for exercising because I think it tends to streak off when you sweat heavily, but it's very nice for every day wear. Although I've kind of stopped using physical blocks for day-to-day wear because I like to put sunscreen all the way down my neck, and I find that titanium-based blocks, even really light & sheer ones, tend to rub off, and it doesn't look nice if you're wearing, say, a black suit :eek:.

[Lifesgreat]

I find that titanium-based blocks, even really light & sheer ones, tend to rub off, and it doesn't look nice if you're wearing, say, a black suit :eek:.

The voice of experience? :D

[aicabsolut]

Clarins makes a very light (and pricey) physical blocker for the face. I've tested it out, but haven't brought myself to buy it yet although that's on my To Do list.

http://us.clarins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/beauty-products_complimentary-gifts_new-uv-plus-day-screen-spf-40_C010410008_10051_10204_-1_31181

When I ride, I have resigned myself to looking like a zombie with my white streaked legs and arms.

The Clarins stuff is great, but it is not sweatproof. It is one of the few that doesn't irritate my skin, and I guess it's hard to have a physical blocker that will truly stay put. That said, I don't think I've gotten it in my eyes. It's just easy to rub off.

I like Coppertone sport for my arms and legs, but my chest, neck, and face are too sensitive for it. I get bad heat rashes anyway.

I detest Neutrogena. Despite all the claims, it sweats off and runs into the eyes. Plus, it feels greasy to me.

I think I need to locate some good ol' BullFrog.

[elk]

DHC has a really nice SPF 30 with zinc ox...but I'm not sure about the sweat factor...

(I finally quit throwing their catalogs and samples away--about a year ago---tried the samples and I fell in love with their products....)

[KnottedYet]

that Clarins stuff is very nice (got to sample a tiny bit) but, boy Howdy! $40 for 1 ounce is well beyond my price range.

I really like the "All Terrain" that TE carries, and the Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic baby/kid stuff. Also really like the Dermacote that comes as a paste in a tin. Like shoe polish. That stuff is intense!

[aicabsolut]

that Clarins stuff is very nice (got to sample a tiny bit) but, boy Howdy! $40 for 1 ounce is well beyond my price range.

I really like the "All Terrain" that TE carries, and the Banana Boat and Hawaiian Tropic baby/kid stuff. Also really like the Dermacote that comes as a paste in a tin. Like shoe polish. That stuff is intense!

Yeah, it's a lot, but since I just use it on my face, it lasts a pretty long time.

Oh, as for pastes, I like the Coppertone Sport Stick for higher friction places (like the collar area)

[TsPoet]

Well, not exactly. They don't lobby anyone for anything. Their purpose is to provide information to the public. Their scientists compile research done by government agencies and in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and all the research is quoted on their site. They don't rely on any non-peer-reviewed data except government data.


They are a group trying to extend their own agenda, they report on the peer-reviewed "scientific" literature they want to put forth their agenda and ignore the literature that doesn't. They also misinterpret a lot of what they report on. The basic tenant of toxicology is "the dose makes the poison".
I peer-review about 25 articles/year and I can tell you I don't always agree with their opinions, it's the basic science that's peer-reviewed, often not the opinions. Also, as a peer reviewer you can make a comment - like the author's definition of "low dose" isn't a low dose - and the authors usually aren't made to change it.
For the sunscreen report this is very important (as it is for all of the BPA "reports" by this group and others like it), if it isn't absorbed into the skin in sufficient amounts, it isn't a problem.
I don't know anything about what works as a sunscreen and what doesn't, simplistically, it seems to me that if it didn't work we'd all get sunburns and not buy the products.
Their reports on toxicity are vague and unsubstantiated.

[jennrod12]

I have fair skin and have had a couple of pre-cancerous spots removed from my face. I burn even before my skin turns red, and I find it difficult to tan.

