Sunscreen Suggestions

[WindingRoad]

I recently have become worried that maybe my spray on sunscreen isn't healthy? I'm gathering this is due to the fact that the zinc compounds typically found in sunscreen isn't able to be used in 'spray on' form and there are inhalation risks associated with it?

Anyhow, what do you use and know to be an effective and safer sunscreen?

[OakLeaf]

I think zinc oxide is actually the safest sunblock there is, from what I've read. There have even been studies on nano-particles of zinc oxide that found (surprisingly to all involved) that it was not absorbed through the skin.

My favorite is eco:logical. Larger particle zinc oxide only, unscented, doesn't go rancid easily, doesn't separate quite as readily as some other brands, doesn't leave a blue sheen, stays on through sweat, doesn't take a lot, works fine, not too bad on my EXTREMELY sensitive skin. I'm a convert from Badger - which goes on very blue, contains heavier, greasier oils, separates easily, and contains sensitizing lavender oil (besides men don't necessarily like the fragrance).

I will not use nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (it actually undergoes a reaction with sunlight that creates cancer-causing free radicals), and most chemical sunblocks aren't safe either for sea life or for human life.

Still, if I can cover with fabrics I'd rather do that than put anything on my skin that will attract dirt and keep me from sweating. Sunblock goes on nose and cheekbones to keep them the same color as the rest of my face; earlobes and neck to cover what would just get rubbed off anyway and/or is outside the range of hat or visor; and that's it. Something else on my lips usually, though I've used the eco:logical there too in a pinch. Occasionally, if I'm out on a rare long day in sandals, the tops of my feet will get some too. I love the function of my de Soto arm coolers, but the fit is so weird that I just ordered a pair of the Zoot arm coolers for comparison. I'll let you know...


ETA: The eco:logical sunblock is widely available where I am, but I just checked their website to see, and West Marine carries it, so you should be able to get it at retail no matter where you are as long as there's a lake, river or ocean nearby. If not, there's always ordering it through your local natural food store if they don't already carry it, or the intertubes.

[Becky]

Vanicream Sport. I try others, but keep coming back to this one. It's well-rated by EWG and stays on like nobody's business.

[Catrin]

Good timing for this topic - I am either tanning or my freckles are meeting so I need to get off my butt and do something for sun protection. I might be one 5 foot 3 freckle soon otherwise...

[murielalex]

Vanicream Sport. I try others, but keep coming back to this one. It's well-rated by EWG and stays on like nobody's business.

^ This is what I use. I am fair skinned and have skin allergies to a host of things I can't pronounce. Vanicream is one I can use. I was just out in the Everyglades from 9-2 today. Put it on just before getting out of the car, and other than a bit of sun on my cheeks and nose, I don't even have tan lines. My only minor complaint is that it goes on a bit thick and stays mildly sticky, meaning I need to use Body Glide behind my knees or they'll chafe, and dirt tends to stick to my legs and arms. It's also cheap, compared to a lot of sunscreens, and can be bought at the corner drugstore.

I just ordered this to try:



Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sports Stick

I wanted to try something I could stick in my jersey pocket and put on my face while riding, if needed.

[jessicamarie]

I really love Endurance Shield - It stays on all day (even if you swim in it!), doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts, protects even my fairest-skinned friends, and it smells good!

[Hi Ho Silver]

I don't want to hijack this thread, but since we're on the topic is there a good sunscreen available that lets sweat pass through easily? If I use commonly available sunscreens (like Banana Boat), my face cannot perspire and I get overheated in a short time.