Always felt the same about sunblock. Need it? Yeah, but really hate the greasiness. And the smell! I don't want to smell like I was at the beach when I'm just going to the grocery store. But! I've discovered a sunscreen that works as good as the others and really really isn't greasy or smelly - Biore UV Aqua Rich. SPF 50+. Expensive on Amazon and really cheap in Japan. ($14 vs $4!) I'm stocking up when I get to Japan again in March.
Yep it's a big problem here in Australia and New Zealand. The ozone layer is much thinner in this part of the world and so you burn much much faster. That said, I hardly ever wear sunblock unless I'm spending a day at the beach. Here in New Zealand everyone is well-adapted to seeking and finding shade - hanging out under a tree, a beach umbrella, a covered deck etc - or throwing a light shirt and hat on. That works too, and is much less sticky 😄
Yep, Aussie here, I second the hat and long sleeved shirt. Light, loose clothes work much better than sunscreen. I've been wearing sunscreen everyday for the past 33 years, but only on the lower half of my face (it stops it sweating down into my eyes, and the hat covers my forehead). For swimming I wear a long sleeved swimsuit, and for driving a glove on my right hand.
I highly recommend trying a Japanese or Korean sunscreen! They tend to be much more pleasant to apply -- I've been using the Biore UV Aqua Rich and it's very light, not greasy at all.
I found the absolute best Korean sunscreen. I have the same issues you do, and I live in Miami half the year, so I have to have sunscreen. (Both parents and a grandparent died from cancer, so its a real thing.) SKIN1004 HyaluCICA Water-fit Sun Serum. Its light. NO GOOPINESS. I am allergic to everything and anything on my face itches violently, but not this. Easy to purchase online - $17 in the US
Ummm ... *only* a shot glass? I've never heard that as a recommended amount, but I know I put on WAY more than that. Because I generally don't reapply, unless I'm in a desert environment, and it works well; in fact, both a fellow hiker and my husband have told me they've never seen anyone slather it on the way I do.
I hate it, though. And for a fair-skinned, middle-aged woman like me, we are of course getting the contradictory advice that we need sun for vitamin D!
The first time I tried sunblock (early 20s, because as you noted, the emphasis in the years before that was all on products to make you tanner, not block the sun!) was a week at the beach. I was putting it on and not getting burned, but thinking, "How do I know I wouldn't get burned anyway?" On the 4th day, I got a little sloppy with my application, and you could see narrow strips of sunburn in between the swipes on my legs. So I realized--yeah, this stuff does actually work!
Absolutely hilarious, because it's *SO* true! As a parent who hates arguing with an obstinate adolescent AND also enjoys water activities in full & direct sunlight, I want to encourage you to investigate rashguards. We've found some wonderful ones over the years in various places around the world that provide lightweight & colorful coverage, are versatile in & out of the water, and also provide protection from the sun that doesn't have to be reapplied every few hours! Not only are they a more ecologically friendly and sustainable option than gallons and gallons of the greasy goop, they actually end up costing less, according to our calculations. You'll likely find the best selection at your local surf shop. Hope this helps! 😊
Growing up in Southern California, I never felt the need to wear suntan lotion. I used to go shirtless and wear shorts all the time. Even with some bad sunburns, I couldn't be bothered with wearing any kind of skin protection. It wasn't until we moved to Texas that I started wearing shirts & hats when I was outdoors. The sun just seemed to be more intense in that state. Anyway, 2 years ago, I was diagnosed and treated for Stage 4 melanoma. I'm happy to say I've been in remission for a year. So my earlier folly came back to haunt me much later in life. I now take much more care when I'm outdoors these days. Oh, and just to let you know. I'm now reading the 3rd. book of the Futon Years, "The Road to Amazing". They've all been very enjoyable reads. Thanks. Take care.
Yes, I think we all felt that pay decades ago. VISIBLE damage was one thing but no one thought about the future damage. I'm glad you caught it early enough!
Big hat, sun shirts and playing tennis before 9 am with sunscreen on my face below my eyes works for me (I like the gel sold at Trader Joe’s). People sometimes say I tan well for a redhead but I know it’s an optical illusion caused by an uncountable number of freckles. Fortunately no sunburns for years.
