miscrapper

Hawaiian Tropic makes a 30 and 45 spf sunblock that has vitamins a, c, e and has titanium dioxide which is one of most effective protectants. And it smells good and tropical! Personally I don't like the smell of the regular line of Coppertone products.
Neutrogena also makes several good products that are good for both uva/uvb rays. My dermatologist highly recommends neutrogena.
My husband jokes that I may as well not be in sun with all this stuff slathered on but my mom had a melanoma and so did paternal grandmother and I am fair skinned so I have to be careful! And I do manage to tan if I am in sun a lot - I just have to be very careful not to burn!

Rusty

TrojanBoy, you are right that Maui Babe is just a browning lotion and offers no protection. It should be used only by those with dark skin who tan naturally.

The sun in Hawaii is intense not because of the reflective quality of the sand but because Hawaii is in the tropics and the sun is almost directly overhead.

Most sunscreens use the same active ingredients. Also, sunscreens are rated for their SPF (sun protection factor) by the Food and Drug Administration so any two sunscreens with the same SPF should offer the same protection. The ultimate protection is a sunblock such as zinc oxide that provides complete protection and is often used on highly exposed and sensitive areas such as the nose.

Cher

I have very fair skin and burn easily. I used Banana Boat Sport SPF 30 and was able to stay in the sun all day (in Grand Cayman), even my first days. I think the "sport" formulations work better because they are less apt to wear off quickly. You still have to be diligent to re-apply often; and don't forget the tops of your feet!

Sarah

I use 45 no-ad from Walmart. Best to buy this in Hawaii. I have had experiences more than once where it has been on the shelf too long on the east coast and it no longer works. 45 no-ad usually keeps me free of burns and I am a pale red head so that is no minor feat!!!

Sarah

PS I bought a rash guard last year and yes it cuts down on those time consuming applications. I love them, they look like they are going to be uncomfortable but they actually keep you cool/wet more than wearing a shear suit.

elizabeth_reed

Coppertone Sport also makes a spray-on sunscreen. I like to slather with the regular, then use the spray-on for hard-to-reach areas (shoulder blades, etc.)

carolyn

I am just back from Greece where it was HOT and the skies were a cloudless blue. I burn easily and used Neutrogena Ultra Sheer 45 with good results. It is not greasy and has a light pleasant scent.

Austin

Coppertone supposedly has the newest type of sunscreen on the market today - "Spectra 3". Supposed to be the best out there. Does something like "scatters the UV Rays". You might want to google it if you are interested...

Mary2Go

Another spot that gets ignored is the scalp. I have used a spray in formula made just for that purpose. Saved my part from getting burned, and my husbands bald spot from frying! I don't remember the brand.

travleis

Spectra 3 has SPF 50 screen, zinc oxide (the 'deflecting' agent), and vitamins in it.
It's not revolutionary, just a combo of agents not usually found mixed into one compound lotion.

Stephanie

If you want to protect your head, why not wear a hat? Doesn't make your head greasy.

gail

The main problem with any sunblock product is that people do not apply enough. It is designed that you use 1-2 ounces of the stuff per person, per application. So look at that volume of that bottle and divide. I would venture few people use that much, especially kids. (I certainly don't - but am not out in sun much and I know I should). And despite label claims, it does not last all day and after swimming.

So I agree with person who says active ingredients are basically the same. And am also worried about the person who claims one bottle lasted forever - it is not supposed to.

Austin

Also, I always buy the water resistant kind, where it says "Water-resistant up to 6 hours". Many say re apply after 30 minutes or after getting in water, or something like that. My very blonde 13 yr. old daughter has never had a bad sunburn (3 very mild ones) here in the Texas sun after using this type of sunscreen.

Jed

It is important to protect against both UVA and UVB, but most sunscreens already contain protection for both.

SPF 45 is 33% better than 30 (2.2% vs. 3.3%). In my store, Coppertone 30 in 10 oz costs $9.39, and the 45 costs $9.69. For that difference, I choose the 45.

It is important to put on the sunscreen BEFORE you get into the sun, not after you get to the beach. And reapply after swimming.

Myrna

If you don't wear a hat, make sure you cover your ears. One of the people I golf with got skin cancer on her ears and had to have half of them cut off.

islandmom

Only tourist wear the scented ones. Like coconut etc. I believe many tan creams have iodine which stains the skin. I've heard to drink apple juice to help you tan. I go with the fake tan by Estee Lauder on towelletes now. We use water-proof at at least 30 spf. I heard California Baby was the most natural as many have chemicals not good for kids.