topic Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen! in Beauty

I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Irishrose136 — Fri, 09 May 2014 07:44:19 GMT

I was standing in a CVS 2 days ago, looking for an oil-free sunscreen for my face and a second product for my lower arms and hands. I don't wear short sleeves or capris. And I don't do anything which requires me to be out in the sun for any length of time. (We sold the yacht last December. ) I'm looking at ALL the choices and as I started reading ingredient decks - you all taught me that - I got totally CONFUZZLED!!!

To start with, I don't understand the difference between PHYSICAL vs. CHEMICAL SPF ingredients. I never learned that there were 2 types, nor did I learn which ingredients fall into which category?????????

I saw SPF's as high as 75. I thought I read once that regardless of claims, no product is any higher than 30???????????

I always thought the standards were zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. But I was reading many, many other sunscreen key ingredients. Octinoxate????? Octisalate?????? Other o's????

I ended up with a titanium dioxide and zinc oxide baby sunscreen at 30 (or higher?) for my chest, arms, and hands.

Then I realized there was another problem. Some products went on very white - unattractively white if you're not on the beach. So I left without finding sunscreen for my face - oil-free, not heavy, and not chalky white.

I desperately need an education from the dear posters here. They just make too many different products in a huge variety of forme - lotions & sticks & sprays & mineral powder.

One thing: I would like to avoid having to order online and pay s/h. I would prefer a drugstore product.

Any and all assistance is truly appreciated!!!

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

ennui1 — Fri, 09 May 2014 07:52:11 GMT

My dermatologist recommends Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Broad Spectrum SPF 85.

It says right on the package, #1 Dermatologist Recommended.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Irishrose136 — Fri, 09 May 2014 08:02:30 GMT

I saw that there, ennui! What do you use on your face?

I have a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen, but I want something easy and quick for non-MU days.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

mewsmomtoo — Fri, 09 May 2014 08:05:10 GMT

I used to be constantly in the summertime sun and I used a spray version of Neutrogena's sunscreen. I have fair skin and never got burned. I love the spray versions, they go on so easily and quickly. Sorry I can't help with the technical stuff. I just make sure I wear an SPF 50 or higher.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

ennui1 — Fri, 09 May 2014 08:08:59 GMT

On 5/9/2014 Irishrose136 said:
I saw that there, ennui! What do you use on your face?

Aveeno Positively Radiant, SPF 15, and loose mineral makeup.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Yahooey — Fri, 09 May 2014 08:33:59 GMT

I use Josie's argon oil moisturizer w SPF on my face. It is a physical sunscreen. I like it except I sweat a lot. That means the physical sunscreen will be off your face as you wipe it. I guess a chemical sunscreen can be wiped off too but I think some of it would have sunk into your skin. I don't carry sunscreen around during the course of the day except beach etc.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Yahooey — Fri, 09 May 2014 08:37:02 GMT

I tried using a spray for the body once and the can was finished in no time. It was convenient and if you are on the beach, no rubbing sand and gunk into your body.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

luvmygumbo — Fri, 09 May 2014 23:08:46 GMT

Irishrose, check out Elta MD sunscreens. They have UV Clear SPF 46 and a tinted UV 40 that are great. They are not in drugstores; however, readily available online.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

I am still oxox — Fri, 09 May 2014 23:11:20 GMT

I used the CreVa 30 spf with Zinc on my recent vacation and I hated it. I went on and stayed white, stained my husbands swim trunks and was very hard to wash off at the end of the day

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

luvmygumbo — Fri, 09 May 2014 23:16:52 GMT

On 5/9/2014 Usedtobeoxox said:
I used the CreVa 30 spf with Zinc on my recent vacation and I hated it. I went on and stayed white, stained my husbands swim trunks and was very hard to wash off at the end of the day

The Cerave is very thick. I have some, but hate to throw it out. I will use it at the beach. I think it's hard to find a zinc or titanium based drugstore sunscreen that spreads easily. Elta uses micronized zinc oxide. It costs more, but worth it to me.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

vac — Fri, 09 May 2014 23:23:51 GMT

On 5/9/2014 luvmygumbo said:
Irishrose, check out Elta MD sunscreens. They have UV Clear SPF 46 and a tinted UV 40 that are great. They are not in drugstores; however, readily available online.

I've been very happy with Elta MD 41, and if you don't want to pay shipping, you can order it from Dermstore. I believe Elta is 10% off there this week, too.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Katcat1 — Fri, 09 May 2014 23:24:43 GMT

alba Botanica has both mineral and natural sunscreen and use gentle ingredients. The mineral is the physical one. They offer sunscreen for the face and body under $10 & 100% vegetarian sold at iherb.com or Whole Foods in store.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Dublingrl — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:11:39 GMT

On 5/9/2014 luvmygumbo said:
Irishrose, check out Elta MD sunscreens. They have UV Clear SPF 46 and a tinted UV 40 that are great. They are not in drugstores; however, readily available online.