As a fellow fair skinned red head (well, it's turned mostly brown as I've gotten older), I have always opted for coverage over sunscreen. After all, the chemicals in sunscreen are also supposed to give you cancer, lol. When traveling in Kenya, I had to wear a scarf all the time to keep my scalp from burning (wouldn't want people to think you have horrible dandruff from all the peeling skin now would you).
This was fun! I similarly hate the feel of sunscreen (I’m autistic, so i have really specific sensory needs). The only type i can remotely stand is SunBum. Otherwise, i try to cover up with long sleeves and hats as much as possible!
When we’re out in the summer, I find myself reapplying every half-hour or so while also scooching around to stay in shade (I hate being in the sun for any length of time), and still a lot of freckles come out and I can burn! I had some terrible burns as a kid and even one a couple of years ago on my back when weeding in early spring, so I’d use sunscreen even without the skin cancer concern. But more and more I’m just covering up anything I can.
Yes I ran from shade to shade too. I just don't like the full sun, and I hate places (like the open water) where there is no shade. I hope I'm never shipwrecked! 🤣
Rafting the rivers is very big here and I am constantly looking at people and going, "Sooo ... you want me to spend all day *sitting,* which I dislike, in full sun with no promise of shade? And pretend to have fun?" 😂
Don't ever get sunscreen in your eyes. Happened to me one sunny day when I decided to go solo to the beach,about a 35min drive. I was so excited, had my book and lounge chair,no one to talk to, perfect day at the beach. Applied sunscreen shortly after which I went for a swim. When I came back up on the beach dried off sat down and started to enjoy my read. Unfortunately my eyes began to tear and burn which only got worse with my futile attempts to relieve. Even pouring clean water into my eyes was of no use. Now I couldn't read or enjoy the beach with continual tearing so I tried to drive home. What a nightmare, everything was a blur in between tears. I didn't think I was going to make it, almost stopped a traffic cop but then realized I would sound completely ridiculous and end up in a hospital. I finally made it home with many close calls on the road. It took all night and into the next morning to get some relief. Needless to say don't get sunscreen near your eyes, even if you end up with burned cheeks, at least you can see. Also cloud cover doesn't prevent sunburn,I can attest to that. Thanks for the fun piece on the comedy of sunscreen use.
Sunscreen suuuucks. I spend too much active time outside to bother reapplying, not to mention that on bikepacking trips sans-showers I turn into The Grease Monster. Instead, I just wear sunshirts! Throw that hood over a hat or helmet, put a little sunscreen on just your face and call it a day. The REI one is great: https://www.rei.com/product/185196/rei-co-op-sahara-shade-hoodie-mens
Oh Lord yeah camping is the WORST. Even if it's only on your face, yeah, worst feeling and smell in the world to wake up to.
Bike helmets usually have open slots which means a bald guy like me still.needs sunblock. Which of course rolls down into my eyes in the form of sweat. 🥺
Ohhh that reminds me of a bald friend who got some weeeeird sunburns on his head during a desert bikepacking trip! Definitely gotta be careful; you need a do-rag, baby 🎊 or that sun shirt... Ketl Mountain makes a lighter weight one that I also like, fwiw.
Always felt the same about sunblock. Need it? Yeah, but really hate the greasiness. And the smell! I don't want to smell like I was at the beach when I'm just going to the grocery store. But! I've discovered a sunscreen that works as good as the others and really really isn't greasy or smelly - Biore UV Aqua Rich. SPF 50+. Expensive on Amazon and really cheap in Japan. ($14 vs $4!) I'm stocking up when I get to Japan again in March.
You can thank me later.
I'll thank you know! I've worn it before but yeah, so expensive in the US. Must! Go! To! Japan! Now! 🤣
Yep it's a big problem here in Australia and New Zealand. The ozone layer is much thinner in this part of the world and so you burn much much faster. That said, I hardly ever wear sunblock unless I'm spending a day at the beach. Here in New Zealand everyone is well-adapted to seeking and finding shade - hanging out under a tree, a beach umbrella, a covered deck etc - or throwing a light shirt and hat on. That works too, and is much less sticky 😄
Yes, we're discovering that, since we're in Australia now. One burns easily! But I've also noticed people really do wear sunblock here.
