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- Aug 30, 2002
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I'm looking for the highest SBF rated sunblocker. Locally I can find 50 and 55 rated sun blocker, I found one internet source with a rating of 80. Does anyone have any experiense with these products?
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Sun blocker
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Since i'm an albino i have to use highest protection factors avaliable. This being said, i doubt there is much (if any) difference above 50 - i most certainly haven't noticed any, it seems to be just a marketing ploy. The difference between small factors (4 and 10 for example) is considerably bigger than that between 34 and 52 for example.
Make sure you stay inside (or in shade at the very least) during peak hours - for me that's from 10:00 to 16:30 or so in the summer (in continental central Europe).
Make sure you stay inside (or in shade at the very least) during peak hours - for me that's from 10:00 to 16:30 or so in the summer (in continental central Europe).
Per the little bit of reading I've done... most everything from 30 on up is splitting hairs. Its more of a concern that you apply it often enough (Check the label!) If it suits you, finding one thats waterproof/sweat proof so it doesnt run in your eyes is a good idea. If your in the water, you need a type that stays stuck to you in the water... best bet is to pick a couple brands and try them out. Some work ok in pools, other leave an oil trail behind you. Others get slimey in salt water.
I've tried the spray on stuff, dont like it because it dries out the skin where you apply it. Also makes salt/sand stick worse than they already do.
For noses and the tops of ears, the best solution I have found is a hat!
The other thing to keep in mind is that you can get sunburn through thin t-shirts. Especially if they are wet. Clothing has an SPF rating, and long sleeves are the way to go... if you cant get inside/in the shade during peak hours like faramir states!
P.S. Its not exactly nice... but a decent practical joke if you have a friend with you thats not using lotion... throw some in your hand and slap him on the shoulder!
I've tried the spray on stuff, dont like it because it dries out the skin where you apply it. Also makes salt/sand stick worse than they already do.
For noses and the tops of ears, the best solution I have found is a hat!
The other thing to keep in mind is that you can get sunburn through thin t-shirts. Especially if they are wet. Clothing has an SPF rating, and long sleeves are the way to go... if you cant get inside/in the shade during peak hours like faramir states!
P.S. Its not exactly nice... but a decent practical joke if you have a friend with you thats not using lotion... throw some in your hand and slap him on the shoulder!
I´ve also being told that after 30 there isn´t much difference, but I have no personal experience on that, hardly ever use it and often wear a hat and long sleeves. My wife and daughters use the highest factor they can find which I think is 50 and it seems to work for them.
johnniet
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- Jul 12, 1999
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- 4,687
I like to go sea kayaking, which is an easy way to get sunburned (zero cover + reflections off the water = lots of radiation).
However, I haven't been sunburned in the last couple of years, because I've gotten fanatic about applying sunscreen. Most of that time I've been using Coppertone Sport at SPF 15 or 30; it isn't greasy, smells nice, and is pretty waterproof and sweatproof.
I also wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves whenever I go. Between more clothes and more chemicals, I take the clothes.
As hotrod and other point out, it's more important to make sure you apply enough, and often enough, than to use the highest number available. Most people don't apply enough and only apply it as they head out in the sun or later. It seems to be more effective if you apply it a little earlier.
IN ADDITION, I'm planning to try out a different sunscreen next season that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The reason is that I've heard they provide more broad-spectrum protection as opposed to the usual organic compounds and may be more helpful in preventing skin cancer.
However, I haven't been sunburned in the last couple of years, because I've gotten fanatic about applying sunscreen. Most of that time I've been using Coppertone Sport at SPF 15 or 30; it isn't greasy, smells nice, and is pretty waterproof and sweatproof.
I also wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves whenever I go. Between more clothes and more chemicals, I take the clothes.
As hotrod and other point out, it's more important to make sure you apply enough, and often enough, than to use the highest number available. Most people don't apply enough and only apply it as they head out in the sun or later. It seems to be more effective if you apply it a little earlier.
IN ADDITION, I'm planning to try out a different sunscreen next season that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The reason is that I've heard they provide more broad-spectrum protection as opposed to the usual organic compounds and may be more helpful in preventing skin cancer.
Hotrod said:
Ugh ... my long-sleeved shirt does wonders in "preventing skin cancer". Any sunburn can result in tissue defect (which in smaler scale means DNA mutations). Most DNA mutations are harmless and degenerated cells die off soon. However, every once in a while a cell will not only survive the DNA mutation, it will also multiply rapidly and uncontrolably - the result is "cancer".
If you want to avoid cancer make sure you stay inside. If you cannot afford to stay inside make sure you're wearing all the protection you can get during peak hours (and get your tan/vitamin-D during the hours when sun exposure is not at its maximum, i.e. in the mornings and in the evenings). This means clothes, hats and sun protection creams/lotions. Like i said, due to lack of natural protection (vitramin D) i'm far more prone to skin cancer than any of you - staying safe is the thing to do, even for "normal" people. As my ("normal") friends keep teling me all the time, intensity of sun radiation apparently got stronger in last decade or so, they get sunburned way faster than they ever did before. I'm not taking any chances, cool shade and cold beer, that's how i like my summers
Sun screen is useful for the times when i cannot avoid exposure at all, and that's only off the peak hours (9:00-11:00 AM and 3:30-5:30 PM inJune/July/August for me). Peak hours - i stay in cover.- Joined
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My dermatologist recommends SPF 30 for maximum protection. Above that it's hype and profit. Banana Boat products work best for me, Actually, the competition isn't even close. It's slightly greasy, but requires scrubbing to remove it following a long day at the beach, swimming included.
johnniet
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faramir said:
I think there are even non-burning UV rays that still contribute to cancer.
Faramir's point about clothes is very important--remember, we've only had chemical sunblocks for a few years; white people have lived in sunny climes for a lot longer.
Also great advice! Don't go out in the clear from about 10AM to 3PM in the summer (when the sun is highest in the sky and the density of radiation is the highest).
Faramir, you may want to look out for European approval of melanotan (name for a couple of chemicals that stimulate melanin production). I don't think it's on the market anywhere yet, but the trials look pretty good so far.