topic Re: Vacation Sunscreen in Beauty

Vacation Sunscreen

I am still oxox — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:02:39 GMT

We are going on a Cruise to Bermuda in early May it it will be our first real sun expsore. We both have hats. I am olive skinned with salt and Better hair and dark eyes. He is lighter with hazel eyes and has had a basel cell removed. Usually in NY I use a 30 on my face and 30 on my body I then move down to at 15.

I have not been exposed to tropical sun in 7 years suggestions please. I am looking to tan safely

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

Icegoddess — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:47:28 GMT

Coming from someone who doesn't wear a sunscreen daily, unless it's in my moisturizer, I'll say I don't think there is such a thing as a safe tan. All tans are damaging to the skin. Sounds more like you're looking to tan without burning.

What I do use when I know I'm going to be outside, usually all day doing yard work, is Neutrogena Sport Face on my face and Neutrogena Sport on my arms. I never wear shorts, so arms is all I need to use SPF on.

I also have a few SPF shirts I like to wear instead of having to use sunscreen on my arms. I don't find them hot. Some of what are called "rash guards" also have the spf protection. You'd just need to verify it before buying. Those are meant to go in the water as they were originally designed for surfers to protect them from the surf.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

ajsidney12 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:59:04 GMT

Light skin, freckles and have had moles removed, over here. I almost always use 50spf that counters UVA and UVB rays, when I am going to be outside and I am in the Northeast. I never step down, I always reapply the same strength. I wear sunscreen daily as a base on my face with or without makeup (see RMS Beauty ). Hats and clothing with built is SPF will be helpful too. Don't forget that those light colored sandy beaches and beautiful waters reflect the sun back on you, just keep reapplying.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

debfau — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:15:03 GMT

@I am still oxox wrote:
We are going on a Cruise to Bermuda in early May it it will be our first real sun expsore. We both have hats. I am olive skinned with salt and Better hair and dark eyes. He is lighter with hazel eyes and has had a basel cell removed. Usually in NY I use a 30 on my face and 30 on my body I then move down to at 15.
I have not been exposed to tropical sun in 7 years suggestions please. I am looking to tan safely

With the Sun that much stronger down south you will want at least an SPF of 50 or higher.

There are stores in Florida called Bealls (they are also online) that sell a line of clothes for both Men and Women called Reel Legend that are made of SPF cloth.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

Eileen in Virginia — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:26:03 GMT

When we went to Hawaii, they recommended using a minimum of SPF50 sunscreen whenever we'd be out in the sun. We also bought rash guard shirts from Lands End to wear while we were swimming or in the sun. These shirts have an SPF50 sun resistance, come in men's or women's, sizes, short-sleeved or long-sleeved and are very lightweight, even when wet. We still wear them here if it's a hot, SUNNY day, so we don't have to bother reapplying sunscreen. They're currently on sale at pretty good prices. I tend to get pink before tanning, but DH just burns. If you get the long-sleeved ones, roll them off your arms once they're wet. Don't pull them off - they act like Chinese finger handcuffs. These may be similar to the ones they sell at Bealls. I always have a couple of them in our pool bag during the summer.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

spumoni99 — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:29:44 GMT

The spray sunscreens are a lot easier to apply. I would buy at least a 50 spf.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

BeautyLver — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:31:57 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:
Coming from someone who doesn't wear a sunscreen daily, unless it's in my moisturizer, I'll say I don't think there is such a thing as a safe tan. All tans are damaging to the skin. Sounds more like you're looking to tan without burning.

What I do use when I know I'm going to be outside, usually all day doing yard work, is Neutrogena Sport Face on my face and Neutrogena Sport on my arms. I never wear shorts, so arms is all I need to use SPF on.

I also have a few SPF shirts I like to wear instead of having to use sunscreen on my arms. I don't find them hot. Some of what are called "rash guards" also have the spf protection. You'd just need to verify it before buying. Those are meant to go in the water as they were originally designed for surfers to protect them from the surf.

A " safe tan"😳. Nope, doesn't exist. Thought we all knew this. I bathe in SPF, most especially in the outdoors, all seasons. Of course, THE most important reason why is health. And secondly...no sunspots, wrinkles, sun damage or leather like skin. Of all the self care I do for my skin, SPF is the best investment one can make in their overall skin health, imo. I can get my own "tan", if wanted from bronzer, self tan, etc....list goes on. UV Radiatiion? That's a great big NO.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

Skyegirl21 — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:21:18 GMT

I've had a lot of sun damage as a kid, so I am super careful ( very pale, only a little melanin)-

Best sunscreen in my opinion have both titanium and zinc oxides - mineral not chemical sunscreen- From the Q, I like Dr. Denese. It is tinted and gives some coverage but not pasty or gray cast. Good Drugstore brand is Blue Lizard. Also great is Elta brand. Have fun and protect yourself becaue sun damage is forever !

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

Sooner — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:55:43 GMT

The best I've ever used for face is Shiseido. Sometimes in spring they have kits on sale. The ones in the teardrop bottles were the ones I'd get for beach wear, the mineral ones for me.

I was always on the hunt for a sale before our May trip!

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

SilleeMee — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:07:19 GMT

I'm just going to have to start using a mineral ss. It is superior in protection, especially where I live at high altitude. I've been a chemical ss wearer most of my life simply b/c I haven't found a mineral ss that doesn't leave a white cast and I've tried several brands. But this one caught my eye. It contains both zinc and titanium oxides and it says 'no white cast'. I'll take a gamble with that part but I'm going to give it a try and see if it works out. I also like that it has a high SPF protection, too. Better for high altitude. It's only $16.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

Icegoddess — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:50:16 GMT

@SilleeMee I use the INNBeauty Mineral Sun Glow sometimes when going out, only on my face. It has a tint to it. Apparently, there are tint choices since mine says Fair-Medium on it. I don't notice a white cast with this one, but maybe that's just becasue I'm pretty light to begin with. I used to like the Elta MD one that was tinted. I used it on my ski trips. However, they changed the formulation and it gave me a tin man look.

