Do you use sunscreen?

[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.

[Catrin]

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.

I was just looking at their website after posting my question. I asked about your use of this because I am not used to using sunscreen at all - typically I've just avoided the sun and want to find a good non-chemical sunscreen that I can use all over. I am unsure about overheating related to this, which was part of my question

This does seem a more affordable option, though of course there isn't an inexpensive, and good, physical sunscreen. Not that I can find at least. I suspect that I will try this one, Total Block and Skinseuticals (not at the same time) to see which my skin is happiest with. I just do not tan, I just burn...and burn...and...I will use Coppertone until I try one of these products. I don't think I can purchase them locally.

[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.