Best Sunscreen Strength to use?
 

We're going to Maui in February. What strength sunscreen do you recommend we use. 15? 30? 45? We live in the Pacific Northwest and so aren't exposed to a lot of sun in the winter. A couple of the family members are fair skinned, a couple of us tan easily. Thank you.

I think this is a question for your dermatologist. There are so many factors that I would not attempt an answer even though I smear sunscreen on everyday because of my problem with skin cancers. <BR><BR>Just bear in mind that tan skin is damaged skin. The sun's UV rays foul up the DNA and, if the damage is bad enough, skin cells cannot reproduce properly.<BR>That is when your skin begins to grow basal cells, squamous cells, and (God forbid) melanoma. <BR><BR>My own dermatologist told me which sun screen to get. And he had some blunt advice, after some treatment on my face: Your skin cannot take any more sun. <BR><BR>Again, I suggest you consult a dermatologist and follow his or her advice. <BR><BR>As a last comment, let me ask you a question: How much protection to you think you would need if you were outside for long periods of time in Egypt?<BR>A lot?<BR>Well, Maui is farther south than Cairo.<BR>And the suns's rays would be more intense.

30<BR>My dermatologist says that anything over that is no more protective than 30.

Mine says the same, and that the key is re-apply often and generously.

Being a natural blond with light eyes, I burn easily and tan slowly. I used a variety of sunscreens from 8 on my arms and legs, to 15 on my back and 30 on my chest and face. For me, the key to avoiding burns is to slather on the sunscreen generously WELL BEFORE I get in the sun. If the lotion has a chance to sink in ahead of time, it seems to work so much better.

Another trick is to apply the sunscreen and about half an hour apply it again,it seems to work better when it is layered.<BR>

Not being a beach person, I'm curious, why would you use different strengths of sunscreen on different parts of your body. It seems like quite an investment, a lot of effort, and a lot of stuff to lug around. Wouldn't it be best and more economical to just go with one and the one that is the strongest -- obviously with an SPF of 30 or more?

Lee:<BR><BR>I don't think it is the SPF that is that important, it is more important to put sunscreen on every 3 hours.

Oh God, don't listen to Stephanie!<BR>You can use the same SPF everywhere,the less the SPF the more UV rays come through,the more color that skin will get.<BR>Stephanie,stay out of things you know nothing about.

I think what she was refering to is that once you get past an SPF of 15, the level of sunblock doesn't go up that much. For example, an SPF of 15 blocks out about 85% of the suns harmful rays whereas an SPF of 30 only blocks out about 87% of the suns harmful rays. Not sure about the exact percentages but I think that is pretty close. And yes, you will still get a tan with sunblock.

Another important factor with sunblock is to apply enough. It is recommended that a person use 1-2 ounces. That is a lot more than most people (including me) use. Also, light-weight t-shirts and other similar clothing are not totally sun-blocking (I read a white t-shirt is SPF about 10).<BR><BR>Sun can also reflect off water or sand, even if you are under an umbrella or awning.<BR><BR>

Do you have all day sunscreens in the states(P20)?<BR>I am from the UK and have found these to be excellent,you apply them in the morning 1/2 hour before exposure and they give you all day cover. we have used them whilst scuba diving and snorkeling and found them to be very effective.for extra peace of mind you can put normal sunscreen on your most sensitive bits as well.

Although I live in FL, and am outside and on the water a lot, the biggest problem I've had with sunburn was skiing in Colorado this spring! <BR><BR>My friend's dermatologist told her to apply 30 twice, the first time slathering it on so there is excesss, and letting that sit and absorb into the skin as much as it will, then applying it a second time and rubbing it in well--all before leaving for the slopes. I tried that method after a couple of days of burns, and it definitely worked better, but even so, I returned to FL after a week of skiing with more tan than I had before leaving. Don't forget your lips too--swollen cracked lips don't look so hot with pretty sun dresses!!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned this, and have a feeling it is still little known that the best sunscreens have the ingredient Avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789.) This ingredient protects your skin from the premature aging damage the sun can cause. <BR><BR>I've basically heard that the best sunscreens are those with this ingredient. Coppertone 30 has it, but a lot of them do not. You need to read the ingredients very closely. I have yet to find this ingredient in any sunscreen marketed for children. <BR><BR>I've also read many times that once you get past SPF30, there's not much more protection. <BR><BR>I think it's wise for everyone in your family regardless of how easily you do or don't tan to use an SPF30.

Who is edting these messages?????? I have left 3, and they are not here!!!!!

The numbers measure how much longer than normal you can stay in the sun before the skin gets red. In practical terms, it tells you how much of the sun's rays get through.<BR><BR>15 means that 1/15th, or 6.67% of the sun's rays get through. 30 is 3.3%, 45 is 2.2%. I use the highest, 45 or even 50. There is no disadvantage in using 45, and if maybe it is only a dollar more a bottle, why not use it?<BR><BR>The problem with sun exposure is not the 1 or 2 days you are in the sun, or whether you get red, but the cumulative effect of many years of sun exposure which causes chronic damage to the skin such as wrinkling, thinness, scaly spots which are precancerous actinic keratoses, and various types of skin cancers. The less the rays get through, the better.<BR><BR>It should be applied a few hours before the sun exposure, and after swimming. <BR><BR>The exact benefits of Parsol 1789 is unknown.<BR><BR>Products labelled "very water resistant" are generally better.

There are two things that I have wondered about sunscreens, perhaps someone here knows the answer? First, if you apply sunscreen several hours before going out in the sun, does it have the same effectiveness as if you'd done it about half an hour before going out, or does it wear off (assuming you haven't swum, sweat heavily, or showered in the meantime)? When I'm on vacation, or often in the summer if I think I'll be outdoors later during the day, I'll apply sunscreen when I get dressed in the morning, so I don't have to think about it later or be caught without it when I go out. However, I've wondered whether I'm compromising my protection when I don't go out for several hours.<BR><BR>Also, does anyone know whether sunscreen loses it's effectiveness with age? I don't see any expiration dates on the bottles, but I always wonder if last year's leftover bottles are still good (I tend to buy several bottles to keep in different locations - the car, the beach bag, my hiking backpack, etc, that don't always get used up).

Sara, those are great questions. I also would love to lnow the answers.

Have heard and read many times that, yes, sunscreen loses its effectiveness over time and that you should replace it each year. However, I've used "last years" sunscreen plenty of times over the years and it has still protected against sunburn.

I am very fair skinned and burn easily. My dermotologist would prefer I stay out of the sun, but since she knows I like the outdoors she recommended a great sunscreen called Solar Defense. I used it when I hiked in the Grand Canyon and it even held up in the water. I didn't burn at all. I don't know if they sell it where you live. The bottle has an 800# which you could try calling - (800) 530-3722.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!