capolover

I need something strong, as I'm a fairly pale guy.

What would you suggest that isn't too greasy?

CliftonGK1

Coppertone Sport spf-50

I use it for my distance rides. The one day of blazing sun we had here all year, and I was out for 7.5 hours on a century. I put some on before I hit the starting line, and some more around the 60 mile mark. No sunburn at all.

late

https://www.amazon.com/Coppertone-Spo.../dp/B0009R35ME

lil brown bat

I'm also a fan of Coppertone; however, be aware that SPF50 gives you only a minimally greater protection than SPF30.

Photosmith

Count me in as another fan of the Coppertone Sport as well. Least greasy and smelly of any sunblock I've ever used. My wife tried it last weekend for the first time and was blown away with how much less offensive in smell and texture it is than any other sunblock she's used.

Crankaddict

Bullfrog aerosol.

Indyv8a

I like the Coppertone Sport, and Banana Boat Sport. SPF 30 or better. Road mid day on Saturday for several hours and only got some "color." (I am as pale as they come.)

ClanLee

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 85

Blocks both UVA and UVB.

skylla

I like the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch a lot, but it's expensive. I use it on my face and neck because it's so comfortable to wear, and I feel like it won't run or rub into my eyes as much.

For my arms and legs I used to use Sea & Ski--also very comfortable, but I haven't seen it in a long time so I assume they went out of business. I don't have a fall-back favorite yet, though sprays seem potentially promising--I have one from Aveeno that's pretty good.

There are lots of ones that claim to be non-greasy these days, and several of them are no doubt telling the truth. With at least some, I found that they felt sticky instead, which I didn't like any better.

As for SPF, 2 things:
1. 45 should be more than sufficient, because even if you're going to be in the sun for 12 hours straight (which is hard to do except in some places in midsummer) that should be the equivalent of 16 minutes of unprotected exposure. Even I, the palest person I know, can handle that.

2. However, I think SFP ratings are only true under ideal conditions, which does not include sweating. So I would say to discount SPF ratings by 40% or more. And if you're going to be out for a long time, reapply even if the original layer should still be working. On a commute, though, reapplication won't be necessary and anything above 30 SPF should be totally adequate.

skylla

I've heard this claim before, and I always wonder what it's based on.

If the claim is that SPF labeling is loosely regulated and people can pretty much make up big numbers and slap them on the label, then that would make sense.

If the claim, though, is that 30 SPF already blocks 96.7% of UV while 50 SPF blocks 98% and a 1.34% difference isn't significant, then that would be a bad argument. 1.34% isn't a big number under most circumstances, but compared to the 2% of UV that SPF 50 is supposed to be letting through, it's a lot.

So do you know what the rationale is for that claim? Is it a third option that I haven't heard?

mrbrown

Mentholatum Sun Play Perfect Shield SPF 130. Water resistant, water-based and totally rocks.

Someone reviewed it here: https://prettybeautiful.net/sun-play-...hield-spf-130/

You can get it from ebay, I think. I got mine from a store here but I live in Singapore.

Tabor

I don't know, but I do know you should read the wikipedia article on sunscreen here. It points out that there are lots of chemicals in sunscreen, some of dubious origin. It also points out that sunscreen blocks the UVB that burns you, but not the UVA that causes skin cancer. It even mentions that the FDA has proposed renaming SPF from Sun Protection Factor to Sunburn Protection Factor to reflect this. I remember reading a while ago that sunscreens higher than SPF15 might actually do more harm than good to your skin, but I don't remember where I read that.

MCODave

Coppertone Sport, or more accurately the CVS or Albertson's equivalent thereof. Here in Florida, sunblock is a MUST, and this is the best I've found. Not greasy, smelly, doesn't stain clothes, and doesn't make your skin feel "tight" like some of the spray-ons. Good Stuff.

capolover

Thanks for all the tips guys.

lil brown bat

I should say that I use the store knockoff brand of Coppertone Sport whenever I can get it...Western Families is what my little general store carries, and it's the same stuff as far as I can tell, just a lot less expensive.

adebrunner

This should do it

chewybrian 

no-ad brand works, and it's cheap, but keep it off your forehead or your eyes will burn when you sweat.

Pinyon

I like Bullfrog Superblock. It has both UVA and UVB protection (SPF 45 on the UVB), works just as well and costs less than Nuetrogena stuff with helioplex UVA protectant. Bullfrog uses Titanium Oxide, instead of helioplex. It does not sweat off, either.

starla

I use Coppertone oil free/fragrance free SPF 30 because I have sensitive skin.

dr_bovine

I've used both and they are great for any sporty activity in the sun.

Lambo

I have Coppertone Sport SPF 50 here at the office. I believe it blocks both UVA and UVB.
At home I cheaped out and got a local store brand high SPF sunscreen. It's not as nice.
From now on I'll get the Coppertone exclusively.

As a red/blonde head who's had some skin cancers cut off already after a life in the Texas/New Mexico sun, I'm a fan of sunscreen

Sgt Skidmark

I'm so pale I'm frickin transparent!!

The wife buys me Neutrogena Ultra Sheer™ Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 and I never get burnt and never get teary eyes from sweat sunblock mix.

Not the cheapest stuff though.

HardyWeinberg

They used to not allow SPF #s over 15 'cause there was no demonstrable effect past that point. I know that was relaxed. The wikipedia article says the US labelling stops at 30+ but that is apparently not the case.

capolover

10 bucks ain't bad at all.

HiYoSilver

NONE. 1. no evidence it helps reduce cancer {although it will reduce burn. there is some evidence that creams increase cancer}
2. use spf50 clothes instead, like solumbra or spf50 long sleeve jerseys.
3. if using creams, note that the 30spf degrades faster than 15spf