Sun protection: It's a bit early in the Uk to be... - MPN Voice

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Sun protection

Ipadlin profile image
21 Replies

It's a bit early in the Uk to be thinking about this but I like to be prepared.

The potential skin cancer risks have been outlined to me and this will be my first summer with ET .

I burn easily so already use a factor 30 suncream. Can anybody recommend a Factor 50 sun cream that isn't too heavy?

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Ipadlin profile image
Ipadlin
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21 Replies
ainslie profile image
ainslie

I use La Roche Posay Anthelious 50+, my expert dermatologist recommended it.

Kauaiboy profile image
Kauaiboy

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.

Ipadlin profile image
Ipadlin in reply toKauaiboy

Thanks, avoiding the sun must me difficult for you. It makes me feel guilty for worrying about this in the uk!

Lyndjs profile image
Lyndjs

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😎

drakelet profile image
drakelet

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.

Ebot profile image
Ebot

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:)))

ainslie profile image
ainslie in reply toEbot

Yes good point, todays tan is tomorrow’s wrinkles

Tipsy2023 profile image
Tipsy2023

morning as I am looking forward to sunshine and blue sky it’s never to early to prepare.

La Roche-Posay is really good in my experience quite expensive but look out for offers. L

RazB profile image
RazB

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

Wyebird profile image
Wyebird

Nivea factor 50 isn’t too heavy

Maxpenny profile image
Maxpenny

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.

MsLadyAnello profile image
MsLadyAnello

My hematologist & dermatologist in Portugal recommend Isdin. They have a full line including a very light SPF 50 facial lotion.

Exeter21 profile image
Exeter21

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 .

annem22 profile image
annem22

I like to use Elta MD spf46 for everyday wear. You can buy online.

KLCTJC profile image
KLCTJC

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.

Cookiewoman profile image
Cookiewoman

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.

Ipadlin profile image
Ipadlin

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 ......😀

Meatloaf9 profile image
Meatloaf9

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.

luvinretirement profile image
luvinretirement

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!

NewBloom profile image
NewBloom

Hi,

I recently had a facial and was recommended to use 'Tesco Soleil Q10 Anti-Aging Sun Cream Face Spf 50 50Ml'

I've tried it and love it, non greasy, light and only around £2.

Janis12 profile image
Janis12

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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