Yep, Aussie here, I second the hat and long sleeved shirt. Light, loose clothes work much better than sunscreen. I've been wearing sunscreen everyday for the past 33 years, but only on the lower half of my face (it stops it sweating down into my eyes, and the hat covers my forehead). For swimming I wear a long sleeved swimsuit, and for driving a glove on my right hand.
Oh! Clever idea. We bought big floppy hats a couple of years ago, but I still cover my whole face. I worry that they'll be glare from water and rocks.
I highly recommend trying a Japanese or Korean sunscreen! They tend to be much more pleasant to apply -- I've been using the Biore UV Aqua Rich and it's very light, not greasy at all.
Thanks for the suggestion
Will definitely try this. Why can't there be an (affordable!) American version? The technology clearly exists....
I found the absolute best Korean sunscreen. I have the same issues you do, and I live in Miami half the year, so I have to have sunscreen. (Both parents and a grandparent died from cancer, so its a real thing.) SKIN1004 HyaluCICA Water-fit Sun Serum. Its light. NO GOOPINESS. I am allergic to everything and anything on my face itches violently, but not this. Easy to purchase online - $17 in the US
Ummm ... *only* a shot glass? I've never heard that as a recommended amount, but I know I put on WAY more than that. Because I generally don't reapply, unless I'm in a desert environment, and it works well; in fact, both a fellow hiker and my husband have told me they've never seen anyone slather it on the way I do.
I hate it, though. And for a fair-skinned, middle-aged woman like me, we are of course getting the contradictory advice that we need sun for vitamin D!
The first time I tried sunblock (early 20s, because as you noted, the emphasis in the years before that was all on products to make you tanner, not block the sun!) was a week at the beach. I was putting it on and not getting burned, but thinking, "How do I know I wouldn't get burned anyway?" On the 4th day, I got a little sloppy with my application, and you could see narrow strips of sunburn in between the swipes on my legs. So I realized--yeah, this stuff does actually work!
Oh I forgot about the vitamin D issue! Another contradiction. 🤣🤣🤣
I've had that same epiphany with faulty application. It does work well! 😳
I too am like “poor Edith from Downton Abbey.” Thanks for this reference; it made me laugh out loud!🤣
🙂🙂🙂
Absolutely hilarious, because it's *SO* true! As a parent who hates arguing with an obstinate adolescent AND also enjoys water activities in full & direct sunlight, I want to encourage you to investigate rashguards. We've found some wonderful ones over the years in various places around the world that provide lightweight & colorful coverage, are versatile in & out of the water, and also provide protection from the sun that doesn't have to be reapplied every few hours! Not only are they a more ecologically friendly and sustainable option than gallons and gallons of the greasy goop, they actually end up costing less, according to our calculations. You'll likely find the best selection at your local surf shop. Hope this helps! 😊
Thanks!
Nice suggestion, but strange name. Rashguards? I'll check em out.
Hope we see each other in 2024!
B
Oh Brent. You and Michael are the funniest writers in my email. Love you guys and all that you write.
Awww, Thanks. So sweet of you to say!
And with the intensity of the sun in Australia, you definitely need it there!
Yes, learning that from personal experience lol
Dear Brent:
Growing up in Southern California, I never felt the need to wear suntan lotion. I used to go shirtless and wear shorts all the time. Even with some bad sunburns, I couldn't be bothered with wearing any kind of skin protection. It wasn't until we moved to Texas that I started wearing shirts & hats when I was outdoors. The sun just seemed to be more intense in that state. Anyway, 2 years ago, I was diagnosed and treated for Stage 4 melanoma. I'm happy to say I've been in remission for a year. So my earlier folly came back to haunt me much later in life. I now take much more care when I'm outdoors these days. Oh, and just to let you know. I'm now reading the 3rd. book of the Futon Years, "The Road to Amazing". They've all been very enjoyable reads. Thanks. Take care.
Yes, I think we all felt that pay decades ago. VISIBLE damage was one thing but no one thought about the future damage. I'm glad you caught it early enough!
Glad you like the book! One of my favorites.
Big hat, sun shirts and playing tennis before 9 am with sunscreen on my face below my eyes works for me (I like the gel sold at Trader Joe’s). People sometimes say I tan well for a redhead but I know it’s an optical illusion caused by an uncountable number of freckles. Fortunately no sunburns for years.
haha, I haven't freckled in years -- I guess that means my sunblocks are working!
