Sunblock: Who Uses it ?

[TexSail]

My Canadian buddy wanted a Texas type "summer top" which I sent him. A few weeks later a Tilley hat arrived. It is the best sailing hat I've ever had.

[Missou]

I am not a cruiser yet but I go on cruise ships in the Caribbeans. Does that count If I go out in the sun, I will burn easily so I have no choice to use it. I am not one to lay down in the sun either, I need to move a lot.

[MarkJ]

We use it a bit. But not always.
Its hard to buy large ecopnomy bottles and then its only SPS30 or more.
I would like to get a gallon bottle of SPF 4 or 8.

Obviously we have a fairly deep base tan but like to have a bit on when its hot and/or the sun is strong.

I do think humans need a far higher does of direct sunlight than most people get.

[FxdGrMind]

I use it every time out on the water. However I prefer the UV clothing, hats etc when I can get away with it. Upwind is no issue... it's the down wind leggs that hurt... ya just want to get ne-kid without the wind to cool you off So one has to wear SPF30+ ... or at least I do anyway or suffer the consequences in a few day's or as many have pointed out years down the road. Family history of skin cancer, so I'm not taking chances.

Cheers

[Hiracer]

"
2. There’s some evidence that sunscreens might increase the risk of the deadliest form of skin cancer for some people.

Some researchers have detected an increased risk of melanoma among sunscreen users. No one knows the cause, but scientists speculate that sunscreen users stay out in the sun longer and absorb more radiation overall, or that free radicals released as sunscreen chemicals break down in sunlight may play a role. One other hunch: Inferior sunscreens with poor UVA protection that have dominated the market for 30 years may have led to this surprising outcome."

Sunscreens Exposed: 9 surprising truths | EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

Even though more people use sunscreen than ever before, the incidence of skin cancer in the United States and other countries continues to rise (Aceituno-Madera 2010; Jemal 2008; Osterlind 1992).
A number of studies conducted in the 1990s report higher, not lower, incidence of the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, among frequent sunscreen users (Autier 1995; Westerdahl 2000; Wolf 1994).
According to the American Cancer Society, malignant melanoma accounts for only 3-4% of all skin cancer cases, but is responsible for 75% of all deaths attributed to the disease each year (ACS 2010) (See side-bar: “The 3 types of skin cancer”)
To date, studies show that regular sunscreen use reduces risk for squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC) but not other types of skin cancer. SCC, a slow-growing, treatable cancer, is estimated to account for just 16% of all skin cancers annually.

Sunscreen and skin cancer – the science | EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

* * *

In contrast to the conclusion from the Iowa group, a meta-analysis conducted by University of California San Diego scientists in 2007 found a link between the location of the study (high or low latitude from the equator) and the risk of melanoma in relationship to sunscreen use. According to this analysis, in populations living at latitudes below 40o from the equator, the use of sunscreens was associated with a non-significant decreased risk of melanoma, while populations in higher latitudes faced a statistically significant increase in melanoma risk linked with sunscreen use (Gorham 2007).

Skin pigmentation may have been the reason for these latitude effects (Gorham 2007). Studies finding protective effects of sunscreens generally included Mediterranean populations or populations with prevalent Mediterranean ancestry, which have higher degree of constitutive pigmentation. On the other hand, studies conducted in light-skinned populations residing far from the equator (above 40o latitude) generally found a statistically significant 60 percent increase in melanoma risk (Espinosa Arranz 1999; Rodenas 1996).

[Hiracer]

Recently available data from an FDA study indicate that a form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate, when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions (NTP 2009). This evidence is troubling because the sunscreen industry adds vitamin A to 41 percent of all sunscreens.

* * *

Both UV radiation and many common sunscreen ingredients generate free radicals that damage DNA and skin cells, accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer. An effective sunscreen prevents more damage than it causes, but sunscreens are far better at preventing sunburn than at limiting free radical damage. While typical SPF ratings for sunburn protection range from 15 to 50, equivalent “free radical protection factors” fall at only about 2. When consumers apply too little sunscreen or reapply it infrequently, behaviors that are more common than not, sunscreens can cause more free radical damage than UV rays on bare skin.

Sunscreens Exposed: 9 surprising truths | EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide


* * *

Sunscreen makers offer mineral and non-mineral formulations, as well as products that combine both mineral and non-mineral active ingredients. Mineral formulations incorporate zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in nano- and micro-sized particles that can be toxic if they penetrate the skin. Most studies show that these ingredients do not penetrate through skin to the bloodstream, but research continues. These constitute one in five sunscreens on the market in 2010 and offer strong UVA protection that is rare in non-mineral sunscreens.

The most common ingredients in non-mineral sunscreens are oxybenzone, octisalate and avobenzone, found in 60, 58, and 50 percent of all sunscreens on the market, respectively. The most common, oxybenzone, can trigger allergic reactions, is a potential hormone disruptor and penetrates the skin in relatively large amounts. Some experts caution that it should not be used on children.

Nanomaterials and hormone disruptors in sunscreens | EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

[rtbates]

Nope, never have, but I have more melanin in my skin than most, ie my skin darkens quickly and deeply. I do always where a sunshade hat and a shirt...

My fair haired grandson gets a bath in spf50.. as does my wife...

[speciald@ocens.]

Too late for me. I just had my 3rd basal cell carcinoma removed - I was a blond kid who spent his summers in the sun, I'm now 62. Even though I live aboard and follow the sun South every year, I stay out of the sun as much as possible, wear big hats, but don't use sun screen. For some, using sunscreen gives a mistaken sense of saftey so they think they can stay out in the sun longer.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by GordMay

The "Not-Yet-Famous" Tilley hat?
Tilley Endurables - The Finest Hats and Travel Clothing in the World

Best hat I ever had.
Brim doesn't flop around when wet.
Can't believe I had to wait 25+ years to afford it.

[mintyspilot]

Originally Posted by Therapy

Best hat I ever had.
Brim doesn't flop around when wet.
Can't believe I had to wait 25+ years to afford it.

I know what you mean. Even "designer" shirts cost less - way way less. Even "Lewin's of London" (specialist shirt maker) will do £25 a shirt, about 1/3 the price of Tilleys.

T.M.Lewin makers of men's shirts, suits, ties, knitwear, accessories and womenswear

[shadow]

I avoid anything that isn't natural on my skin.. The best way to protect my skin from the sun is to just wear very light and airy clothes that covers as much as possible. I hate anything toxic in or on my body.. Period...

[Curmudgeon]

Neutrogena spf 30. I wouldn't be without it. In the tropics I might start with a higher spf until I started to tan.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by mintyspilot

I know what you mean. Even "designer" shirts cost less - way way less. Even "Lewin's of London" (specialist shirt maker) will do £25 a shirt, about 1/3 the price of Tilleys.

T.M.Lewin makers of men's shirts, suits, ties, knitwear, accessories and womenswear

I have never flown on that plane either.

[Wotname]

Traditional measures seem to work best, only wash a couple of times a year and your skin stays fairly well protected from the sun.

BTW, this TIC

[Hiracer]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

Neutrogena spf 30. I wouldn't be without it. In the tropics I might start with a higher spf until I started to tan.

You can search here to see an opinion of the safety of your sunscreen.

Find the best sunscreen for you | EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide