xxx

Hi, I was just diagnosed with a melanoma, which is being removed in a few weeks. We already had a trip planned to Aruba for Thanksgiving that I don't want to cancel. I have always (well, since my late 30's) been careful about the sun--sunblock, hat, etc. I don't lay on the beach, but just being out and about, you get the sun anyway. Now, I have to be extra careful. The doctor has recommended no less than 30 sunblock, applied frequently. Any suggestions for something not so greasy or with an overbearing scent? And perhaps a 2nd one that is waterproof? Which brands have worked well for you?

amber

My favorite is the Copportone Sport brand in the blue bottle. There's a 45, although I don't know if it goes higher. It's great - goes on smoothly, is not oily or greasy, and is waterproof to boot! I used to buy a different sunblock for my body and face, but find that I prefer this one over anything else on the market. I, myself, cannot stand the smell of strong sunblock, some actually make me a bit queasy, but this one has a light smell that doesn't bother me at all.

Karen

Nothing beats good ol' zinc oxide on the tender spots ... remember those life guards with the white noses and lips? Supposedly they do make it clear now and it affords the same protection but I've never been able to find it. I find the Alamay line or the Clinque line the best. Even tho it says waterproof, don't believe 'em and reapply after coming out of the water and a good thing to remember is to apply it at least 30 minutes before your planned sun exposure.

sue

i agree with amber, coppertone sport is good and company's been around forever so they know what they're doing.

Anna

Neutrogena is good without any strong odors.

tivertonhouse

Prep skin for sun,even if wearing spf50 sunblock (Solarguard,for example) by using a pre-sun conditioner daily,starting 2 weeks before departure.
And use as moisturized during holiday.
Look for the ingredient TYROSINE on the label;this raises the melanin in your skin which sun exposure also does;,and then slap on your sun guard liberally 3-4 times day. Copper peptides in some products also aid in the process. CVS and other mass market drugstores sell the pre-sun conditioner;higher priced products also sold at department store cosmetic counters.Look now since may stores stock as seasonal products only."

xxx

thank you all so much! these are great suggestions. I am a little more at ease now about this trip and all the sun exposure. i knew I could count on Fodorites! Have a Happy Thanksgiving wherever you will be!

Pam

My husband got sun poisening some years ago and since has had to avoid the sun fairly agressively. We vacation in the Caribbean every other year and he swears by Mary Kary #45 sunscreen - and a hat of course.

BH

I am leaving for Aruba in 2 days! I bought a sunblock called Physicians Complex for my face. It has transparent zinc oxide in it so you dont look like a ghost when you put it on. It is oil-free and is supposedly the best around. It was pricey though...I paid $28 for a 4oz bottle, but I figure its the best, so its worth it. I just called a local Dermatology office and went to pick it up...no appt. necessary. Good luck!

bj

Someone told me that anything over spf30 was not actually any stronger. He claimed it was a marketing ploy to charge more for the 30 and over but you actually don't get the extra protection. I don't know if this is true but I also used the coppertone 45 and as long as I applied it evenly, did not burn. Also it did not sweat off or swim off.

Martha

Consumer Reports did a review of sunscreens in the June 2001 issue - Banana Boat products, came out on top, followed by Coppertone/Kids & Coppertone/Sport. They also include a cost analysis/average; which I think is good b/c we usually go through several bottles while in the Caribbean

tweedy

These are all great suggestions, but I would caution you to talk to your Dermatologist before you go to get a specific recommendation from your Doctor for your skin.

My skin is tissue paper and I burn, peel, freckle and fade,,,,notice I did not say anything about tanning, so I more than understand. I always use a sunscreen of at least 30 on the beach, and have to use it often if I want to have a good vacation. I use Panama Jack's which is one of the best I have ever found.

Have a great trip.

tweedy

sunburn

For people with sensitive skin, Bath and Body Works makes some great sunblock that doesn't irritate my skin. It's sort of expensive, but it keeps me from getting a rash. I use the #30 and it always works.

Nicole

This may sound stupid, but as a fair-skinned blonde, I never go out without sunblock (SPF30, my dermo said the same thing about highest SPFs) and LIP SUNBLOCK!! Coppertone makes a good one. If you've ever been sunburned on the lips, you know it's not pleasant.

xxx

Okay, so I got 2 bottles of Pre-Sun 30 (recommended by Dermatologist). She advised putting it on at least 1/2 hour before going out, & trying to re-apply every 2 hrs. or so. I got Neutragena 45 for my face, as well as 15 spf lip balm by Kiehl's. I started taking straight Tyrosine tabs today (actually it is L-Tyrosine). Will be sure to give the full report when I return. If this doesn't work, I can become a professional sunblock tester--going to Florida in Jan.& Grand Cayman in Feb. (Husband is a diver). And one more question: What exactly is the difference between Sunsreen & Sunblock? The pharmacist had no idea!

tweedy

According to a recent report I read the difference is that screen blocks out the "burning" rays and sunblock blocks all rays. Not sure just how much difference it makes, just wear something with a high SPF and you should be ok. Also long sleves and a hat would be a good idea too.

All that said, .....have a great time anyway.