Do you use sunscreen?

[lunacycles]

So, one thing you have to understand is that there is a UVA/UVB spectrum. Titanium dioxide is very good in the UVB spectrum, but just covers a small portion of the UVA spectrum. Regulations in the US allow manufacturers to say it is broad spectrum. This is why you have to be so careful about picking a sunscreen.

Thank you, Mary--really valuable and helpful info...

[NoNo]

Just read this:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36832300...in_and_beauty/

Kind of scary that there's no regulation or standards. Also didn't realize that many sunblocks didn't work on UVA, which is what causes wrinkles. I admit I thought that the SPF numbers were exponential and was really surprised to see how small of a difference there was between 30 and 15.

[abejita]

Thanks for the article...I was about to look for something along the same lines.

The US historically has really only been concerned with UVB rays (the ones that burn you. That is all the SPF rating refers to. Many European sunscreens offer and additional rating system for UVA. There sunscreens have an SPF rating and a PA rating (the uva protection) it will be PA +, ++, +++ or ++++.

Also, there are many ingredients that are not photo stable (which is ridiculous in a sunscreen) So you either have to make sure there is something to stabilize the ingredients or it contains a sunblock that is photo stable.

My husband thinks that it is hilarious that for years, I had my friend ship me contraband sunscreen from europe (the fda hadn't approved the sunblock)

[Catrin]

Just read this:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36832300...in_and_beauty/

Kind of scary that there's no regulation or standards. Also didn't realize that many sunblocks didn't work on UVA, which is what causes wrinkles. I admit I thought that the SPF numbers were exponential and was really surprised to see how small of a difference there was between 30 and 15.

Thanks for the article, and I found that small difference between the SPF numbers enlightening. It sounds like I should go for a physical sunblock
This has confirmed my choice of a physical sunblock over a chemical one. It was quite a shock to read that there is no regulation on this in the US...

[snowroo]

http://www.canada.com/mobile/iphone/...f-e2db80d172b5

Don't have to get it in Europe. Canada has good sunscreen too. My Derm recommended ombrelle

[OakLeaf]

When we were in Italy in '02, the only time I've bought sunblock in Europe, it only went up to #20. In pidgin Italian and sign language I tried to ask for a higher SPF; the store clerk told me 20 was the "max" and that with my slightly olive skin I didn't need it anyway.


ETA: Hermitgirl, yes, the chemical sunblocks do expire, and the package should have an expiration date on it.

IME though, Neutrogena products of any kind are some of the nastiest things out there. I can't put anything Neutrogena on my skin without a major breakout. I just bought a tube of Badger and so far so good.

[Blueberry]

I just bought a tube of Badger and so far so good.

Thanks for the feedback - I keep meaning to pick some up!

[HermitGirl]

ETA: Hermitgirl, yes, the chemical sunblocks do expire, and the package should have an expiration date on it.

IME though, Neutrogena products of any kind are some of the nastiest things out there. I can't put anything Neutrogena on my skin without a major breakout. I just bought a tube of Badger and so far so good.

THANK YOU ! This Badger stuff, is it hypo alergenic, or what?

[OakLeaf]

Here's their ingredient list; click on the FAQ and the technical page for more information about micronized zinc oxide.

The label calls it "lightly scented," but I would say the lavender fragrance is fairly strong, so if that bothers you, be forewarned.

I only just started using it, but haven't had any problems with it so far, and my facial skin is super sensitive.

[abejita]

http://www.canada.com/mobile/iphone/...f-e2db80d172b5

Don't have to get it in Europe. Canada has good sunscreen too. My Derm recommended ombrelle

The sunscreen that I have used for years has Mexoryl in it. It is made by La Roche Posey.

[snowroo]

The sunscreen that I have used for years has Mexoryl in it. It is made by La Roche Posey.

That's available in Canada at Shoppers drug mart. Getting your sunscreen in Europe sounds much more exotic tho

[abejita]

It does, doesn't it, LOL! Now I can buy it on Amazon...go figure.