I purchased the Elta MD 46, based on recommendations from this site, and it's fantastic!

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

allthatsgood — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:41:16 GMT

On 5/9/2014 Dublingrl said:
On 5/9/2014 luvmygumbo said:
Irishrose, check out Elta MD sunscreens. They have UV Clear SPF 46 and a tinted UV 40 that are great. They are not in drugstores; however, readily available online.

I purchased the Elta MD 46, based on recommendations from this site, and it's fantastic!

I have to agree about the Elta MD 46. I use this under make up, neck, chest, arms and hands. I had this on last Saturday, out all day into the evening in 103 degree heat, protected beautifully,

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

musicgrl — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:45:24 GMT

I am so disappointed that Dr. Gross has discontinued his SPF facial pad packets. There were perfectly portable and I could slip one in my wrist wallet for reapplication while running on really sunny days. Boo on you, Dr. Gross!

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Happy Elizabeth — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:46:30 GMT

I am obsessed with sunscreen, and in my opinion, no one does it better than EltaMD. Their tinted physical sunscreen (SPF 41) is fantastic, but the one I love the most is the new daily tinted spf 40. I also use the sport (SPF 50) and the pure (SPF 47) for running outdoors. I previously used their clear (SPF 46), which is great, but I don't have as much oily skin as I used to, so I've moved on.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

BellaCarro — Sat, 10 May 2014 01:59:02 GMT

I don't think anyone answered your what's the difference question, Irishrose. Physical sunscreens contain zinc and or titanium dioxide as the actives. They are considered minerals. These block the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Other ingredients such as those you mentioned are considered chemical. These absorb the rays. There are many opinions on both options, of course. Surprise! Oh, and I'm probably way over simplifying how the ingredients perform and differ.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

musicgrl — Sat, 10 May 2014 02:05:03 GMT

I am never able to retain the differences! Which do you all believe is safer? Anxiously awaiting your responses and hoping I did not hijack the thread!

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Allthingsgirly — Sat, 10 May 2014 02:34:49 GMT

On 5/9/2014 luvmygumbo said:
Irishrose, check out Elta MD sunscreens. They have UV Clear SPF 46 and a tinted UV 40 that are great. They are not in drugstores; however, readily available online.

I just bought Elta MD 4oz in the tub from Dermstore. I really like the feel, worked great under makeup too. Has a 7% zinc and doesn't leave a white cast, blends in nicely.

Re: I need help choosing a sunscreen!

Retiredpsych — Sat, 10 May 2014 03:14:55 GMT

On 5/9/2014 BellaCarro said: I don't think anyone answered your what's the difference question, Irishrose. Physical sunscreens contain zinc and or titanium dioxide as the actives. They are considered minerals. These block the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Other ingredients such as those you mentioned are considered chemical. These absorb the rays. There are many opinions on both options, of course. Surprise! Oh, and I'm probably way over simplifying how the ingredients perform and differ.

Exactly right Bella Carro! I am obsessed with sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens are a lot of chemicals, they are absorbed into your skin, then when the sun hits your face(skin) the UVA/UVB rays go into the skin and the chemical sunscreen converts the rays then disperses them. This is very controversial. You can real a lot on both sides of the aisle about chemical sunscreens. But, my derm says avoid them...not enough known about exactly what those chemicals are doing to the body/skin. The problem is that soooo many sunscreens that say "broad spectrum" are chemical in nature. A physical sunscreen is basically the old zinc oxide and a variety of the same. You need to look at the ingredients and look for anything that resembles zinc or titanium oxide. With the physical variety, the sun hits the face/body and the UVA/UVB rays bounce off the skin...they do not penetrate the skin. My derm insists that I use a physical sunscreen. You are right....OP...they can leave a white cast. I have learned with my research, that if you have a sunscreen that is 40 or below, it will not leave a cast. 40 and above will. I have used Neutrogena Pure and Free Liquid SPF 50 for a long long time. It is a physical sunscreen. It is wonderful. But, it is hard to find. A great sunscreen. Very liquidy and does not leave a white cast at first, or very little that disappears. Non greasy and just plain great. Their other version, in an almost identical bottle, is chemical, and sold everywhere. I have recently changed to Paula's Choice Resist Super Light Daily Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30. It is a physical sunscreen (I don't think she even sell a chemical version) and it has a TINT! And a moisturizer built in! Brilliant! No white at all. I am very very happy with it.