Originally Posted by foresthill
As someone who just left Southern AZ after 9 years, I can tell you that this is flat out wrong if you don't live in crazy humid climates like FL.
Maybe. But it is not just me who says this.
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-a...re-they-better
SPF numbers are sort of like mega pixel numbers. Marketing departments like to make large labels claiming large numbers. But would you rather have a 5 MP camera with an excellent lens, or a 10 MP camera with a small crappy lens? If used properly, SPF 15 is really all you need. If you are super sensitive to the sun, or already have skin cancers, then bumping up to SPF 30 is not a bad idea. But the SPF scale is NOT linear! 30 is not double the protection of 15. As it turns out, SPF 30 only blocks about 2% more UV and 15. SPF 100 probably only blocks less than 4% more than 15.
And if you really want the ultimate SPF - it is called more clothes. No sunlight = no sunburn.
Personally, I use SPF 36 stuff - but this is only because I like the Bullfrog surfer formula gel, and it only comes in SPF 36. The SPF 15 stuff I find is that white goop that reeks like some tropical fruit (banana, coconut, pineapple, etc). I do not like that. The other Bullfrog stuff I use comes in the spray can, and is alcohol based. I like that stuff because it dries clear and does not leave a heavy residue on my skin. But the surfer gel stuff wins out (usually) because it is a lot more waterproof.
Originally Posted by
MegaTom
As someone that currently lives in a crazy humid climate that is FL, I'd still say that it's flat out wrong. You have to reapply the SPF15 and 30 stuff just as often as the 50 or 100; and with some peoples' skin being more sensitive than others, the higher SPF can indeed make a big difference.
Exactly. No matter what, you will have to reapply sunscreen from time to time. Even if you are in the desert (I stayed in Arizona for two weeks about 10 years ago and LOVED IT) you still sweat - even if the sweat evaporates rapidly and actually cools you off. In Florida the sweat just sort of lingers, eventually forming a pool around you and rusting any steel parts on your bike.
The problem with the high SPF stuff is that many people THINK that they can apply it once and be good for days, simply because the bottle says "75 times your normal protection from the sun". Well heck, I can last at least 1/2 an hour with no sunblock - so SPF 75 means I am good for 37.5 hours! Cool.
BZZZZZ. Learn the hard way, lobster man.
So my rule stands as follows. Anything less than SPF 15 is cooking oil. Anything over 15 is adequate for fair skin in full sun. Higher SPF is fine, just do not pay a whole lot more just to get a larger SPF factor - and remember to reapply depending on activity. If you are sweating hard - you need to reapply more often than if you are not. If you are swimming, then that counts as sweating really hard.
So I will reapply when I think I am feeling the sun. Being somewhat fair skinned and living in Miami - this is a vital survival skill for me. The time period for reapplication can be hourly, or it can be only twice in one day. It all depends on where I am and what I am doing. On the boat I need more. On land less. The more active I am the more I use. It really does vary - but when in doubt Ill slop more on.
But regardless - I still say that the Bullfrog "surfer formula" gel is THE BEST. When I use it, I do not resemble a lobster. This alone is enough to make me very brand loyal to the stuff.
Plus it is fragrance free, is not that white goop stuff, and does not seem to rub off onto everything you touch. It covers you well with only a minimal amount of product.
DO NOT use it on your face - unless you only use a small dab and rub it in well. Although it is "waterproof" it can still run into your eyes - which sucks. But you can put it over your ears, on your neck, and pretty much anyplace BELOW your eyes. Be careful with the forehead area, and use a sweatband