My dermatologist recommended Neutrogena products to me. I use the Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunblock on my face, just found it in 85 SPF! (Note: my husband just went to the dermatologist and she recommended 55 SPF for him, and 70 SPF for me, based on his description of me. I had been using 55 SPF, so he bought me some 70 SPF and took my 55. FYI, the 70 SPF definitely worked better than the 55 SPF.) I put it on about an hour before I ride. Then 15 minutes or so before I ride, I top it off with the Canadian version of L'Oreal Ombrelle that contains Titanium dioxide and Mexoryl. We picked some up when visiting my sister in Canada. I only put that on below my eyes, though, because it will run and sting. I also have a little tiny tube of Neutragena 55 SPF that I keep in my seatpack to reapply on my face.

I'll put almost anything on my legs, the L'Oreal (which is 45 SPF), or 50 SPF Coppertone Sport. I had some Neutragena gel stuff which was really vile, but it stayed on superbly, so I used it on my legs. It worked great, but they don't seem to sell it any more. All those sunscreens feel too "coating" to put on my arms, they make my arms feel like they can't breathe, but my legs don't care.

I usually put 45 SPF Neutragena UVA/UVB sunblock on my arms because it feels good and you get 4 oz for the same price as 3 oz of the Dry Touch version. If I'm going to be out more than 3 hours, I wear a long-sleeved silk undershirt under my jersey to protect my arms. The combo works well.

Oh, I also have a tiny container of zinc oxide that I will use on my face if I'm doing a weeklong tour. It's yellow, yuck!

YMMV, Jenn

[short cut sally]

I have had good luck with Banana Boat sport spf 50. I need to get a new tube as my tube is getting older and just about gone. Its 2 years old and still works well. I've never burned thru it and it doesn't seem to break my face out-I don't need any addtional help with that problem.

[michelem]

From what I understand (and please correct me if I'm wrong), the SPF applies only to UVB rays -- these are the rays that cause burning. UVA rays are the ones that cause wrinkles, cancer, etc. and the SPF does not apply to these rays. I THINK that some of the sunscreens reported as ineffective don't have enough UVA protection in them. We go through life thinking we've been effectively protecting our skin 'cause we don't burn, blissfully unaware that the UVA rays are silently doing their below-the-surface damage . . . :eek:

[katluvr]

As a Floridian who is outdoors A LOT and does not necessarily AVOID the sun. (yes, go ahead and tell me all the bad skin cancer stories) I just thought the BEST thing about this thread is that everyone IS trying to protect their skin. Being athletic and outdoor a lot it is important to use a product that works for you...that keeps you from "burning". Reading up and using what makes you feel best (chemical vs non-chemical) is again what matters. I have become "better" with my sunscreen use. I admit, not as good as I should, but better. So if coppertone protects you--fine. I did not check the list...I doubt my fave sunscreen/block is on the list. But it works for me. To me that is what is important, my experience w/ a product. Maybe I should "read more"--but I just am not sure I want to be "scared" about the product that seems to work well for me.
So for my next ride...I'll be sure to apply! (However, I do hate how much more it makes me sweat when I apply it!)

[VeloVT]

Michellem & Katluvr --
I think what is concerning is that, as I understand it (and I could have this wrong), UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. UVA rays, on the other hand, are responsible for a lot of deeper damage that doesn't necessarily cause obvious immediate symptoms like sunburns, but leads to premature aging and possibly skin cancer.

So, if your sunblock doesn't have adequate UVA protection but DOES have adequate UVB protection, you could be protected from burns (and thus think you are just fine), but still get that other, more insidious damage. You can't assess whether or not your sunscreen protects you from UVA based on whether or not you burn.

But even the EWG report (which I still think is WAY overblown) says something like 7 or 15 percent of sunblocks DON'T protect against UVA -- which means between 85-93 per cent of drugstore sunscreens DO protect against UVA, and it's pretty easy to verify which ones do by looking at the ingredient list.

I believe in Europe sunscreens are given two ratings, one that is like SPF (which measure UVB protection) and one that addresses UVA protection... we should probably do that here too...

[bluebug32]

I like the Blue Lizard sunscreen, but it's very greasy and I tend to have greasy skin anyway. Could anyone recommend a non-chemical sunscreen that's a little lighter?