Sunscreen news

[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.

[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.