Chemical Sunscreen or Physical Sun Block?

[deskrider]

What kind of sun protection do you use on your face? I normally use a physical sunblock with zinc oxide rather than a chemical sunscreen but I'm noticing that neither of these work well on my upper lip or other areas of the face that tend to get sweaty (plus if your nose runs and you wipe it then the sunscreens come off). On my chin is another problem area, as is the forehead when I'm sweating a lot. There are the super waterproof sunscreens meant for the body, but those things destroy the face. What works well with sweat but is still non-comodogenic and face-friendly? I realize of course that I should reapply frequently, but I still need something with more staying power. I am using Skin Ceuticals SPF30 or SPF50 now (but not the "sport") one because I believe that's too hard on the face. DH uses a Bullfrog gel, which really stays on well and he never burns, but it has alcohol in it and that dries my face out too much. I guess anything with alcohol would be pretty hard on the face.

[Karma007]

I've wasted many bottles of sunscreen trying to solve this problem, and recently found Kinesys. 2 rides so far, and no burn or irritation. It could be a winner.

[OakLeaf]

Badger for me. A little on my nose, a little on the back of my neck, and a LOT on my fresh scars. :rolleyes: My skin is super sensitive, and it doesn't bother me.

[Catrin]

Good time for this topic to come up. I NEED to find a different product this year. Last year I used Johnson and Johnson's Baby Sunscreen because it was a physical sunscreen that my doctor recommended. She insisted that it would work fine even though it is for children - that it was simply for more sensitive skin.

I did not burn, but I tanned very deeply and even NOW I can see a very light tan line on my thighs and back of my shoulders where my sleeveless jersey hit. I did not realize how tan I had actually gotten until people started commenting on it last fall.

I used a small tube of Terrasport on my face, and it seemed fine. It didn't dry out my skin and - unlike the rest of me - my face/neck didn't tan and it seemed to stay on pretty well. It might be worth checking out. I am considering this for the rest of my body - I need to make a better choice this year. It will be either Terrasport or Badger.

[Becky]

Vanicream sport or Aquasport by AllTerrain. I greatly prefer the feel of the Vanicream.

http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

[Susan]

I used the Avene Tinted Compact SPF 50 last summer. It's like a compact powder with physical sunblock, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
It didn't make my skin brake out like other sunscreens and worked well (I could keep the Melasma on my cheeks barely visible). It doesn't come off easily when sweating. I used it instead of makeup during the day too.
I didn't like the texture very much, it feels a bit oily (but doesn't make you look greasy), but I guess I will buy it again this summer because it worked quite well.

[Catrin]

Badger for me. A little on my nose, a little on the back of my neck, and a LOT on my fresh scars. :rolleyes: My skin is super sensitive, and it doesn't bother me.

Oak, was this the stick that Badger sells for the face, or the regular cream? If their body lotion works for the face....

[OakLeaf]

I just use the kind that comes in the tube.

http://www.badgerbalm.com/p-372-spf-30-for-face-body.aspx

When I went to the website, there's a new announcement that they are making the sunblock with slightly larger particles because of customer concerns about nanoparticles. So it might be slightly more visible on the skin than the old formulation. Personally I'm not much concerned about it one way or the other. I am a bit concerned about titanium dioxide nanoparticles, but Badger uses zinc only. Nor does it really matter to me if it makes my skin look a little lighter than it really is, when I have it on.

[Catrin]

I just use the kind that comes in the tube...I am a bit concerned about titanium dioxide nanoparticles, but Badger uses zinc only. Nor does it really matter to me if it makes my skin look a little lighter than it really is, when I have it on.

Thanks, and I agree that it doesn't matter if my skin looks a little lighter. I am on the bike for hours in the heat... no one is going to notice THAT! I do think it helps to have a visor on my helmet as well.

[Laguna]

I've wasted many bottles of sunscreen trying to solve this problem, and recently found Kinesys. 2 rides so far, and no burn or irritation. It could be a winner.

Interesting...I've been using this for the last two years (got a great price on close-out and I like the way it goes on and feels) however.....if I put it on my forehead and it gets into my eyes, WOW does it sting and I often have to pull over and wash out my eyes with my water bottle. Perhaps you are using a new formula or maybe my eyes are just more sensitive?

[aicabsolut]

Vanicream sport or Aquasport by AllTerrain. I greatly prefer the feel of the Vanicream.

http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

+1 for Vanicream. I seem to wind up wiping/washing off just about everything over the course of a long summer ride, but this stuff doesn't burn, irritate or seem to clog pores. You have to rub it in really well when you apply to avoid the white zinc streaks.

[celticgarden]

Sunscreen has been on my mind too. I used the (non profit) Environmental Working Group report to choose my "new" brand. http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/

I'm going with Badger.