Help me protect my ink!
May 2, 2013 4:04 PM Subscribe
Yes, another "Help me find this thing to buy." I need sunscreen. I recently found another ask (linked below the fold) but the results are exactly what I DON'T like. More details inside.
Okay, so I did do searching and I found this ask. But many of those responses suggest Dry Touch by Neutrogena. And I already bought this one. Also my needs are a bit different than that last ask.
1) A sunscreen at least 50 SPF.
-I am very fair skinned and have thrown too much money into tattoos. I also have moles and want to protect myself from skin cancer.
2) Light/not oily. Doesn't clog pores or leave white spots.
- I tired that Dry Touch, and currently it's my go-to, but I really really hate it. It makes me smell like a tire (very strong rubbery smell) and it's only "dry" because it turns to powder. So even if your rub it in all the way, if you brush against dark clothing it leaves a white spot like deodorant! Gross!
- I generally also have a "sport" sort of sunscreen, but that is cheap and oily. It works in a pinch and doesn't leave marks, but makes my skin sticky. It's much better for working out.
3) Everyday. (Also a good Face sunscreen would be helpful too.)
-Again, I don't mind oily sport sunscreen for the pool or jogging, but not everyday. I carry Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 in my purse and that's okay in a pinch, but also not ideal.
So to recap, I really need something less oily, doesn't smell like a tire, high SPF for summer. If you have good ideas for a light face sunscreen that's great too. (Doesn't have to be as high SPF.) I really don't mind some trial and error, but sunscreen can be really pricey!
Also I'd love to be able to find it in the store.(We have a Smith's, Super Target, and Walmart nearby.) I don't feel comfortable ordering online really.
Okay, so I did do searching and I found this ask. But many of those responses suggest Dry Touch by Neutrogena. And I already bought this one. Also my needs are a bit different than that last ask.
1) A sunscreen at least 50 SPF.
-I am very fair skinned and have thrown too much money into tattoos. I also have moles and want to protect myself from skin cancer.
2) Light/not oily. Doesn't clog pores or leave white spots.
- I tired that Dry Touch, and currently it's my go-to, but I really really hate it. It makes me smell like a tire (very strong rubbery smell) and it's only "dry" because it turns to powder. So even if your rub it in all the way, if you brush against dark clothing it leaves a white spot like deodorant! Gross!
- I generally also have a "sport" sort of sunscreen, but that is cheap and oily. It works in a pinch and doesn't leave marks, but makes my skin sticky. It's much better for working out.
3) Everyday. (Also a good Face sunscreen would be helpful too.)
-Again, I don't mind oily sport sunscreen for the pool or jogging, but not everyday. I carry Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 in my purse and that's okay in a pinch, but also not ideal.
So to recap, I really need something less oily, doesn't smell like a tire, high SPF for summer. If you have good ideas for a light face sunscreen that's great too. (Doesn't have to be as high SPF.) I really don't mind some trial and error, but sunscreen can be really pricey!
Also I'd love to be able to find it in the store.(We have a Smith's, Super Target, and Walmart nearby.) I don't feel comfortable ordering online really.
I should add she gets it at CVS, a chain drugstore.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:41 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:41 PM on May 2, 2013
you could also try this, which, while it says baby, works quite well for many of my friends.
posted by koroshiya at 4:45 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by koroshiya at 4:45 PM on May 2, 2013
You don't need SPF 50 -- SPF 30 blocks 97% of sun's rays. SPF 50 blocks about 98%. What really matters is how much you're applying -- most people apply something like 1/3 of the amount that they use to test SPF.
That said, I love the Up&Up (Target house brand) spray sport sunscreen (it has an orange cap). It got rated well in... consumer reports maybe? A couple years ago, and I've used it ever since, to very good effect. It does come in SPF 50, but like I said, SPF 30 is not actually any different, just apply enough of it.
posted by brainmouse at 5:02 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
That said, I love the Up&Up (Target house brand) spray sport sunscreen (it has an orange cap). It got rated well in... consumer reports maybe? A couple years ago, and I've used it ever since, to very good effect. It does come in SPF 50, but like I said, SPF 30 is not actually any different, just apply enough of it.
