Sun Block

**pooks** · 07-13-2006, 04:56 AM

I'm very fair and have already had a basal cell carcinoma removed from my nose, which was enough to convince me I didn't want to go through that kind of thing again. My dad also had numerous skin cancers removed in his later years but mine has started at a much younger age -- and he worked in the sun!

I've been using a French sun block with SPF 60 that was highly recommended to me, but I see that after less than a month of riding 1/2 hour to 3/4 of an hour a day, my shoulders are getting pretty dark, which concerns me.

Anybody use anything particularly great? I'm going to the dermatologist next month and can check with her, too, but for now -- what do you recommend?

**GLC1968** · 07-13-2006, 05:55 AM

I've tried numerous sunblocks (from spf 30 to 55, in sweatproof, sport, dry touch, waterproof, etc) and no matter what I wear and how often I apply, I still get pretty severe tan lines after 3+ hours of biking. I figure that I'm filtering out most of it, but short of not going out at all or wearing more clothing, I don't know how to block all the rays.

Sorry that I'm not much help! I'd be interested to hear what your dermatologist recommends/suggests.

**Geonz** · 07-13-2006, 05:58 AM

I really like Spectra, which says SPF 50 - b it's got zinc oxide *and* other stuff and keeps me pale and wan (well, except for the days I forgot it :-( ) and more importantly makes me not even feel like I've been out in the sun (as in headache, tired, etc).

**Lifesgreat** · 07-13-2006, 06:02 AM

My Dr. recommended Neutrogena's new sunblock that has something called Helioplex in it. Here are some links to more info. I have found it works well.

http://www.realsimplerewards.com/rsn...helioplex.html
http://www.neutrogena.com/content_169.asp

**pooks** · 07-13-2006, 07:54 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm ready to try something different.

**Bad JuJu** · 07-13-2006, 08:15 AM

My dermatologist recommended Neutrogena with helioplex also. I have fair, sensitive skin and have always gotten good results with Neutrogena products.

**Nanci** · 07-13-2006, 08:35 AM

I use the Neutrogena Spray 45 especially on my back where I can't reach. I am amazed at how well it works. I just don't burn any more. I _do_ have a tan. I have pale freckly redhead skin. I use the Neutrogena lotions- a couple different ones, places I _can_ reach. 45 or 55. I am happy with that, too. I take the whole big spray bottle with me in my truck bag on the bike when I know I am going to be out all day. It's COLD when you spray it on- which is great when it's 95F.

**GLC1968** · 07-13-2006, 09:28 AM

Just FYI: I've tried those Neutrogena products (with the Helioplex) and while they do keep me from burning, I definitely am still getting sun through them.

Who would have thought that an spf of 55 would still let the sun give me tan lines?!

**chickwhorips** · 07-13-2006, 09:39 AM

when i had to keep a scar from getting sun i put on zinc oxide. that's what the plasitc surgeon told me to use.

worked well for me. i found a small jar of it at walgreens among all there million and one sun screen products.

**WrensMom** · 07-13-2006, 12:17 PM

FYI--they have the Neutrogena spray at Costco now. I don't remember the price exactly, but it was less than usual. Nice, since sunscreens can get pricy.

**Rai Sue** · 07-13-2006, 09:15 PM

lately i've been into coppertone sport. It's (apparently) sweat-proof, which is good.

I also like the neutragena stuff.

Also, things with zinc are supposed to be good, but they always feel so heavy and/or oily. However, I am very pale and burn easily, so when i was a kid (and sunscreen only went up to SPF 8) my parents always put Desitin on my nose and face in the summer. I think it's what they use for daiper cream for babies. But, it stayed on better than straight zinc, and I never got burnt. smells wierd tho.

**Brandi** · 07-14-2006, 08:09 AM

I work outside and have very fair skin. My derm has me using stuff with Z-cote in it. It is a clear zinc oxcide. He said that it is the best to use. you can not get it at a drug store yet. But my healthfood store has a couple brands that have it in it. As well as surf shops.(if you live near the ocean) you can also google it and find it that way as well. My dad has had many skin cancers taken off him as well. Old surfer and he is a gardner for a living. He has been lazy about using sun block even now with all the stuff they have taken off he's face. I have been trying to be very good for about 10 years now. I can't believe i used to think it was cool to have a sun burnt nose! When i was a kid.

**dachshund** · 07-14-2006, 11:16 AM

I've been staring at my tube of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer dry-touch sunblock, looking for the word "Helioplex." It appears that the active ingredients in Helioplex are Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. You can see these listed on the product.

**chickwhorips** · 07-14-2006, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by Brandi

I can't believe i used to think it was cool to have a sun burnt nose! When i was a kid.

i use to think being tan was cool until i moved here. cloudest city in the states. we get about 10 days of sun a year. even still on cloudy days if i'm out for a while i lather up the sun screen.

i'm bound and determined to look better than my older sister when i turn her age (she's 16 years older).

plus i love sporting my new t-shirt:

**KnottedYet** · 07-15-2006, 07:55 AM

My cancer doc doesn't care what brand I use, as long as it's at least spf 30 and has a physical block (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) as well as a chemical screen (oxybenzone, octisalate, etc) in it.

The one that seems to work best for my skin (and doesn't make me greasy or break out) is Banana Boat. I use the "Sport" and the "Kids". Hawaiian Tropic works for me too, but the smell of Hawaiian Tropic can get annoying. These are cheap, which is important considering how much i have to use.

I also wear long sleeves and hats. Got a great spf shirt from Kokotat that is cool and comfortable on the bike.

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