Do you use sunscreen?

[loopybunny]

I use Hawaiin Island Creations when I ride. That stuff is hard to wash off in the shower with hot, soapy water... definitely doesn't run into the eyes when sweating. They say waterproof, they mean it!

Downside is that it has parabens in it so I don't use it daily, only when I think I'll be sweating a lot like riding or hiking.

I'm sure I'll find out soon it's also tested on animals which will turn me off immediately. I'm refusing to check the PETA company list at this time (although, I've found it inaccurate before too).

hicsuncare.com

[snowroo]

your dilemma is simple. Wear a shirt that covers your back.

Or get that cute pool boy to help you reapply.

I have fair skin. I don't wear strappy, sleeveless clothing. I can't. I'll burn. Or get skin cancer. Oh well. Health 1, Fashion 0.

Kudos on your swimming. That's impressive!

[OakLeaf]

EWG's updated sunblock guide.

[Selkie]

Roxie, what about a rashguard? Patagonia has a very nice one this season---the fabric is wonderful (I wear mine as a top! LOL).

I guess swimming indoors has its advantages.... Last year, I was swimming outside and despite using sunscreen, ended up covered with new freckles (age spots), in addition to some new moles.

[channlluv]

I have a long-sleeved Body Glove rash guard. I bought it for swimming during the cooler winter months. (Don't laugh -- here in San Diego, it dropped into the 60s! Even with the heated pool, brrrr.) It's kind of heavy, though, and in the sun, it's hot. I might try it, even so, because it's only June and I'm already worried about the freckles and possible skin cancer. Thanks for the suggestion.

I did go look at the Patagonia rash guards, but they don't come in my size, alas.

As for the cute pool boy helping me reapply, there aren't any. The lifeguards rarely leave their big chairs unless there's a shift change. Besides, I'm only out there for 30 minutes. I think that's why I'm tanning rather than burning.

I wonder what my vitamin D level is. When I had some tests done in May, it was low. I'm on supplements now, per doctor's orders.

Roxy

[Alex]

Thumbs up to the Vanicream Sport SPF35. Goes on well, the white fades, and it doesn't make me feel like I am encased in plastic. I'll probably still stick with Rocky Mountain SPF50 Sunscreen for all day rides and for triathlons, but I wore the Vanicream on yesterday's ride and during today's run, and it was great. DH bought it after he saw it on the EWG list.

[itself]

My partner just went to the dermatologist last week. Yes, they had to remove a growth on her neck and now the wait for the results. Never been so scared in our lives.

Sunscreen must contain one of these four ingredients according to our dermatologist:

Avobenzone
Titanium Dioxide
Zinc Oxide
Mexoryl

There is a lot of controversy around oxybenzene as an ingredient you DO NOT want in a sunscreen. Needless to say, we just tossed all of our Hawaiin Tropics as it is junk.

I read on ewg that rated sunscreens but I haven't checked ingredients. Badger is supposed to be really good, but the dermatologist did say Neutrogena is one of the best.

My partner is a pharmacist and says that most of these expensive sunscreens are way overpriced. She is going to compound sunscreens and simply take the Trader Joe's sunscreen and add pure zinc to it to get better protection. Cheaper and it will work!

Lisa

[Blueberry]

There is a lot of controversy around oxybenzene as an ingredient you DO NOT want in a sunscreen. Needless to say, we just tossed all of our Hawaiin Tropics as it is junk.

I read on ewg that rated sunscreens but I haven't checked ingredients. Badger is supposed to be really good, but the dermatologist did say Neutrogena is one of the best.

At least some Neutrogena products have oxybenzone in them.

Here's hoping your partner gets good news.

[Catrin]

Has anyone tried the Loving Naturals sunscreen found here: http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/fin...unscreen-SPF/?

This seems to have the fewest chemical warnings out of the 8 that the EWG is recommending for this year.

I was interested in the Badger, but someone here said that it tends to be quite heavy - unless I misunderstood her post. Pity I can't abide sleeves when riding in the heat - I am fair skinned and have always had freckles - so I just need to become even more flexible for applying sunscreen

[JennK13]

I've found it's important to let the sunscreen soak in - if you put it on, especially on your face, right before you go out and sweat immediately, it's going to run. I don't use anything extra on my face - my moisturizer has SPF 30 in it, and I use an antioxidant protector over that daily that has SPF 15 in it. It's just part of my normal facial routine - soaks right in, no breakouts, and doesn't run into my eyes.

I keep sunscreen in the bathroom with my regular lotion, so if I'm planning on going out, I just use the sunscreen before I get dressed instead of my regular lotion - goes on all over, no forgotten parts or getting it on my jersey or clothes, and I followup with a spray like Nuetrogena on the back of my neck and lower back (where your jersey comes up exposing skin right above your shorts!!) Another often overlooked part - the ears! I make sure I put lotion on them too.

[loopybunny]

So now that I know my beloved sunscreen possibly increases the risk of melanoma, I'm off to find something new.

As far as I know, Neutrogena tests on animals. I've also never had luck with it not running into my eyes or causing minor break outs on my face.

I guess I'll need to do some more research for good cruelty free sunscreen.

I know Burt's Bees is free of parabens and oxybenzine, but they're owned by Clorox who does participate in animal testing.

Why is this so difficult?

[itself]

http://www.astrostar.com/DO-NOT-Test.htm


Neutrogena does not test on animals but their parent company, J&J does...

[ScaldedCat]

I used Riemann P20, stinks but seems to work.

[Catrin]

I didn't know that J&J tested on animals... I have been trying their baby sunscreen on my face, and All Terrain TerraSport on legs, shoulders, and arms. I was using Coppertone Sport with a supposed SPF of 50.

[OakLeaf]

I just learned that titanium dioxide is a photocatalyst. Instead of just reflecting sunlight, it actually creates free radicals.

Effect on human skin is unknown, but it sure doesn't sound good. I'll stick with light covered fabrics and zinc oxide, TYVM.