Sunscreen Tech

[Dantheman]

Hopefully we can sneak this in while there's a window of forum functionality. What's everyone using for sunscreen these days? Anyone have info on the latest and greatest in sunscreen tech?

The latest conensensus seems to be that mineral is preferable to chemical, especially for frequent use. My go-to recently has been Alba Sheer Mineral 50 (https://www.amazon.com/Alba-Botanica...dp/B00I3DJ796/). Inexpensive and minimal "ghost" effect compared to some other more expensice mineral sunscreens I've used (looking at you, Coola). But, for some reason I consistently get some contact dermatitis underneath my goggle foam and need to find an alternative for skiing. If I have to go chemical for some reason, then Supergoop Play (https://www.amazon.com/Supergoop-PLA...dp/B087H8W6Y2/).

[zion zig zag]

As someone who visits the dermatologist 2x a year and has nearly translucent fish belly colored skin, I should be better about wearing sunscreen, but often times forget. But when I do, I have a big pump bottle of Supergoop on the bathroom counter, and for long days in the alpine where I know I won't reapply, I use Neutrogena Sheer Mineral, 50spf I believe. I am pretty good about wearing hats and sun hoodies most of the time these days.

[Relica]

I've mostly converted to Japanese/Korean sunscreens for my face. They seem to be way more comfortable and easier on the skin. Skin Aqua is the brand I typically go with.

[fleaches]

I get my Australian friend to bring back sunscreen whenever she visits home, other countries are decades ahead of the US on sunscreen.

For domestic sunscreen I usually use blue lizard, but it's kinda expensive.

[Dantheman]

That Skin Aqua is interesting. I've never heard of any of the actives listed.

[mc_roon]

some of the japanese/korean stuff isnt technically 'sunscreen' per US regulations but that just shows how the incumbent providers have blocked foreign competition. Echoing others, the US is 20+ years behind the rest of the world here

I am 100% on 'biore aqua rich' for anything that is not in the water (it is not waterproof but I havent had any issues with MTB sweating, etc). For skiing use case it is phenomenal

[halliday]

Neutrogena 70. Ive been using it for a few years and it does the job.

[mcski]

I’ve yet to find a sunscreen that doesn’t swear off my forehead and burn my eyes like a thousand suns. Some interesting options here

[halliday]

Sunscreen on the forehead is not my cup of tea for the reason you mentioned. Maybe try to cover the forehead with something?

[VTskibum]

Melanoma survivor here that's pretty good about sunscreen now. Will 2nd/3rd the recommendations for Blue Lizard, Super goop, and some of the mineral neutrogena are my usual go-to's. Also use the more ubiquitous sports options as well as they're plentiful and keep them in my truck for summer bike rides.

MC_roon little bit of chicken/egg, as the FDA hasn't approved any new ingredients since 2003!? So hard to blame too many manufacturers for not pushing the envelope with new ingredients.

[Dantheman]

Yeah, FDA hasn't approved anything new in decades and also says that it does not have sufficient evidence to say that the non-mineral legacy ingredients are safe. Hence my current preference for mineral products despite the downsides.

[Relica]

It's a catch-22. FDA requires expensive drug classification testing that includes animal tests. Rest of the world only requires cosmetic testing which is cheap and many prohibit animal testing, so financially it's not worth getting FDA approval.

[meepmoop24]

ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50 for the face, and Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 for the body. I've tried a lot of mineral sunscreens and these ones work the best (at least for sunscreen from the US).

As others have said, other countries are way ahead of the US in this area. Japanese and Korean brands in particular are really good IME.

[Viva]

I get my Australian friend to bring back sunscreen whenever she visits home, other countries are decades ahead of the US on sunscreen.

Tghat brings back a certain memory...about fifteen years ago I noticed that one of my scientists kept a big case of sunscreen in his office.

I asked.

He was a transplant surgeon and gave all his patients a big jar...tube...whatever of this Australian-made sunscreen. He did that cause the patients would be immuno-compromised following surgery. He wanted them to have the best stuff that he was aware of.

[Cocximus]

Banana boat kids. I tried lots of zinc stuff and it sucks applying, it sucks even more reapplying and it burns when it geta in the eyes. The banana boat kids is very easy to apply, it does not burn when it gets in the eyes and I'm not too concerned with the coral reef on the glaciers. It light and feels great even on multi day traverses.