Do you use sunscreen?

[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.

[Catrin]

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.

Do you use this for more than your face and does it noticeably whiten your skin? Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

I only regularly put sunblock on my nose and the back of my neck, maybe a little across my cheekbones and ears. Badger is based on olive oil and beeswax, so it's definitely possible that it would be too heavy to put on your arms or back if overheating is a problem for you. Is that why you were asking about putting it somewhere besides my face?

As for whitening... a little bit. According to their FAQ, the zinc oxide particles in Badger sunblock are for the most part larger than what's technically considered nanoparticles, although there's some overlap in the 70-100 nm range. So it's definitely not like the old-style clown-nose zinc oxide preparations; I would say the appearance is more like wearing makeup that's a shade too light for my skin.



Also, poking around Badger's website, I see they now have an unscented version. Men may prefer this too.

[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.