I’m not sure about your products but I apply SPF 70 to my face and avoid the sun as much as possible. I’m in Hawaii - not a good fit for hydroxyurea. I have had 1 BCC in only 18 mos and going to have Moh’s surgery in 2 weeks.
I use Soltan 50+ from Boots and have been OK. I use the 'Once' but still top up during the day 😉 I'm sure your care team can recommend something others have used and I can see ainslie has a great recommendation too.
Here's hoping we have a lovely summer, here in the UK 😎 and for all our forum friends around the world too😎
I use Neutrogena SPF70, because it feels more like a moisturiser than a sun cream, and I don't feel I need to wash it off after the way I do with most sun creams. SPF70 is probably overkill for where I live (I'm also in the UK), but I figure over-protected is better than under-protected. The main thing is, make sure you get a broad spectrum one, to protect against both UVA and UVB.
Roche Posay is apparently the one oncologists recommend. They do a wide range of sun protection for the face as well as body. Works for me. Though I’m also trying the CeraVe face protection which I like. Best to use all year round - I always use on sunny days in winter if out and about.
I recall reading that anything over factor 50 is pointless (and like the ‘Once’ creams gives a false sense of protection). The important thing is to reapply every couple of hours (I’m not very good at that!)
In general I hate the pfaff and feel of using sun screen so prefer to wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers. I’ve also invested in some special sun protection clothing.
And don’t forget a sun hat collection! I can’t wear sunglasses so have acquired some natty fold away sun visors which are a life saver.
On the upside, your skin will thank you. And you’ll look so much younger than the wrinkled leather skinned sun worshippers:)))
I use Ambre Solaire invisible protection spray SPF50. It’s affordable and is in supermarkets. I’ve tried many over the years and this is def the best for me. It’s light, looks like water and is very easily absorbed. I tried to attach a link but failed, sorry! Also, it’s never too early in the year to put it on…I find the earlier the better, especially in UK where we’ve been starved of sun for a few winter months. As soon as it brightens up get the sun cream on! Xx
this too is my first summer with ET and I have bought Clinique SPF 50. It is interesting to read about other people and what they are using. My hair has gone a bit thinner and not looking forward to wearing sun hat but needs must.
only ever use Factor 50 . Face I use La Roche -Posay. If you go into Boots Chemists branches they will advise you as excellent service on sun creams & cancer. I sail & travel hot climates. I use any factor 50 on body when exposed you still continue to get colour . You can also buy foundation creams for winter with F50 in them . I have had no problems in very strong temperatures & sun . Wear hat & long sleeves if v hot otherwise F50 works . 3O gives little protection. Julia .
La Roche Posay is made by the makers of cerave. Both lines have great sunscreen. Elta MD is awesome, in the $40-50 range. Skin better has some of the most amazing sunscreen and their tinted sunscreen doesn’t make me look orange, but it is pricey. They also have a sunscreen that comes in a compact that I love!!!!! Can’t go wrong with any of these. Tinted has more benefits but I can only wear certain ones that don’t make me look like a pumpkin! I would try some of the reasonable ones first and if not look at skinbetter products.
Hi Ipadlin I use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer body mist sunscreen SPF 70. I love to garden so this is convenient and not messy. I spray it on my hands then apply to my face then my arms and legs. I still don’t spend lot of time in the Sun but with my big Sun hats and the SPF70 sunscreen I feel more protected.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. It will obviously come down to personal choice (I can't stand the smell of some sun products!) but you've given me a good starting point.
And I hadn't even begun to think of sunhats ......😀
Consumer Reports last year recommended Coppertone water babies SPF 50, they said it was the only one they tested that blocked 100% UVA and uvb. I don't know, it is just what they recommended, I use it and it is very light. My dermatologist recommended blue lizard a couple of years ago. I also occasionally use Neutrogena beach defense 70, this is not a recommendation just my experience. Be sure to take special care of the nose and ears, the most difficult areas to treat if you should get bcc or scc.
Hello from sunny Florida. All the advice you've received thus far is all good. I will simply say that my incidents of skin cancers have steadily increased as I progressed from the late stages of PV (which I dealt with for 25+ years) to now MF. The meds that I have taken for the last 5-7 years have apparently made me more susceptible to Squamous skin cancers, and I have had several each year. My only point is that you should take any precautions you reasonably can with respect to sunscreen and sun exposure now that you have PV, and research and any meds that are recommended to you so that you are at least aware of any heightened skin cancer risks associated with them. All the best!
Hi, I live in the north of England and use factor 50 all year as I lead an outdoor life. I get the sun screen on prescription because of my increased risk but you could plaster the walls with it so I tend to use that for my sporting activities. Day to day doing 'normal things' I buy La Roche-Posay factor 50 Anthelios invisible fluid, it does not leave a white hue like many and make up goes on easily over the top of it. There are a number in the Posay range and I am trialling a few of them to see which suites me best. It does not have to be sunny for UV damage to occur and winter is no exception. You can also buy clothing with UV protection, Mountain Warehouse do a good range and reasonably priced. Enjoy the great outdoors!
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