Orcas

Annabel and TX TravelPro,

Thanks for the info. I had read about this recently. I understand people who use sunscreen actually have more skin cancers, and it is believed it is because they go out in the sun more - definitely a false sense of security.

Annabel, does the Murad Oil Free product you use on your face also offer UVA protection?

Orcas

Just found an informative article on sun damage and the ingredients you should look for in products available in the US:

http://www.washingtonfacelift.com/as...n_article.html

This article states you need to find sunscreen with microfine zinc oxide, or z-cote to be protected. We're not just talking sunburn and skin cancer, but also wrinkly, aging skin. As noted above, the choices across US borders are greater. I believe I'll be shopping for sunscreen next time I'm in Canada.

kureiff

We use Bullfrog for week long whitewater rafting trips and also used it in Hawaii last month. I've never burned (or tanned) when using it and I have very fair skin. It's also incredibly waterproof.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

I'm very fair-skinned, and I did 2 coast-to-cost bicycle rides May/June both times including across AZ/NM

I initially used a high (60?) spf but a doctor in our group said that except for EXTREME sensitivity cases that a 15-25 spf should suffice. I started using the lower rated ones, and I think the chain was OSCO where I often stopped to buy it. Like Annabel, I applied it ALL OVER each morning right after a shower and with all the sweating of bicycling 83 miles avg/day, I applied more thru out the day. I never did burn, nor did I get very brown either. Don't forget the "edges" - such as down UNDER your socks, UP your sleeves & legs, and along your back/waist if you'll be "peaking" out a bit.

TxTravelPro

Compared to lotions with Mexoryl, every single lotion mentioned here is just barely effective... old technology.
If you are serious about protection order some from a friend in Mex/Canada/UK or order online via eBay or an international store.
Simply put, this new stuff is vastly superior to ANYTHING sold in stores in the US.

Mcat

My favorite is Waterbabies with SPF 45 for body and face if I know I'm spending a lot of time outdoors. It absorbs intantly and doesn't feel "tacky" like other sunscreens tend to. It worked to protect my fair skin last year in the summer Carribbean sun - not so much as a tan! For everyday use I use Cetaphil on my face, which has an SPF of 15.

OldSouthernBelle

I've got the sensitive skin too, and most sunscreens cause me to have a rash and skin to feel stinging (esp. the face). Someone here suggested Oil of Olay UV Defense Complete (Allergy free type), and it works great! In addition, the only thing other than that I've found that doesn't "burn" my face is the WaterBabies listed above, although I can use Coppertone "Sport" on arms and legs without too much problem.

I got a sample of Bullfrog from the Dermatologist and it was the typical thick zinc cream...causes you to sweat alot and look alittle strange as stated above.

Think I may try what here today recommended...also that Total Block and the Meroxyl... never heard of any of those!
Belle.

Belle

BTilke

I'm bringing back sunscreen with Mexoryl for friends when I fly from London to the U.S. this coming week. L'Oreal, as mentioned above, has it; so does Garnier (as well as some higher end lines). The NYTimes recently had an article about it. I use Garnier's Sheer version for my face--so far no breakouts from it--and the Garnier or L'Oreal brands for my body.
For price comparison (for those of you wanting to order online or from Canada), the face and body products from Garnier cost me about £5 each (roughly $10). But a lot of the stores are offering 2 for 1 specials at the moment, bringing the price down to about $5 per tube/bottle.

dutyfree

The information about Mexoryl is interesting as 20/20 or Dateline TV just had a piece on it last week.The show had on various doctors and all agreed that you HAD to have Mexoryl in your sunscreen or you really weren't helping your skin. I could not remember the name of the ingredient so was very happy to see it on this board-definitely going to buy some in Rome next week for my redheaded daughter!!!Thanks-

joan_kirsopp

I live in the UK and I like L'Oreal products, however, I haven't as yet come across any sunscreen, whatever, the SPF, that contains MEROXYL. I'll keep trying and if I find it, I'll let you all know.

Annabel

I saw that show too and it made the lightbulb go off over my head. I have always wondered why the sunscreen I buy internationally is far superior than the ones I buy here. The difference is Mexoryl! I had no idea, so I have ditched my favorite Clarins and buy from Canada.

Stephanie

beenthere:

tanning consists of melanin in each individual cell you have gravitating toward the DNA of said cell to protect that area thus turning your skin a brownish color. It a biological fact, remember reading it in one of the biology classes textbook in college. Don't find that people who don't overexpose their skin are going to get cancer, not everyone who has normal sun exposure every year is guaranteed to get cancer, you wear the sunscreen and get over the paranoia.

TxTravelPro

I bought several different brands on my last trip to London. It was available at virtually every drug store I went to so I am not sure why you have never seen it...
Every Boots I went into had a display of L'Oreal and it was buy one get one free when I was there as well... great stuff!

Orcas

The Washington Post must be reading our Fodors website! Here's an article on sunscreen and the limitations of even the best US brands, and benefits of Mexoryl:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...062701099.html