I can't wear the INNBeauty one when I'm working in the yard though. It is NOT sweat-proof.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

FancyPhillyshopper — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:05:15 GMT

I love sunshine!! I frequently travel to hot or tropical environments, and can tan pretty safely and easily. But, given how hot the sun can be, I agree sunscreen is important.

First, I never wear any sunscreen here in the Northeast until Summer at the beaches--the sun does not really affect me before that.

But, it is good to first get a base tan, and take sun exposure slowly step by step until your skin is not able to be easily burned. Start with a few hours, and then work up a little more each day. If you feel uncomfortable or too hot, or see any pink skin, get out immediately. I see many people who turn red like lobsters because they sit out too long and try to tan too fast. Burns can be very dangerous.

Yes, I agree SPF 50 is probably important for you given your lack of advance exposure. Tropical sun is much hotter than other areas IMO. Are you looking for sunscreen to use on the ship, or on the beaches? Nowadays many places are asking tourists to use reef-safe, mineral based sunscreens to prevent damage to the water environment.

I prefer sunscreen creams or sprays that are a bit more dry, not greasy. Some skin parts are more sensitive to sun than others, and should get special care (i.e. chest, stomach, nose, eyelids, ear tips, lips, etc.).

If the cruise is only for a week you will not really get a deep or dark tan--just a slight color addition. You also should use cream daily afterwards to keep skin moist and prevent peeling. I prefer products with aloe.

Have a great time!

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

50Mickey — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 03:30:51 GMT

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation there is no such thing as a safe suntan. A tan is a biological response to UV exposure. The tan resulting from UV exposure is actually a sign of skin damage. Dermatologists will tell you that the only safe tan comes from a bottle.

I had a few bad sunburns as a teen and have paid the price with 5 basal cell skin cancers and one squamous cell skin cancer.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

ScrapHappy — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:23:34 GMT

When I go on a cruise, I use two different sunscreens. One for my face and the other for the rest of the body. For face, I use Neutrogena for Face 50 SPF. The rest of the body, I use at least 30 but aim for the highest I can find. I don't use the spray on face or body.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

I am still oxox — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:47:08 GMT

Thank you all for the answers.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

Shanus — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:50:48 GMT

@I am still oxox I'd check the drugstore for at least a SPF 50 waterproof one. Definitely a hat and a lightweight long sleeve tee keep your arms covered and protected. I also wear "beach pants" or any lightweight long pants.

Obviously at the pool, look for an umbrella. I'm sure your derm told your DH about the dangers of the sun from noon-3PM.

The only safe way to tan is in a tube...fake tan.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

I am still oxox — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:32:31 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@I am still oxox I'd check the drugstore for at least a SPF 50 waterproof one. Definitely a hat and a lightweight long sleeve tee keep your arms covered and protected. I also wear "beach pants" or any lightweight long pants.

Obviously at the pool, look for an umbrella. I'm sure your derm told your DH about the dangers of the sun from noon-3PM.

The only safe way to tan is in a tube...fake tan.

@Shanus No umbrella on a cruise ship. I hate self tanner. I always wear a hat and use high SPF sunscreen.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

haddon9 — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:05:51 GMT

@I am still oxox wrote:
@Shanus wrote:
@I am still oxox I'd check the drugstore for at least a SPF 50 waterproof one. Definitely a hat and a lightweight long sleeve tee keep your arms covered and protected. I also wear "beach pants" or any lightweight long pants.

Obviously at the pool, look for an umbrella. I'm sure your derm told your DH about the dangers of the sun from noon-3PM.

The only safe way to tan is in a tube...fake tan.
@Shanus No umbrella on a cruise ship. I hate self tanner. I always wear a hat and use high SPF sunscreen.

@I am still oxox No umbrellas around a cruise ship pool but there are plenty of shady spots depending on the time of day. I don't use self taner either. Makes my skin look odd.

Like you I have an olive complexion and if I get any sun I get a small amount of color. I usually don't try for a tan which I can do easily.

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

I am still oxox — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:43:42 GMT

@haddon9 wrote:
@I am still oxox wrote:
@Shanus wrote:
@I am still oxox I'd check the drugstore for at least a SPF 50 waterproof one. Definitely a hat and a lightweight long sleeve tee keep your arms covered and protected. I also wear "beach pants" or any lightweight long pants.

Obviously at the pool, look for an umbrella. I'm sure your derm told your DH about the dangers of the sun from noon-3PM.

The only safe way to tan is in a tube...fake tan.
@Shanus No umbrella on a cruise ship. I hate self tanner. I always wear a hat and use high SPF sunscreen.
@I am still oxox No umbrellas around a cruise ship pool but there are plenty of shady spots depending on the time of day. I don't use self taner either. Makes my skin look odd.

Like you I have an olive complexion and if I get any sun I get a small amount of color. I usually don't try for a tan which I can do easily.

@haddon9 I have had professional spray tans and they seem to get wrinkles around my ankles. I am just looking for a light color. I am always careful in the sun

Re: Vacation Sunscreen

Sooner — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 16:46:54 GMT

@SilleeMee Mineral sunscreens are way better nowdays. I have had to use them for many many years. Avobenzone simply eats me up. I cannot wear it and it is in everything now, but I started wearing mineral ones before it was common.