Thank goodness it’s getting time to use suncreen again! I just tried the 50+ stuff from Walgreens, and when the sweat went into my eyes the burning was intolerable.
I’d like to find something in the 50+ that perhaps is not alcohol based like my favorite Bull Frog.
Any recommendations?
http://www.ebodyboarding.com/acess/Sunscreen-Jelly
Vertra is a VERY high-end sunscreen that will stay on all day and is waterproof, but any of these sunscreens are great.
Have you tried any of these? I fry in the sun, so I use suncreen on every run/ride.
These two are the best I’ve tried: Blue Lizard or HIC Suncare
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I use headhunter, but Vertra is the stuff all my friends who are very sun-sensitive use. And they are surfers, so constantly in the water and it holds up great.
First rule of sunscreen application is never put it above your eyes if you are going to sweat.Wear a hat!!!
In Oz you will rarely find anything over SPF 30 because anything higher than that is overkill.
Zinc cream or zinc sticks are the best bombproof alternatives.
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This article is great: http://www.aolnews.com/2010/05/24/study-many-sunscreens-may-be-accelerating-cancer/
At the bottom there is a link to sunscreen reviews by some consumer group. I followed their advice and bought some expensive stuff from Whole Foods. It works great for 6 hour rides in the bright Colorado sun.
Scape is the new HIC suncare. I’m not sure if they are still making HIC suncare for surf shops anymore, but you can get Scape online and at some tri/running shops.
I use headhunter, but Vertra is the stuff all my friends who are very sun-sensitive use. And they are surfers, so constantly in the water and it holds up great.
x2 on the Verta. I usually use the stick for bodyboarding and tube for races, long rides, runs and before work bodyboarding sessions. Just a heads up, if you go with the stick, it takes some effort to get it off after a session.
Scape face stick is great for putting it over your eyes. It doesn’t run. It takes some effort to get it off, but it’s what I use all the time to make sure I don’t get swim cap and goggle lines.
First, my skin is sensitive to sunscreen cream or lotion or whatever that is supposed to protect you from the sun. I always get overheated or the stuff burns my skin as I start pushing the pace (something to do with my pores opening up to sweat). I can recommend two; 1. Nivea, or 2. If you could get your hands on some Cole’s brand (Grocery Store) sunscreen from Australia, that stuff is awesome. WTC used it as the sunscreen for IM W. Australia and I didnt feel overheated or anything. In fact, I didnt know it was there the whole race.
Good luck in your quest.
First, my skin is sensitive to sunscreen cream or lotion or whatever that is supposed to protect you from the sun. I always get overheated or the stuff burns my skin as I start pushing the pace (something to do with my pores opening up to sweat). I can recommend two; 1. Nivea, or 2. If you could get your hands on some Cole’s brand (Grocery Store) sunscreen from Australia, that stuff is awesome. WTC used it as the sunscreen for IM W. Australia and I didnt feel overheated or anything. In fact, I didnt know it was there the whole race.
You are dead right on the Coles brand stuff.I’m here on the Gold Coast right now and doing lots of ocean swimming and beach running and the Coles 30+ stuff works a treat.I carry a Coles brand zinc stick with me as well and have no more burnt face worries.
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I do a lot of work for these guys so keep that in mind but you might try Planet Sun’s new zinc sunscreen. I’ve been using it for a while and it works insanely well if you like a ton of sun protection. It’s modelled after Vertra’s sunscreen (Vertra is from my neck of the woods as well, know the owner out here) and is a micronized zinc formulation. Doesn’t seem to sting my eyes at all and stays really really well pretty much needing a good shower to scrub it off. It’s also nice as it’s non greasy so your forearms don’t get all slippery in the aerobar pads or especially if you’re riding a road bike and try to rest your forearms on top of the bars to get a bit more aero. Not sure what their distribution outside of Hawaii is at this point but you can order it online at http://www.planetsunhawaii.com/Skin_Care_s/5.htm Sounds like a lot of the lifeguards out here are using it now too. I guess they buy direct by the case so they must like the stuff. The only thing I don’t like about it is that it’s a bit of a pain to rub in (same thing with Vertra) versus my other favorite which is the xtra dry formula bananaboat stuff in the bright orange plastic bottle. The PS stuff lasts a LOT longer than the Bananaboat stuff though so I’ve been using it quite a bit more recently.
You definintely want the formulation two stuff though. I think that’s all they have on the website. I didn’t like the original stuff at all as it was modelled more after the Xterra/SolRx stuff which was good stuff but way to slippery for me.
Other cool thing which I kinda thought was worthless at first when they gave it out to my tri team is the face sunscreen sticks. Now I toss one in my jersey pocket on a longer ride and hit my nose up midway through if it’s an insanely sunny day. Some of the other guys rub a bit off the stick under their aerobar arm rest (the stick formula is more like a waxy/foundation make up consistancy, similar to the Vertra stick)and then during the ride (or race, this is a good Ironman trick) you just scoop the sunscreen up with your finger and reapply to key areas while riding. http://www.planetsunhawaii.com/Planet_Sun_Face_Formulation_Sunscreen_p/psfaceformstick.htm
So a sunscreen with zinc works well?
Avoid the sticks?
In Oz you will rarely find anything over SPF 30 because anything higher than that is overkill.
Why is anything over SPF 30 overkill? Is there a max benefit number?
you might want to read all the info on the planet sun website. he’s ended up writing articles for a few publications, malanoma society etc, based off of it. It’s a TON of info and he loves to talk my ear off on it. Good read for sunscreen info no matter what brand you buy.
But basically, yeah, the micronized zinc, as long as it’s stable (guess it often tends to break down in sunscreens) is the best stuff out there.
I love the stick. At first I wasn’t a big fan but now that I’ve used it a bit I love how easy it is to carry and to reapply to problem spots on the go, it’s awesome.
With all the Lance Armstrong obsession lately I give you…
I’M SORRY! I couldn’t resist 
haha
I use Scape, works good for me - SPF 50 Sunblock.
Planet Sun Formulation Two
Zinc Oxide: 10% : Sunscreen: UVA/UVB / Octinoxate: 7.5% Sunscreen: UVB
$10 for 2 oz.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream For FaceOctinoxate 7.4%, Titanium Dioxide 2.2%, and Zinc Oxide 16.3%$35 for 2 oz.
Is the more expensive one worth it? Ask someone with Melanoma.
In Oz you will rarely find anything over SPF 30 because anything higher than that is overkill.
Why is anything over SPF 30 overkill? Is there a max benefit number?
Legally I believe the maximum allowed(depending on the country) is SPF50 but I believe there is only a 1-2% increase in benefit when you step up from 30 to 50.What is more important is how long the stuff stays on,if it is water resistant versus waterproof,and how frequently you apply it.This is the main reason that I will use a zink stick for my nose,cheeks and any areas that are sun damaged.The only problem with too much area being covered with zinc is that you will feel hotter so I use it sparingly when running and can layer it on when swimming.I have also found that price is not a good indicator of actual quality of protection and use Coles "home brand"sunscreen here with no problem.
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