What's your favorite sunscreen?

[KingStefan]

Hi, there, everybody! What's your favorite sunscreen. My one DD and myself burn really easily, so we need a good sunscreen (my other DD just tans really easily, and we're jealous). I hate the sticky ones. They make me break out sometimes, and run into my eyes when I sweat and it stings. Also we need a truly waterproof one, since we'll be visiting the water parks.

Someone recommended Bull Frog quick gel (thanks, Master Yoda!). Does anybody have any other recommendations?

Thanks a lot, folks.

 

[crazycalf]

I like coppertone sport.

 

[SteveUK]

I always use P20. I burn very easily and have never had any problems when using it. Also it lasts well if you get wet. I'm not sure about swimming in it, but getting wet on rides has never been a problem for me.

 

[David]

I'm not going to recommend any one brand, but just to remind everyone to use SOME kind of sunscreen. I was diagnosed with a malignant melanoma almost 4 years ago. I've been clear since then, but believe me, I always sunscreen when at WDW or at the beach now.

 

[dolbyman]

had a hard time to find any sunscreen in Orlando ... forgot mine .. and all drugstores and supermarkets only had (in my opinion) no name products

My favourites are:
Sun Ozon
Nivea
Delial

 

[surfsupdon]

Copertone or Banana Boat SPORT.

They smell good and don't clog pores. Anything with "Sport" is good enough for me.

 

[Debbie]

My son is has blonde hair, hazel eyes, and everything that goes with being fair skinned and BullFrog does the best job. We've tried everything from Panama Jack, on.....and this worked the best.

 

[Boo's Mom]

I use whatever will protect me but let me get a good tan. When I leave for Disney, I have the beginning of a tan but when I come back from Disney, I'm really dark

 

[stranger]

. They make me break out sometimes, and run into my eyes when I sweat and it stings. Also we need a truly waterproof one, since we'll be visiting the water parks.

I use Neutrogena's Active Breathable sunblock. It's perfect for your skin, it doesn't run and contains silica powder to absorb the oil (you don't have to worry about breakouts). I use it when I go to the beach and it doesn't wearoff.

 

[BeachClubVillas]

I would NOT recommend regular Coppertone. I used it last year and I burned right through it. I never used to burn until I hit about 18 or 19. I don't really understand it.

 

[Woody13]

I would stick with an SPF 15 formulation that includes Octyl methoxycinnamate, Octyl salicylate and Titanium dioxide. Avoid formulations that contain Oxybenzone because of possible dermatological reactions. Octylcrylene formulations are good as well.

Unfortunately a lot of products contain PABA and/or one of the benzone derivatives (such as BullFrog Quick Gel, Coppertone Sport, Banana Boat Sport, Neutrogena's Active Breathable Sunblock, etc.) and they should always be avoided!

I use Hawaiian Tropic.

 

[Atta83]

Copertone or Banana Boat SPORT.

They smell good and don't clog pores. Anything with "Sport" is good enough for me.

Same here.

 

[Hakunamatata]

I burn very easy, but do not like the greasy feel of most sun screens. After alot of research and expeditions into the wilds of the Amazon, I have found that there is nothing like a good layer of bat guano mixed with fine grain sand to keep the sun out. It also repells mosquitos and those pesky gulls at MK. It will also clear out a que line faster than, well, just fast...... :lookaroun


Seriously, most sport spf 35 and above for me. Im balled and white as a sheet, so I use it alot. I do not however, like the spray on kind as you have to rub it in anyway, so whats the point?

 

[coasterphil]

I used Coppertone Continuous Spray SPF 30 for my recent trip and did not burn at all. Its a spray so there is no mess or chills you get from lotion. It also doesn't have the sticky feel.

 

[crazydaveh]

I use a brand called, "No Ad." It's sold in most major stores (Wal-Mart/KMART/Target) and is less expensive than the major brands, but in my opinion, works just the same.

I get the 30 SPF Sport. It stays on if you get wet or sweat, both of which happens all the time in the summer at WDW!

I also use it to play soccer in here in Florida. It works very well.

Just remember, whatever you use, apply frequently! Burns and a vacation are a bad mix!

 

[Dakotadogy]

Baby oil. No wait. That was a very bad youth spent on the beach on the Jersey shore outside of Atlanic City baking in the sun.

The brand is not as important as the SPF and staying power. The higher the SPF, the better. Also, sport or water proof (which can also be sweat proof) are also better. Even so, don't forget to reapply every few hours.

 

[maxime29]

Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone, Banana Boat are the different brands we use. As long as we don't get burned then any of them are fine with us.

My face and arms sunburn pretty bad, so I make sure to apply sunblock in those areas very well. My legs never burn even when I'm wearing shorts.

 

[Woody13]

The higher the SPF, the better. Also, sport or water proof (which can also be sweat proof) are also better.

That is not true. The SPF level that you use is dependant upon a number of factors including your skin color, tanning history and skin sensitivity. Some medications and alcohol consumption may change your skin sensitivity to UV light. Using a higher SPF level than 15 is generally not necessary for most people under most circumstances.

While I can give you several examples that would require a higher SPF (new snow for example), a higher SPF does not necessarily provide greater protection.

 

[Maria]

I wear a SPF30 or more, and the one I am using now is Australian Gold´s Blue Guardian (colored sunscreen with sparkles) It is great! The blue cream dissappears and the gold glitter stays on you; when it goes away, it´s time to put some more. It smells like bubble gum and I love it! lol

 

[MissM]

I like the Coppertone Spectra or the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin. I know some people who love Bullfrog but I can't stand how it feels on my skin. It's very smothering and it doesn't come off. It feels like you're wearing a layer of plastic wrap to me.

I have severely sensitive skin. And my skin is photoractive to chemicals. (Meaning, if I put anything dyed or perfumed on my skin and then go out in the sun, I break out in really bad rashes.) I've worn both of these all day (with a hat of course to help protect my face) and come out without even a little pinking. The coppertone has on occasion given me a very minor rash but that's just my skin; I wouldn't expect anyone else to have that problem (unless they have the photosensitive/reactive skin like I do.)

The only other thing I'd mention is that my Love sweats a lot and he had a little white streaking from the Coppertone. I don't sweat in large quantities and it doesn't happen to me. If you're the kind of person who gets very very sweaty in the face, you might want to opt for the Neutrogena. I like it and it's never made me break out or anything.

Just make sure you put it on before you head out for the day and keep an eye out to make sure you don't sweat it off in places. Also, wear a hat with a brim to keep your face more protected. It's really worth it. Burns on your face, scalp and neck are some of the worst. And if you wear open-toed shoes, don't forget the sunscreen on the feet! That's another really painful place to burn.

Florida sun is very, very strong so you need to be prepared. Trust me, it's worth the extra caution. (Even as a 20-year resident, I've gotten a 2nd degree sunburn before and that was miserable. You may think you won't be out in the sun long enough sometimes but you are; I got mine walking around a car dealership of all things!)

Be safe,
-m