The sun is out, WHICH guide to suntan lotions, thought I would share

[KezzaG]

I used to think that paying for expensive suntan lotions was a bit of a rip off and the cheaper ones would be ok, but I checked on Which and it seems it is worth the extra. I thought I should share it with anyone who diesnt have Which.

They tested that the protection offered on the label was correct, and used those advertised as factor 12 as a sample. These are the 2006 results.

Best Buys:
Garnier Ambre Solaire Moisturising Protection Milk
Lancome Soleil Soft-Touch Moisturising Sun Lotion
L'Oreal Solar Expertise Advanced Protection Lotion
Piz Buin In Sun

Others that passed:
Nivea SUN Moisturising Sun Lotion
Superdrug Solait Suncare Sunshine Defence
The Body Shop Protect It! Sun Lotion for Body

Dont Buys:
Malibu High Protection Lotion
Boots Soltan Sun Lotion
Wilkinsons Wilko Sun Protection System
Asda SUN SYSTEM Lotion

thankyou pob, I'll google it . I had a horrible time last year, my hands were a complete mess and they have only just got nearly normal again (a whole year later - it's an absolute nightmare)

Anyone know what Ultrasun rates as? Used that on DD is Florida last year, but have to admit that when she was really sweaty I applied it twice a day, not once.

I don't buy P20 as it doesn't protect against all types of UV.

GM - My DS1 used to get a v.expensive Roc suncream on prescription as it was the only one he wasn't allergic too. Only came in small tubes though we used to get through loads of it . He seems to have outgrown his eczema now though.

Thank you! I'll google that too! Thought I'd give everything a whirl before we go away. I can usually tell if something will irritate me by applying it once, I get that tell tale tingle. I'm beginning to feel a bit more excited by the summer now (just found a sun cream for babymonkey's head too - the invisible hat!!! He really is a little bugger). Whilst we're at it - does anyone have any tips for hats that stay on naughty toddler's heads? TIA

Just remembered that DS' nursery recommended E45 suncream at one time, because I was worried DS was allergic to his normal one. They said kids seemed to have less trouble wth the E45 one. Never tried it though.

Tried E45 and wasn't as bad but still made me scabby - but E45 cream does so I should have known really. Thank you though!

Just looked up Bergaderm on web, and most sites say something similar to this:

'Bergaderm Sunscreen is a non-sticky mousse which is quickly absorbed into the top layer of the skin. Being absorbed by the skin, Bergaderm cannot be washed or rubbed off - making it ideal for active children.

Bergaderm sunscreen was developed from a cream to alleviate conditions such as eczema so is suitable for all skin types especially those sensitive skins allergic to conventional sunscreens.

One application lasts up to six hours.'

It's also menioned on eczema Society website.

Right I'm going to shut up now

Gingermonkey - have you tried the Liz Earle range? I use her skincare but haven't tried the suncare. Her range is suitable for sensitive skin and she suffers herself. I'm a redhead too and two of my little monkeys. I thought I would try it this year as my dd has sensitive skin and ds only 8 months. I think it has minimum chemicals.

gingermonkey, I can also recommed Dr Hauschka suncream , maybe that would work? It's another 'natural' one (and naturally horrendously expensive, too ) that dd1 never reacted to. They go up to factor 30 (for a mind-blowing £16 for 100ml )

thank you friendly, haven't tried that so will give that a go too. Geekgrrl, I have had Dr Hauschka before and something in it doesn't agree with me - might have some calendula in it, both DS and me are sensitive to that (you are getting a general theme of how much fun our holidays are, with the babymonkey going pink and me wearing gloves and being paranoid about my hands!!! ). Thank the Lord DD is normal and I don't have to worry about her!!!!

best on e have come across is sunsense- they do cream for face and body which doesn't make you look blue!

GM, please let us know how you get on.

I will . My skin has decided to flare up thanks to some pierced ear cleaning stuff (finally relented and let DD have her ears pierced, but I'm still not over the moon about it!!!). Am going to order some bergaderm from internet so will let you know when I get it and give it a trial