Need a Good Sunscreen!

Updated on June 09, 2014
J.M. asks from Melrose, MA
12 answers

My kids and I are fair. Blue lizard doesn't work for us. I bought 2 mineral ones that foodbabe.com recommended and got freckles after 2 hours. On her site, she says all the kinds you buy at CVS have too many chemicals.....what works for you?? My older 2 don't really like rash guards, sunglasses and hats. Thx

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M.P.

answers from San Francisco on

The sunscreen my whole family uses is from Arizona Sun. The bummer is you can only get it online (unless you live in AZ). I swear by it, however, I am fair skinned but not super fair skinned. It smells wonderful (not coconut-like or beachy or anything) and it feels like lotion. There's no greasy slime on my hands when I'm done applying it. They have the very best lip balm too (I am a lip balm addict). It has SPF in it too. I've used their regular lotion too and I love it, but I just can't afford it for everyday use.

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Shisiedo sunscreen.

Also, Google Search "What sunscreen do Surfers use." Because they are in the sun, everyday, and for HOURS. The Pros know what to use.

Where I live, rash guards, are used by kids and adults. Many stores carry it. However, rash guards protect the torso/upper body. And you will still get sunburned or tan, on the exposed areas of your body. ie: the ears/the back of the ears/neck/scalp/feet/legs/hands. Between the toes for example, is one area that is prone to skin cancer. For example. So any sunscreen must be applied to your whole body.
Don't just rely on a rash guard to protect the whole body.

In my State, a person can get sunburned/tan in only 10-15 minutes.
Even in the shade or on a cloudy day, a person can get sunburned due to reflective rays.

Zinc Oxide sunblocks are also good. It is mineral based. And some brands make it in fun colors for kids. These are SUNBLOCKS. Not Sunscreens.
There is a difference.
I personally prefer zinc oxide sunblocks. My kids don't like it.
Sunscreens. are chemical based.

1 mom found this helpful

V.B.

answers from Jacksonville on

Bullfrog has worked for us in the past, but it does have chemicals. I got some Blue Lizard near the end of last season and haven't had a chance to really test it well (our pool has a screen so we don't even use sunscreen at home, only when we go to the beach). I would have suggested that, but you said it doesn't work for you. I'm curious, if you would share what about it didn't work (so I'll know what to watch for). My family is light eyed, light haired, and light skinned as well.

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

My daughter and I use the highest spf (I think 110) of Neutrogena's oil free spray and have no problems with it. And I'm extremely fair skinned, I've gotten sunburned in the car on the way to work before with the windows rolled up.

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

Rash guards work best for us.
Then all we need is some Coppertone SPF 50 for face, neck and where ever else needs covering.
When we were young, we wore tee shirts over swim suits.
They work fine but take awhile to dry.

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

every year sephora releases a sun safety kit.
http://www.sephora.com/sun-safety-kit-P386667?skuId=1608371
Currently it is only available in some stores as it sells out really quickly. There are several good size samples in the kit to try out to find what you like. Although there are a few more make up items that would probably just be for you. My personal fave is Peter Thomas Roth for my face. For everyday on my body I use Hawaiian Tropic Moisturizing (yup EVERYDAY) but for beach days/sun days I use just coppertone or target brand. Remember anything over SPF 50 is BS. Try to get them to wear hats and sunglasses though. Even a baseball cap. It really is for protection not just for fashion.

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K.D.

answers from Jacksonville on

The best sunscreen I've used so far has been from the Honest Company. It's the only sunscreen I've found that I can put on and not get burned. It does have a bit of a white sheen to.it, even after its rubbed in, but I'm fair, so it's not too noticeable. There's no weird chemicals in it, either!

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A.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

Something to add… if you have ever been prescribed Retin-A and read the little packet with all the scary info you will see that animal studies have shown that if you put vit A on the skin (in cosmetics and sunscreens this is aka retinyl palmitate) prior to sun exposure it actually CAUSES tumor formation. So I think that it is quite odd that SO many sunscreens have vitamin A in them!!! The copper tone babies line is one that does not have the retinyl palmitate as well as a new swirly one by Hawaiian Tropics… I will be following your post as skin cancer runs in our family but I am always torn because I slathering my kids with chemicals can't be good either!

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M.S.

answers from Portland on

My dermatologist said to use one that has a PHYSICAL blocker instead of a chemical one. I can't remember the name of the blocker, but it is in the Neutrogenia Helioplex sunscreens. I buy this one because it is what I found with the one he said it in. He said that it won't hurt the kids ( had a 1 and 2 year old at the time) and that it was the best one to use. I found it kind of funny since they had a line of sun products for sale on the counter at the doc's office. I hope that helps.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I'm extremely fair skinned too and don't worry about chemicals. I get what keeps me from burning. For me, that's the big name brands like Banana Boat in SPF 50+. Get the liquid, not the spray.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi J.,

I use SunShades. It says it is 30+ but it has tested higher at 45 SPF. It is a microfine zinc oxide that when applied goes on clear. It looks like zinc oxide when it comes out of the tube...white and thick but after its applied my girls could swim in the ocean for over 2 hours, closer to 3 without reapplying. Its completely safe for infants.

M.

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