posted by brainmouse at 5:02 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm a special snowflake, too, when it comes to sunscreen and hated Anthelios. I buy EltaMD sunscreen now (a 40 SPF non-waterproof every day of the year and a heavier-duty one for summer and snow sports), which my dermatologist recommended, and hope to never have to use anything else. It absorbs beautifully, no residue, no smell whatsoever, and leaves my skin oh-so-soft.
posted by halogen at 5:06 PM on May 2, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by halogen at 5:06 PM on May 2, 2013 [3 favorites]
The answer was in that thread, but not the Neutrogena. You want Alba; totally neutral smelling or they have nice green tea and lavender scents, has to go on a little thick because it's zinc/titanium base and good application coverage is critical, so it will look slightly white for a little while if you do it right. I consider this a fair trade off for not smelling funny.
posted by slow graffiti at 5:07 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by slow graffiti at 5:07 PM on May 2, 2013
If you're specifically concerned about covering your ink, I am as well and use anything the drugstore has that has a lot of zinc oxide in it, goes on clear, and has at least 50 SPF (higher numbers than that don't really mean anything).
posted by kinetic at 5:10 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by kinetic at 5:10 PM on May 2, 2013
Do you know about Coppertone's Tattoo Guard? I was browsing sunscreens in Walmart the other day and was surprised to find it on the shelves. I can't vouch for it but it might be worth a try. (I linked to the stick, but it also comes in an SPF 50 lotion.)
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:46 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 5:46 PM on May 2, 2013
MUSTELA!!!!
we use it for our kids. I use it for myself.
It is everything you want.
Expensive, yes, but you need so very little to cover so much. One of the larger bottles lasted us an entire summer.
posted by zizzle at 5:49 PM on May 2, 2013
we use it for our kids. I use it for myself.
It is everything you want.
Expensive, yes, but you need so very little to cover so much. One of the larger bottles lasted us an entire summer.
posted by zizzle at 5:49 PM on May 2, 2013
I use my kids' Banana Boat spray (50spf, though the link is to the 30) - Not greasy once it's rubbed in (I find the "sport" ones waay too sticky) and a pleasant, slightly baby-oil smell.
posted by jalexei at 5:50 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by jalexei at 5:50 PM on May 2, 2013
As a very fair skinned person who lives at the beach, sunscreen is my BFF. Anthelios is okay, but I just don't enjoy the product. I swear by Ocean Potion which has an orange creamsicle smell that goes away very quickly.
Also, you need more than people think. You aren't getting the full SPF if you apply it too thinly. You need about a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover yourself.
posted by 26.2 at 5:52 PM on May 2, 2013
Also, you need more than people think. You aren't getting the full SPF if you apply it too thinly. You need about a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover yourself.
posted by 26.2 at 5:52 PM on May 2, 2013
I was advised to use Anthelios 50 SPF by my dermatologist, but I find it sticky and it leaves a definite white cast. I'm watching this thread for alternatives.
posted by maudlin at 6:12 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by maudlin at 6:12 PM on May 2, 2013
Response by poster: Great answers so far.
One quick thing, Yes I have seen the tattoo guard. That ain't gunna work. ;) I have 15 tattoos, working on sleeves, most are in the sunlight during summer. So just too small of a product/too little ounces for the money. (I have heard it does work good for people with less/smaller tattoos though.)
posted by Crystalinne at 6:15 PM on May 2, 2013
One quick thing, Yes I have seen the tattoo guard. That ain't gunna work. ;) I have 15 tattoos, working on sleeves, most are in the sunlight during summer. So just too small of a product/too little ounces for the money. (I have heard it does work good for people with less/smaller tattoos though.)
posted by Crystalinne at 6:15 PM on May 2, 2013
Response by poster: Oh and I do have a CVS and Wallgreens, but just not as close. (I live below Salt Lake City, for reference.)
posted by Crystalinne at 6:24 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by Crystalinne at 6:24 PM on May 2, 2013
I'm the OP of the previous sunscreen question you linked.
I ended up actually buying Neutrogena Clear Face breakout-free liquid lotion. Mine is SPF 30, but maybe they make an SPF 50 version? I've been using it for all my sunscreen needs despite the fact that it is sold as a "face" sunscreen, because realistically I'm only putting sunscreen on my face, neck, chest, and forearms/hands most days.
