Sunscreen

[SANDMAN5]

I've been using Coppertone Sport, SPF 50, when I ride but my nose and
cheeks are already bright red from sun-windburn. What do youse guys
use that works any gooder....I mean better?

[Valkernaut]

From what I read - we should shun sunscreen. Any others have thought on this?

[Misfit]

I don't use any. But I am so ugly that no amount of skin stuff is going to matter.

[fudgie]

I tan but if it does get hot and sunny I use a bandanna over my face, same as I do for cold weather riding. I need chap stick more then I do sunscreen. My visor I wear keeps the sun off my face pretty well. Kit uses some tho. I think its 50 spf. She burns easier then me.

[Duffy]

Try a fullface helmet. 

[6jugzz]

Try a fullface helmet. 

+1 on what Duffy says"...........just add dark smoke shield,I did and love it!!

[Valker]

I use a bandanna also.

[Jess from VA]

I use it every time; cheeks, nose and neck.  I am a paleface...but I don't burn at all with sunblock.  And I have had both squamous cell and basil cell carcinoma cut off me.  SPF 50 and 30 both seem to work equally well.  When the EXO-100 comes off, a boonie hat goes on.  My head is bald but no grease in my helmet.

But see:

http://www.ynhh.org/healthlink/cancer/cancer_8_02.html



Controversy over sunscreen

The statement that "sunburn causes skin cancer" is adequate when it refers to basal-cell carcinoma the mildest form of cancer, and squamous cell carcinoma. But it is false when it comes to malignant melanoma (see picture: UVR sunburn melanoma).[8] The statistical correlation between sunburn and melanoma is due to a common cause — the UV-radiation. However, they are generated via two different mechanisms: direct DNA damage is ascribed by many medical doctors to a change in behaviour of the sunscreen user due to a false sense of security afforded by the sunscreen. (Other researchers blame insufficient correction for confounding factors; light skinned individuals versus indirect DNA damage.[clarification needed])

Topically applied sunscreens block the UV rays as long as they do not penetrate into the skin. This prevents sunburn, suntanning, and skin cancer. If however the sunscreen filter is absorbed into the skin it only prevents the sunburn but it increases the amount of free radicals which in turn increases the risk for malignant melanoma. The harmful effect of photoexcited sunscreen filters on living tissue has been shown in many photobiological studies.[9][10][11][12] Whether sunscreen prevents or promotes the development of melanoma depends on the relative importance of the protective effect from the topical sunscreen and the harmful effects of the absorbed sunscreen.

The use of sunscreen is known to prevent the direct DNA damage that causes sunburn and the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal-cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.[13] However, if sunscreen penetrates into the skin, it promotes the indirect DNA damages, which cause the most lethal form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.[14] This form of skin cancer is rare, but it is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer-related deaths. Increased risk of malignant melanoma in sunscreen users has been the subject of many epidemiological studies.[3][4][15][16][17][18][19]

[doubletee]

I've also had a couple of bouts with basal cell on my forehead and face. Here's what I use. It's not greasy. It's odorless, waterproof, sweatproof, and does a great job for long periods of time without having to reapply:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

[ChromeDome]

I think right now I have SPF 30 but I usually go for the maximum I can find. I also apply at almost every other stop or at least at any long stops.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Zub baby, works in all conditions. zubwear.com

Raymond

[V98]

I also like the neutrogena stuff in cream or spray. Don't forget that any sunblock has a shelf life for effectiveness. Learned that the hard way one year  . Now I buy a new bottle every summer, no matter how much is left.

[SANDMAN5]

Thanks, all. Gonna try the Neutro 100 first. I have a full face I wear in the
winter, but like a bandana, it "smuffocates" me in hot weather. Also, bandanas
have a nasty habit of slipping down just enough to uncover the very places
I'm getting burnt. Had some "stuff" cut off my face a few years ago (I don't
use the "c" word) and don't wanna do that again.

[T.P.]

I use Bullfrog...........you can get it at wally world.

[Big IV]

I think right now I have SPF 30 but I usually go for the maximum I can find. I also apply at almost every other stop or at least at any long stops.

I was going to suggest reapplying more often, but it sounds like you've got me beat. I do well remembering in the morning to put on sunscreen although I usually forget to reapply. That's when I burn is after I've sweated it away.

[Slammer]

I burn thinking about the sun. Both scrips say no direct or indirect sunlight. I use coppertone 70+ in the spray can.

Slammer