As a fellow fair skinned red head (well, it's turned mostly brown as I've gotten older), I have always opted for coverage over sunscreen. After all, the chemicals in sunscreen are also supposed to give you cancer, lol. When traveling in Kenya, I had to wear a scarf all the time to keep my scalp from burning (wouldn't want people to think you have horrible dandruff from all the peeling skin now would you).
Oh I'm CERTAIN the chemicals are bad and being absorbed. 🤣🤣🤣
I recently got a big floppy hat. I look like a dork but I'll be a cancer free dork, I hope.
This was fun! I similarly hate the feel of sunscreen (I’m autistic, so i have really specific sensory needs). The only type i can remotely stand is SunBum. Otherwise, i try to cover up with long sleeves and hats as much as possible!
Thank you! I'll have to try SunBum. American?
Yep! Pretty widely sold in targets and drug stores.
When we’re out in the summer, I find myself reapplying every half-hour or so while also scooching around to stay in shade (I hate being in the sun for any length of time), and still a lot of freckles come out and I can burn! I had some terrible burns as a kid and even one a couple of years ago on my back when weeding in early spring, so I’d use sunscreen even without the skin cancer concern. But more and more I’m just covering up anything I can.
Yes I ran from shade to shade too. I just don't like the full sun, and I hate places (like the open water) where there is no shade. I hope I'm never shipwrecked! 🤣
Rafting the rivers is very big here and I am constantly looking at people and going, "Sooo ... you want me to spend all day *sitting,* which I dislike, in full sun with no promise of shade? And pretend to have fun?" 😂
LOL
Don't ever get sunscreen in your eyes. Happened to me one sunny day when I decided to go solo to the beach,about a 35min drive. I was so excited, had my book and lounge chair,no one to talk to, perfect day at the beach. Applied sunscreen shortly after which I went for a swim. When I came back up on the beach dried off sat down and started to enjoy my read. Unfortunately my eyes began to tear and burn which only got worse with my futile attempts to relieve. Even pouring clean water into my eyes was of no use. Now I couldn't read or enjoy the beach with continual tearing so I tried to drive home. What a nightmare, everything was a blur in between tears. I didn't think I was going to make it, almost stopped a traffic cop but then realized I would sound completely ridiculous and end up in a hospital. I finally made it home with many close calls on the road. It took all night and into the next morning to get some relief. Needless to say don't get sunscreen near your eyes, even if you end up with burned cheeks, at least you can see. Also cloud cover doesn't prevent sunburn,I can attest to that. Thanks for the fun piece on the comedy of sunscreen use.
You're welcome!
That sounds TERRIBLE. Yes, I've found that even the sweat proof ones often don't stop the burning in the eyes. But the brands do differ on this issue.
Your comment is making my eyes water in sympathy! 🤣
Yes! I am on an apparently lifelong quest to find sunscreens that I and my skin don’t hate. I’m in favor of bringing back parasols.
Me too. And some of them are sooooo expensive. For a product I'll use up in a week! Oh well.
You know, in REALLY hot places Indo carry an umbrella. Screw male vanity! 🤣
Haha, I've walked with an umbrella on hot sunny days too. Hoping it catches on when people see us!
Sunscreen suuuucks. I spend too much active time outside to bother reapplying, not to mention that on bikepacking trips sans-showers I turn into The Grease Monster. Instead, I just wear sunshirts! Throw that hood over a hat or helmet, put a little sunscreen on just your face and call it a day. The REI one is great: https://www.rei.com/product/185196/rei-co-op-sahara-shade-hoodie-mens
Oh good suggestion! I'll try this. 🙂
Oh Lord yeah camping is the WORST. Even if it's only on your face, yeah, worst feeling and smell in the world to wake up to.
Bike helmets usually have open slots which means a bald guy like me still.needs sunblock. Which of course rolls down into my eyes in the form of sweat. 🥺
Ohhh that reminds me of a bald friend who got some weeeeird sunburns on his head during a desert bikepacking trip! Definitely gotta be careful; you need a do-rag, baby 🎊 or that sun shirt... Ketl Mountain makes a lighter weight one that I also like, fwiw.