Sunscreen

[sulis]

The weather is getting better and I'm anxious to get off the trainer and ride outside (right after I learn how to change a tire in my bike maintenance clinic tomorrow ). Anyhow, I was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for sunscreen? I have tried so many different types and brands but nothing seems to work. I have very fair skin and burn easily so I need a high SPF. But I also have sensitive skin so anything too heavy will turn my face into a zit war zone. Does anyone have a fave sunscreen they have had good luck with?

[DeniseGoldberg]

I use PreSun Ultra Gel 30. I used to be able to find it in drugstores, but it doesn't seem to be carried anywhere locally (I'm in the northeast), so I switched to buying it online.

I've been buying it here: http://www.dillondist.com/skin-care-presun.htm. The vendor is very responsive, and my order is usually shipped the day I place it. I usually order 3 or 4 bottles at a time... If I'm on the road & I can't find my PreSun, my next choice is Coppertone Sport Sunblock Gel, again at SPF 30.

--- Denise

[Dirt Girl]

I've been using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunblock (comes in 30 and 45) and their new Active Breathable Sunblock. I'm a redhead with fair skin and both of these have been working for me. I like the newer Active variety as it's waterproof and sweatproof though it's a little heavier than the UltraSheer which is the lightest stuff I've tried. No yucky, greasy feel. I'm able to find it in local stores.

[emily_in_nc]

Another vote for Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunblock. It lasts and lasts and isn't nearly as greasy as most. I use it on my face only and cheaper "No-Ad" lotion for my body. Works for me - I have sensitive skin too.

Emily

[Jennifer Gallow]

Gotta say Neutrogena Sheer Dry-Touch 45 for the face -- wonderful stuff. Coppertone Sport Gel for arms and legs dries fast and doesn't sweat off.

[Steph_in_TX]

Another vote for the Neutrogena Active. I bought some last summer while trying to find a sunscreen for my toddler...she started reacting to all the baby lotions that are supposed to be so gentle. The Neutrogena caused absolutely no reactions on her. I love it because it absorbs really easily and doesn't leave any sticky residue.

Stephanie

[cruziegirl]

Boy, have you come to the right place to ask this question. I bet I have tried every single sunscreen on the market and then some. I've tried all of the major brands, the less-than major brands, and the oh-dear-Santa-Cruz-is-soooo-weird organic brands. All of them with the single exception of Eucerin made me look like a very ripe raspberry. We're talking red bumps and itching...most attractive . Eucerin comes in spf 15 and 25 but I find the 15 works the best for my body bits. I was told by a dermatologist (oh yeah, I've also tried the cost-you-wads prescription sunscreens too) that too high an spf can irritate your skin and doesn't really afford you that much more sun protection. They make an spf 25 version specifically for your face and that works very well - I haven't had any problems with it making my face break out. ....and I can remember the days when I lived in Southern California and would spend all day at the beach and use nothing but baby oil

[mars]

My favorite for 10 years has been Banana Boat Sport in the orange tube. I'm fair and can stay in the sun all day without burning, and no sweating in the eyes.

[bikerz]

I have had the same problem - fair skin and sensitive face - the Neutrogena worked ok, but didn't really seem to last on me.
Technotart on this thread recommended Sol Sunguard Kindersport - I couldn't find any store in the San Francisco area that sold it , but I ordered some directly from them and so far it works great - stays on, no reaction, and no sunburn.

[jobob]

I really like Ocean Potion Xtreme Sport SPF50 sunblock - it doesn't feel like I have saran wrap on my skin, it's water and sweat resistant and it stays on all day. I haven't been able to find it in my local stores (on the website they list stores that supposedly carry it, but I've never been able to find it in those stores in my area), so I get it by mail order directly from the company.

Our local Wal-Mart does carry the Ocean Potion "Anti-Aging" (yeah, right ) SPF50 sunblock (in the pink bottle), but it has a sickly sweet fragrance which I really don't like - I much prefer the unscented Xtreme Sport (in the yellow bottle).

www.opotion.com

[Honeywell23]

I'll tell ya.. I use an SPF 30 and still have those lovely bike short tan lines... HOW ANNOYING!!

[caligurl]

i use 30 SPF NO-AD from walmart.... the sport version....

[Saxa82]

Use a sunscreen that is clear and liquidy- some sprays are like this- Bullfrog or Coppertone Sport are two I've used with success (both are at least 30 SPF). I too cannot tolerate lotions cuz they make me break out and feel hot and nasty! Anything that is lotion based (ie creamy and thick) will cause the breakout problem.

[newbiechick]

I'm also a HUGE Neutrogena fan. I have very fair skin that is somewhat sensitive. When I started running I HATED running with sunscreen on 'cause it left me feeling so gross, greasy, etc. and didn't let my skin "breathe. I use the Neutrogena Active breathable sunscreen (30 or 45) and I don't have any of those nasty feelings. After reading other postings will try the Ultra-Sheer Dry-Touch as well.

BTW, I use SPF 30 and still get some "tan lines" over time ... but then I like having a little bit of color.

Shelley
aka newbiechick

[BikeMomma]

Avon has a sport version - it's spray on (no messy lotion), non-greasy, SPF15 (that's not high, sorry), and repells bugs, too. I've used it a couple times now, and it seems to do it's job.

(mentioning this has absolutely nothin' to do with the fact that I sell the stuff.... Reeeeally!)

great day to all,
BikeMomma