I live in CA. I am on the pool deck in the sun very often as I am a water polo coach. Can someone suggest the BEST sunscreen (I understand there is preference involved) in their opinion. I am looking for overall GREAT protection, no more burns, no cancer, as easy as possible to apply (although the application requirement is lowest on my need/want list).
Sunscreen for face...suggestions please
- Thread starter Mohillian
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I can't help you with a name probably. I use Kroger Sunscreen 50spf, don't think you have Kroger in CA. It took me 3 years to find a product that would not burn my eyes. I wear a strong spf because of what I saw my mom go thru with skin cancer.
The only thing I can warn you about is that just because it says "won't burn eyes" or any of that, you won't know until it's on your skin. I spent a lot of money until I finally found this product, and it turned out to be one of the cheapest!
So, it was trial and error for me. Try to wear at least a 30spf in my opinion. Don't forget the tips (top) of your ears.
The only thing I can warn you about is that just because it says "won't burn eyes" or any of that, you won't know until it's on your skin. I spent a lot of money until I finally found this product, and it turned out to be one of the cheapest!
So, it was trial and error for me. Try to wear at least a 30spf in my opinion. Don't forget the tips (top) of your ears.
If your skin is not prone to acne, Banana Boat Sun Wear Faces is a good sunscreen that won't break the bank. Otherwise, any product that contains Zinc Oxide is your best bet
I like Nivea for Men Protective Lotion. It has SPF 15 and is very hydrating with an excellent scent. But I just looked at the Nivea for Men website and it looks like they have updated the look of their products and I couldn't seem to find it on there.
Can it be a moisturizer/sunscreen combination?
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF 50. It used to be with SPF 45, but they recently repackaged it and are marketing it as having SPF 50. Works great.
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with SPF 50. It used to be with SPF 45, but they recently repackaged it and are marketing it as having SPF 50. Works great.
I developed a major skin rash which lasted for almost 2 weeks after applying a sunscreen that contained Helioplex (a formulation of Avobenzone & Oxybenzone). You might want to do a patch test before using it. Alternatively choose a sunscreen with zinc or titanium oxide as the active ingredients.
You have some good choices already given. I think with sunscreen for use on your face, its going to be a bit like razor blades and razors. You'll just have to find what works the best in all aspects for you.
I would think that a call to your dermatologist would set you on the right path for a product. I'm sure they'd probably tell you over the phone what's best.
I would think that a call to your dermatologist would set you on the right path for a product. I'm sure they'd probably tell you over the phone what's best.
Although I sometimes see recommendations for higher SPF ratings, I really like the 30 SPF sunblock from http://www.docmartinsmaui.com/StoreFront.bok ... especially if you're in and out of the water.
Blue Lizard. I have sensitive skin and it is about the only one that doesn't screw up my face. It also lasts a long long time in the water.
BTW- In AZ, where sunscreen is pretty important. Was recommended to me by my dermatologist.
BTW- In AZ, where sunscreen is pretty important. Was recommended to me by my dermatologist.
Australian Blue Lizard is the way to go as others have already recommended here. It is a broad spectrum blocker that works very well. Not waterproof but personally I think that quality is overrated as one does need to reapply periodically anyhow for proper protection. You do need to work the stuff in to obviate the zinc white cast that might result with inadequate application. Lab testing and dermatologist reviews have this product among the top 3 available too ( do some searches).
I'm bald and let me tell you there's nothing worse than a severely sunburnt dome with painful sheets of skin peeling off. I drive a convertible during the summer too and this Aussie stuff has been a lifesaver for several years. I don't use anything else.
I'm bald and let me tell you there's nothing worse than a severely sunburnt dome with painful sheets of skin peeling off. I drive a convertible during the summer too and this Aussie stuff has been a lifesaver for several years. I don't use anything else.
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As far as the readily available sunscreens go, Neutrogena and Banana Boat make the best ones. Look for the ones that contain "avotriplex." The Banana Boat product and the Neutrogena product are essentially the same, and the Banana Boat is less expensive.
The absolute best sunscreen for the face, however, is sold by L'Oreal and is available from amazon.com. It contains Mexoryl. It isn't cheap.
The absolute best sunscreen for the face, however, is sold by L'Oreal and is available from amazon.com. It contains Mexoryl. It isn't cheap.
+1 for what Kingfisher posted. The top three are in fact the two he cited (Neutrogena and Banana Boat) plus Blue Lizard. The later is king for sensitive skin (like my bald dome LOL). I rather think L'Oreal is best reserved for the extremely fair skinned or freckled faces very prone to sunburns. Overkill for the rest of the population.
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The sunscreen I mentioned has Helioplex. I haven't had a problem, but I agree with this fellow that you should probably try a patch test if some people do react negatively.
Also, they're now making a version without Helioplex for sensitive skin:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=240125&catid=21503
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You will not find a more potent sunscreen than the spf 100 UVA/UVB waterproof sunscreen I listed above.
I will just add that allergies to helioplex occur but they are rare. Despite this, if anecdotal evidence has you worried, you can use a small amount on the forearm for a few days, if you see no rash, then you should be safe to apply it all over.
Also, here is a good article on sunscreens in case anyone is interested. In particular, the advice about applying sufficient amounts is quite useful:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11255905
I will just add that allergies to helioplex occur but they are rare. Despite this, if anecdotal evidence has you worried, you can use a small amount on the forearm for a few days, if you see no rash, then you should be safe to apply it all over.
Also, here is a good article on sunscreens in case anyone is interested. In particular, the advice about applying sufficient amounts is quite useful:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11255905
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- #17
Great advice everyone...thanks! I was already looking at Blue Lizard. I am going to compare that with some of the others suggested here...thanks again.
Australian Blue Lizard - Face version. I use it everyday. Amazing stuff. Does not screw my face up at all. I use it as a moisturizer with 3 drops of jojoba oil in it. Great stuff - can't say enough about it.
Plus, the bottle turns blue (or is this one pink because I use the sunscreen as well).
I like a zinc oxide sunscreen, like Burnout (http://www.burnoutsun.com/) or Hara (http://www.harabodycare.com/store/). And of course, the most reliable sunscreen, a hat.
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