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Original poster

Suntan lotion question?

78 replies

PassingStranger · 09/04/2024 20:43

Anyone else confused about the different factors of sun cream available?
Going on holiday soon. What do you buy for an adult? Factor 50 or 30?

There are also special suncreams for the face?
What would you buy, bearing in mind skin has not had much exposure to the sun this year so far?

OP posts:
PeloMom · 09/04/2024 22:56

I’d do 50 ; I have olive skin and don’t burn but in case the lotion isnt exactly what it says on the label as many not regulated substances do I’d rather go safer than not. Our face is exposed to the sun at all times- even on cloudy / rainy etc days; I always/ daily use sunscreen even indoors (we get exposure through the windows), again spf 50.

Curiosity101 · 09/04/2024 22:53

SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV rays.
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UV rays.
SPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays.

In reality that means that they allow 7%, 3% and 2% through respectively.

So SPF30 is actually a full 50% less effective than 50 which is significant. And 233% more effective than SPF15.

Personally I use factor 50. I use the same for my face as my body. I always apply it more regularly than it says and ensure I don't miss my neck, chest, ears and backs of hands.

I also use a lower SPF on my face throughout winter months.

What Is SPF Sunscreen? - Sun Protection Factor Explained | Badger

Learn about SPF sunscreens, and what Sun Protection Factor means. Did you know that SPF measures sunscreen protection from UVB rays only and that SPF does not measure your sunscreen's protection from UBA rays?

https://www.badgerbalm.com/pages/what-is-spf-sunscreen-sun-protection-factor

Snippit · 09/04/2024 22:44

Without a doubt factor 50 for the face, neck. Sometimes use factor 30 for the rest of the body, but it depends where your going on holiday. If it was Australia it’d be factor 50 everywhere.

Skigal86 · 09/04/2024 22:39

I sometimes use a face one, if I’m going somewhere and don’t want to be all shiny, I also find makeup goes over it better. Spf 50 all the way for us or 100 if we are in America, got some at Disney and it was great.

Bearpawk · 09/04/2024 22:36

@Yesmate you'll still sweat that off tbh if it's hot and humid. Even if it's meant to be waterproof.

Yesmate · 09/04/2024 22:35

Has anyone used all day suncream and been successful with it? Something like P20?

IfYouSawwhatISee · 09/04/2024 22:32

I've recently discovered loreal 50 spf face cream, I was in 25 and didn't burn

Iwant2beJessicaFletcher · 09/04/2024 22:32

I always use a different one for my face as otherwise I get dreadful spots & I have really sensitive skin. Most people probably wouldn't need to but I definitely do. Always factor 50 when on holiday too (mainly as it doesn't need to be applied as often & I'm lazy. Never been burnt yet!)

dementedpixie · 09/04/2024 22:29

I use 30 mostly
You get facial sunscreen too

Oakbeam · 09/04/2024 22:28

RawBloomers · 09/04/2024 21:46

You realise that's just how maths works, right?

Show quote history

Is it? Even when the increase in protection isn’t linear?

Suntan lotion question?
ghostyslovesheets · 09/04/2024 22:28

30 on my body - applied regularly - I buy Aldi/own brand stuff as it's usually better than fancy stuff

50 on my face and a hat - I'm old and don't need any more wrinkles - I buy face specific ones with the money I've saved on generic body stuff

SnaccidentsHappen · 09/04/2024 22:25

It really depends on your skin type I think. I have dark hair, blue eyes and burn easily - I used 30 in Florida last year, reapplying throughout the day and didn't burn once. I do use a separate facial sunscreen as I find the normal ones to be quite heavy and irritate my eyes.

My husband who also has dark hair and blue eyes but tans quite easily will use whatever I buy lol but will usually buy a 20 or 15 a few days in.

Formerpupil · 09/04/2024 22:09

Me - dark hair, blue eyes, burns easily - one of the 50 nivea ones for my face, use this at home during the summer too. Body - start at 30, move to 20 after a few days.

Husband - dark hair, brown eyes, takes a good tan - starts at 20 and moves to 15, uses the same for his face

1ittlegreen · 09/04/2024 22:02

I use E45 50 on my face as it doesn't sting my eyes.

I get a spray mist 100 from the states (from Amazon) which really helps with shoulders and chest and nivea kids 50 for the rest of my body.

I re-apply often and have still burnt a bit today. I think regular water dipping makes it less effective and sun reflects off 💧

MartinsSpareCalculator · 09/04/2024 21:55

I use a different one on my face because general ones are too heavy for my skin.

RawBloomers · 09/04/2024 21:46

Oakbeam · 09/04/2024 21:41

My doctor said there's not really much between them in practice because you can't get enough peak day sun to need more than 30x your "base" amount

SPF 30 gives you around 97% protection. SPF 50 gives around 98%. That is why there isn’t much between them in practice.

You realise that's just how maths works, right?

wavingfuriously · 09/04/2024 21:46

Oakbeam · 09/04/2024 21:30

If it helps, there’s not a lot of difference in protection between 30 and 50.

How do you know?

Oakbeam · 09/04/2024 21:41

My doctor said there's not really much between them in practice because you can't get enough peak day sun to need more than 30x your "base" amount

SPF 30 gives you around 97% protection. SPF 50 gives around 98%. That is why there isn’t much between them in practice.

lateatwork · 09/04/2024 21:38

50- wear it all year round on my face and hands. Wish I'd spent more time on my neck over the years.

Even if it's only a little bit more effective, I'd go for as high as you can buy.

RawBloomers · 09/04/2024 21:38

I buy 30 or 50, don't burn with either so it's whichever is most convenient. My doctor said there's not really much between them in practice because you can't get enough peak day sun to need more than 30x your "base" amount. The important thing is to put it on 10-20 minutes before you go out and reapply often enough.

I only bother with a separate one for my face if the main one is difficult to put on (e.g. a spray one) or I think it will sting my eyes (like Banana Boat stuff always does). Face ones tend to be more expensive so I don't use them elsewhere.

PurBal · 09/04/2024 21:37

I never use less than 50.

PrincessTeaSet · 09/04/2024 21:35

I'd get 30 and wear a hat and cover my skin during the hottest part of the day.

Oakbeam · 09/04/2024 21:30

If it helps, there’s not a lot of difference in protection between 30 and 50.

Puahi · 09/04/2024 21:27

Factor 50, just use the same one for body and face and have a decent hat

girlfriend44 · 09/04/2024 21:26

30 at least and aftersun
You can get something for your lips as well.
Sun on them can make them cracked and sore.

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