BootsnAll Travel Community

A goodly portion of us turn to a lovely shade of red whilst outdoors. What sunscreen lotion, method or brand do you use? PABA or no?

What does PABA stand for?

I have 15 SPF in my daily facial moisturizer... and then I either use the Coppertone oil-free 15 SPF or 30 SPF for the days I'm really outside.

"Never for me the lowered banner, never the last endeavour." -- Sir Ernest Shackleton

"What does PABA stand for?"

P-aminobenzoic acid.

I must admit to rarely using sunscreen. Does this make me a bad person?

Because I am out in the sun a lot with my work, I tend not to change colour that much. For the past few years I have had a fairly solid tan as I haven't seen much winter.

Occasionally I'll put some on when I know that it is really hot (35+) and I will be in the sun for many hours, but I think that my skin is used to it now.

I think there is a difference also between lying in the sun to get a tan and just being outside.

... and if you don't have any colour (i.e. a lot of English people), you should definitely use the maximum protection for the first month or two.

Remember that sunscreen does not totally block the UV from your skin, and you can get burnt even though you have the 'maximum proctection'.

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Rob - http://www.robstravels.com

Rob, don't let the sun fool you! Just because you are just outside and not actually tanning, doesn't mean the sun is any less harmful. The whole "not turning much color" is another trick. It can do just as much damage even if you are already tanned and don't burn.

Say no to skin cancer! Use sunscreen.

(that quote actually makes me a hypocrite hehe. But, Im not out in the sun that much anyways.)

p.s. isn't PABA bad for you? why do they say PABA free on sunscreens now?

http://www.dwoloz.com/bunchies_av.gif

Ladies and Gentlemen, I urge you to read today's Jon Carroll column.

Thanks Joe...

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Rob - http://www.robstravels.com

I think the best way to protect your skin is this. First ware a long overcoat with hood, Leave hood up if possible. Do not stay out in the sun for more than, 5 minutes each day. Staying out in sun for more than this time can make you turn to dust. Another way is to have a coffin and never leave it. that way you will not get sun burnt. Or live in the UK the sun only shines here every 10 years, rust is our problem

I need to wear sunscreen so much because I am pretty pale (not too far off my avator actually), I also have very sensitive skin (yes, problem child), any suggestions for sunscreen types/brands/ideas would be helpful.

Do people have a hard time finding suncreen in other lands, such as SE Asia?

Thanks

Casey,

You should try the sunscreen for kids. They have some fab stuff which lasts all day - its waterproof and for sensitive skin. Sometimes has inbuilt insect repellent in it too. Check out the kiddie section in the supermarket and you should see soemthing - dont know what brands you have there but here all the brand names do really good stuff that lasts forever.

Marylou

dont know if you are all aware but.... SPF (sun protection factor) means you can withstand the suns damage for a maximum period of time relative to your skins natural protection. ie: if you burn in 10 minutes normally then wearing SPF15 gives you 150minutes (15x) before you have to get out of the sun... this only works in one sitting. applying more lotion after 150 minutes does nothing!! and once you start burning if you are over 21(the age your body stops renewing all your cells) your skin will be permanently damaged....

ok, so i know i'm a bit late in replying this but i'll leave my saying here for any future references.
i'm portuguese and i'm pretty tanned naturally (melanine is meant to protect your skin from the sun). even so, i wear 15 SPF in the winter, 25 SPF in the summer and 60 SPF in the snow (yes, the yucky one that turns your face white!!). luckily it never actually snows in coastal portugal.
it's really sad seeing turist come to portugal and turn tomato-colour by the end of the first day. my point: ask someone experienced what factor you need (i usually go for the pharmacist). skin cancer is creepy.

Some of you should read a recent New Scientist argument which gives evidence that sunlight reduces cancer. Something to do with the body needing sunlight to make Vitamin D.

FWIW I use an oily sun-cream which stinks of alcohol. I can't remember the brand name, but it isn't widely available in the UK, but is fantastic. One application in the morning and I don't burn all day, which is amaxing when you consider that 15 minutes in the sun in the UK is enough to give me light sunburn normally.