What we need to do (but probably NEVER will)is KILL the idea that a "TAN" is attractive....what it really IS is damaged skin. Yes, it is....we just have it in our heads that it looks good...until we figure that out skin cancer will part of life. Yes, that tan looks good at 18 but at 80, not so much.
Why? Damaged skin takes years to look well, damaged.
Shadow

If it takes a while for Anthelios to get to you and you dont want to purchase on-line, the only product that's probably sitting on your local drugstore shelf that blocks both UVA and UVB rays is a Neutorgena sunsreen called Ultrasheer.

It doesn't use the same chemical in the Anthelios product, but the active ingredient is one that the FDA already approved for UVA/UVB ray protection.

Amen Shadow, I have been telling this to people for years. Fortunetly some people listen and I feel I have saved at least a few lives from skin cancer which makes me feel like I have done at least one important thing in my life.

I buy $1 sunscreen. There is absolutely no cream out there that will prevent skin cancer. I do have a tan on my arms and upper torso but not on purpose - I love to walk and stay in shape and take all the precautions (sunscreen, hat and glasses) but cardiovascular health is just as important as avoiding the sun.

I've been bringing bottles of Mexoryl based sunscreen back as gifts for family in the US for years... only problem I've found with it is that is is very staining to clothing so be careful when applying! (I have yet to find a brand that doesn't stain... So far I've tried L'Oreal, Vichy, Ambre Solaire...)

How do you get the stains out of clothing? Bleach and pre-wash don't seem to help.

hi mcales. don't know what to do about getting the stains out... I've found the best thing is to use Shout and wash it right away in hot water, but it still doesn't always come out. I still use it, but don't like the clothes sctaining aspect at all! Maybe someone else knows of a brand that doesn't stain or how to get the stains out... or maybe we should post the question on the Europe forum to see if anyone has any good ideas out there...

Travgrl and mcales, have you tried using hairspray to get the stains out of your clothing? I have no idea if it will work but it does in most cases when hairdye stains clothing. Just a thought.

Fishee, I have been using the Nuetrogena Ultrasheer 30 for quite awhile now. My DIL first bought it for me as her dermatologist told her to use it as it was the best on the market (at the time). And thanks to jorr my neighbor/friend now uses it too..at least I hope she still is.

Products with zinc oxide and titanium oxide are also excellent for UVA/UVB protection. But they are fairly opaque. They are highly recommended by dermatologists (before mexoxyl availability) especially for sensitive skin.

Sunscreens with these ingredients are widely available in the US, usually listed as a baby sunscreen since they are extremely hypoallergenic. (I actually use an Australian brand which goes on less opaque.)