So far it's doing great, and has not caused any breakouts.
posted by Sara C. at 6:32 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
I ended up actually buying Neutrogena Clear Face breakout-free liquid lotion. Mine is SPF 30, but maybe they make an SPF 50 version? I've been using it for all my sunscreen needs despite the fact that it is sold as a "face" sunscreen, because realistically I'm only putting sunscreen on my face, neck, chest, and forearms/hands most days.
So far it's doing great, and has not caused any breakouts.
posted by Sara C. at 6:32 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
Men's Journal had a good article on sunscreen last year. In a nutshell: get a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB; don't worry about anything above SPF 50; avoid oxybenzone (look for avobenzone); avoid retinyl palmitate; avoid parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben); avoid spray-on sunscreen. You can stand in the sunscreen aisle of your drugstore and completely strike out on finding something that fits this criteria. Mineral based sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to actually block the rays are safer than chemical based sunscreens; the downside is they are expensive, a lot of work to apply, and even then can leave a white residue. I mostly use mineral based sunscreens now and like Beyond Coastal, but this may not work for you if you didn't like Dry Touch. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates about 200 "best" sunscreens by the criteria I listed above and gives you an ability to filter by mineral vs. chemical and sort by price. The bottom line from EWG: the best sunscreen is a hat and a shirt; next best is a mineral based sunscreen. Fun fact: a cotton shirt is about SPF 15.
posted by kovacs at 7:01 PM on May 2, 2013 [4 favorites]
posted by kovacs at 7:01 PM on May 2, 2013 [4 favorites]
2nding EltaBlock. I am super-fair and have had basal-cell cancer on my face. This was recommended by my dermatologist/surgeon.
posted by ApathyGirl at 7:02 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by ApathyGirl at 7:02 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
I also like La Roche Posay for my face. I have mega-sensitive skin and this is the only one that doesn't bother me these days. Honestly, I found it by going to the drugstore and looking at every freakin sunscreen and then testing a bit on the inside of my arm (soft/sensitive skin that is an approximation for your face) and then walking around the store for a bit to see what it was like when it soaked in. My primary concern was allergies/sensitivity but I also want non pore-clogging and the like.
posted by radioamy at 7:36 PM on May 2, 2013
posted by radioamy at 7:36 PM on May 2, 2013
Ah, a shame about the disdain for on-line ordering as that opens things up quite substantially. I'll throw my recommendation out anyway: Biore UV AQUA Rich Watery Essence (SPF "50+")-- link is to a review;
The UV AQUA Rich Watery Essence has a texture that is truly unique to Biore’s UV AQUA Rich lineup. The ultra-lightweight gel-like cream turns to a water-like consistency as soon as I begin to smooth it on the skin. Within 10 seconds, it absorbs and disappears completely into my skin with no effort. Yes, I actually timed it!
It’s near impossible to tell where I have applied it since it doesn’t leave any telltale signs. It doesn’t mattify or add a sheen nor does it emphasize dryness or moisturize. I smooth it on and within 10 seconds, my skin looks exactly the same as before. No white cast, no matte finish, no sheen, no “glow”—nothing. My skin feels quite soft with it on with none of that silicone-y, primer-esque feel I get with a lot of milk-type sunscreens. Softer skin aside, my skin doesn’t feel any different.
(You can buy it on eBay for about $15.)
posted by kmennie at 7:49 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
The UV AQUA Rich Watery Essence has a texture that is truly unique to Biore’s UV AQUA Rich lineup. The ultra-lightweight gel-like cream turns to a water-like consistency as soon as I begin to smooth it on the skin. Within 10 seconds, it absorbs and disappears completely into my skin with no effort. Yes, I actually timed it!
It’s near impossible to tell where I have applied it since it doesn’t leave any telltale signs. It doesn’t mattify or add a sheen nor does it emphasize dryness or moisturize. I smooth it on and within 10 seconds, my skin looks exactly the same as before. No white cast, no matte finish, no sheen, no “glow”—nothing. My skin feels quite soft with it on with none of that silicone-y, primer-esque feel I get with a lot of milk-type sunscreens. Softer skin aside, my skin doesn’t feel any different.
(You can buy it on eBay for about $15.)
posted by kmennie at 7:49 PM on May 2, 2013 [1 favorite]
I've retired myself to the conclusion that sunscreen is filled with weird fucking chemicals from the future and smells as such, and if they don't, there's just MORE weird chemicals to mask it. Fair skinned and tattoos? Well, welcome to your weird-smelling-chemical future!
