Elta MD sunscreen

[thekarens]

The derm I saw yesterday recommended this sunscreen http://www.eltamd.com/ProductDetail.aspx?p=5 Up until this point I've been using sunscreen meant for infants because my face burns with almost all lotions. I was wondering if anyone else has experience with it. It's pretty pricey so before I plunk down $40 for 8 oz I wanted some opinions.

[OakLeaf]

This is the one I use: http://ecologicalskin.com/products/body/ It's not cheap, but it's not $40! (More like $15.) I have *super* sensitive skin, plus I'm at high risk for both breast and skin cancer, so I'm pretty careful of what I put on my skin.

[thekarens]

Thanks for the link and yes, I think she lives in an alternative world, one that makes more money than I do :-)

I just want something that is 50spf, won't burn and will last on a longer ride.

[luvmyguys]

What are you using now?

(My chiro was like that. She liked to recommend all sorts of expensive products. She is fantastic at the spinal work, but I had to be wary in other ways.)

[thekarens]

I'm using one meant for babies. It works well, but doesn't last long and will melt down into the eyes off you're not careful.

[OakLeaf]

I've read where the higher SPF numbers are basically fiction anyway. Mine stays on all day if I need it to, and survives heavy sweating. Doesn't take much to give me all the protection I need. I have never burned when I've started the day with this, and my nose stays the same color as the rest of my face, which is a feat.

I do avoid all sunblocks when I can, so basically that goes on my nose, neck and cheekbones, and on my ears if I'm running. Tops of my feet if I'm going to be out all day long in sandals. For the rest of it I rely on a hat or visor and cooling sleeves.

[luvmyguys]

I've read where the higher SPF numbers are basically fiction anyway. Mine stays on all day if I need it to, and survives heavy sweating. Doesn't take much to give me all the protection I need. I have never burned when I've started the day with this, and my nose stays the same color as the rest of my face, which is a feat.

I do avoid all sunblocks when I can, so basically that goes on my nose, neck and cheekbones, and on my ears if I'm running. Tops of my feet if I'm going to be out all day long in sandals. For the rest of it I rely on a hat or visor and cooling sleeves.

How well do those cooling sleeves work? And what sort of highs are typical for you? I've been considering the sleeves, but I'm wondering which would be, well, cooler in upper 90's temps and "cut yerself a slice of air" humidity. I'd prefer the sun protection of a clothing product, but I also have to consider the heat.

[luvmyguys]

I'm using one meant for babies. It works well, but doesn't last long and will melt down into the eyes off you're not careful.

I'm using the Coppertone sunscreens listed on the EWG site (Pure and Simple for kids/babies and Sensitive skin for adults). They're thick and stay on well, and they're not as expensive as some of the other options.

[OakLeaf]

How well do those cooling sleeves work? And what sort of highs are typical for you? I've been considering the sleeves, but I'm wondering which would be, well, cooler in upper 90's temps and "cut yerself a slice of air" humidity. I'd prefer the sun protection of a clothing product, but I also have to consider the heat.

Muirenn's in higher heat and humidity than I am, but I've used both my Zoot and my DeSoto sleeves in the low 90s with humidity in the high 60%s (which is a higher water content in the atmosphere than what it sounds like, at those temperatures ). I *have* ripped them off my arms to find out whether it was any cooler without them ... and it isn't.

I haven't used Craft. Zoot and DeSoto are very different construction, but they seem to work equally well, for the most part. I don't like the way the DeSoto sleeves fit, is all. I think the DeSoto sleeves work better when they're dry, but that's not for long, the way I sweat.

My personal experience is that neither pair of sleeves provides much *additional* cooling effect once they get waterlogged. But they're no hotter than bare arms, and I've never burned through them.


ETA: with the wind cooling of cycling, they actually are cooler than bare arms. Also for spectator events when I'm not sweating heavily, if you can stand the geekiness. I'm speaking mainly to running, where the evaporative effect is a lot less.

[OakLeaf]

Looks interesting.

I like it better than Badger - none of the lavender fragrance, a bit less greasy, and it doesn't turn me quite as blue. It does tend to separate, so actually what I did is decanted the whole tube into a small screw-top jar, where it's less likely to separate and easier to mix if it does.

[luvmyguys]

I'm on the South East Coast. Get them.

Just got Craft brand. No arm grippers. Wonderful! Also consider the De Soto Cool Wings. They run small in length through the back, so size up for more coverage.

The very lightweight, breathable jerseys with cap sleeves that zip up in front are what I'm using now. This way I'm covered, and can reduce sunscreen, which actually keeps me cooler.

Edit: Typical high? Hmmm. I think yesterday, the high was 98, with the heat index, it was more like 110. Unfortunately, this is typical.

These Craft coolers?

I've got a bolero for cold weather, and I wasn't crazy about the fit - tight across the back, but way too long in the arms. I think I'll be sticking to separated sleeves.

Thanks for the data point! Glad they work!

[Karenanywild]

The best sunscreen is one you use and stays on. My husband had a couple of run ins with skin cancer so we are very dedicated to sunscreen use. He sweats a lot and hates greasy stuff so it's hard to find one that works. The one we find to be best is no-ad . We get it at Walgreens or the supermarket. It's a bit greasy but goes on easy and stays on. And because it's no-ad it's very reasonably priced.

[emily_in_nc]

After doing a ton of sunscreen research while in Belize and exposed to intense sunlight nearly every day, I started using Elta MD. I only use it on my face since it is so pricey (though I order through Amazon to save a little). For me it's worth using on my face as it is one of the only zinc oxide sunscreens that does not give me that ghostly white cast. It also goes on light, distributes well, doesn't make my face greasy or break out, and it does the job -- really stays put. This is the one I use:

http://www.eltamd.com/ProductDetail.aspx?p=18

Even though it's expensive, it lasts a long, long time since I only use it on my face, and yes, I do use it every single day. It's worth every penny.

On my body I use a less expensive barrier sunscreen that does have a somewhat whitish cast (Tropical Sands) but also works well. This place has a great deal on it right now:
http://www.greencupboards.com/tropic...FZPm7AodfCEAEg

[thekarens]

Thanks Emily!

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks Emily!

You're very welcome! I am probably one of the least brand-loyal people around. I am very frugal and usually try to buy the least expensive product that will do the job. I shop on ebay and amazon a lot, always looking for the best deal. Except for my Bike Friday, my bikes are used since I couldn't justify spending the money to buy new. As discussed on another thread, I'm still wearing several pairs of bike shorts that are nearly 10 years old, stuff like that. But in this case, I have actually bought this same Elta MD sunscreen three times now and will continue buying it. It's that good.