Staying pale this summer

[Aramynta]

I don't tan well. When I do its on my chest, nose, shoulders and, oddly, hips. It looks really patchy and no matter how hard I try to tan the rest of me it never works. I just end up red raw! I also have tons of individual moles and don't want to risk them mutating.

Anyone else who goes out if their way NOT to tan? What's your favourite sun block? I might even buy a pretty parasol to shade my delicate complexion

[Aramynta]

I will have a look at Biore for all round wear I think and the Neostrata to start with. a PP made a good point about zinc oxide based screens being very thick and sticky, so something like Neostrata or La Roche Posay sounds ideal.

Pleased to see there are so many taking care in the sun and/or opting for fake tan!

[BlueLeafTea]

I tan quite nicely but I don't fancy my chances with skin cancer so the shade is my friend. Too lazy to fake tan too...

[FrustratedFrugal]

Joining the pale gang. I'm a Nordic blonde. I had a cancer scare last year plus I've really started enjoying being very pale. I use sunscreen every day plus slather on some Ultrasun lip balm. Will experiment with physical sunscreens too.

[OddBoots]

Staying pale here too, I have quite a few moles and nearly teen dd is even more freckly so I want to be a good example for her as well as myself. I use Sunsense on my face all year round and I have just stocked up on sunscreen while it is cheap.

[cupcakesandwine]

I don't burn much but I don't tan either and am normally the palest person on any beach. If i have too much sun I tend to come out in a rash so I normally wear Piz Buin Allergy Lotion factor 50. It is nice and light and blends in well and suppresses the pesky rash.

[Aramynta]

Welcome to the gang everyone

Further to my parasol comment I thought I would see if they sold them anywhere. I have come across these and I am seriously considering one! Of course I wouldn't walk about with it up all the time, just when I am sitting watching DH/DS play cricket/football etc....

Opinions?

[Ancienchateau]

You need to vet yourself one of these parasol hat

[lalath]

I use a parasol regularly - particularly useful in allowing me to carry DD in a sling in the sun, but I used one even before she was born. Years ago I bought one from that site, OP (lately I buy them from amazon). Not a 'parasol', as such, but a 'uv umbrella'.

I've recently read research suggesting that any umbrella is good at blocking the sun's rays - all umbrella's will block about 77%, with black ones slightly more effective. UV umbrellas are even more effective, at 99%, supposedly.

[BumbleNova]

My favourite sunscreen is the Australian brand Sunsense:

www.uvauvbsunscreens.co.uk/sunscreens/306-sunsense-ultra-spf-50-500ml.html?gclid=CKma7JSj7csCFQ9Zhgod8isB2g

I didnt burn or tan at all with this in Vietnam in December. its nice to apply and really brilliant. I do like to look less like the living dead so I will be looking at an everyday gradual tanner. i do like Vita Liberata fake tan, definitely the best I've used.