ONE OF US! ONE OF US!
"Natural" sunscreen is called, "covering your skin in clothes". That's about it. :/ DO NOTE that sunscreen doesn't have a direct correlation to preventing skin cancer (it may fare better at not breaking down your ink). Far from it. Make sure to continue to be diligent about all that cal.
posted by alex_skazat at 9:59 PM on May 2, 2013
ONE OF US! ONE OF US!
"Natural" sunscreen is called, "covering your skin in clothes". That's about it. :/ DO NOTE that sunscreen doesn't have a direct correlation to preventing skin cancer (it may fare better at not breaking down your ink). Far from it. Make sure to continue to be diligent about all that cal.
posted by alex_skazat at 9:59 PM on May 2, 2013
I like Neutrogena Age Shield. It doesn't make me break out or get oily or smell weird. I didn't like Dry Touch either.
posted by exceptinsects at 1:34 PM on May 3, 2013
posted by exceptinsects at 1:34 PM on May 3, 2013
Bullfrog's QuikGel isn't oily or pore-clogging, dries very quickly, and doesn't leave a residue. However, this is because it's an alcohol-based gel. I love it, but many people react with horror about the alcohol part, so it'll depend on how you feel about that. It's generally available at big chain drugstores.
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:12 PM on May 3, 2013
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:12 PM on May 3, 2013
Response by poster: Hey all! Thanks again for suggestions! I hope others got some good info here too.
I went to the store (Smith's) and was possibly thinking about the Clear Skin one, or seeing what others they had - also considering eventually ordering online if I couldn't find one I liked.
But then! A NEW Neutrogena caught me out of left field. I trust them overall, and I have tested this one, and so far so good.
Beach Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 70 by Neutrogena
It was a really good price, so I tested a little bit on my wrist in the store. It's about $10 and it's over 6 oz - double what I was looking at for the same price for other Neutrogena or Aveeno brands.
I also put some one when I got home on my arm to test.
- Also comes in SPF 30 (I picked 70)
- Light, fresh, beachy scent (Best way to describe it is kind of like tropical flowers? Not as sunscreen-y of a smell.)
-Light formula. Goes on like lotion. Rubs in well. No grease (oil free). No white spots.
-Makes your skin slightly tacky until it soaks in, but now rubbing the spot on my arm that I applied it, I can't tell it's there. It just kind of feels like I put lotion on.
So far I'm in love! I won't know how to fairs long-term until the pools open here and I start wearing more skirts/tank tops, but I hope others might like it too! I also really love the smell.
posted by Crystalinne at 8:15 PM on May 4, 2013
I went to the store (Smith's) and was possibly thinking about the Clear Skin one, or seeing what others they had - also considering eventually ordering online if I couldn't find one I liked.
But then! A NEW Neutrogena caught me out of left field. I trust them overall, and I have tested this one, and so far so good.
Beach Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 70 by Neutrogena
It was a really good price, so I tested a little bit on my wrist in the store. It's about $10 and it's over 6 oz - double what I was looking at for the same price for other Neutrogena or Aveeno brands.
I also put some one when I got home on my arm to test.
- Also comes in SPF 30 (I picked 70)
- Light, fresh, beachy scent (Best way to describe it is kind of like tropical flowers? Not as sunscreen-y of a smell.)
-Light formula. Goes on like lotion. Rubs in well. No grease (oil free). No white spots.
-Makes your skin slightly tacky until it soaks in, but now rubbing the spot on my arm that I applied it, I can't tell it's there. It just kind of feels like I put lotion on.
So far I'm in love! I won't know how to fairs long-term until the pools open here and I start wearing more skirts/tank tops, but I hope others might like it too! I also really love the smell.
posted by Crystalinne at 8:15 PM on May 4, 2013
I tried the Alba natural hawaiian green tea spf 45 but couldn't use it on my face (made my eyes water). A friend had the Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion, SPF 55 and that seemed okay on my face.
posted by MichelleinMD at 6:44 AM on May 7, 2013
posted by MichelleinMD at 6:44 AM on May 7, 2013
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posted by Admiral Haddock at 4:40 PM on May 2, 2013 [3 favorites]