Sun protection cream concerns

Hello Waspy13

I read quite a lot of reviews a few years back and a face cream with SPF30 which was recommended was by "This Works".  I really like it and it gives a nice glow to my skin, as well as moisturising (and protecting!) it.  A dermatologist recently recommended La Roche Posay.  And another recommended Skinsceuticals, which I believe is highly recommended by surgeons/dermatologists.  I think it is a case of trying a few before you find one you like. 

What I realised ... too late! ... was not to dig and delve in Google/search engines to try and find answers, look at pictures, get advice etc.  It does nothing but scare monger and is often wrong!  I was told just to get advice from the doctor/consultant/dermatologist etc.  A great website is "BAD" - British Association of Dermatologists.

I think what we will be told tho is to stay out of the sun, wear factor, clothing and not to burn at all!  The amazing Latchbook often posts the dos and don'ts for going out in the sun, protecting yourself etc.

Best wishes.

Rebecca xx

Hi  and welcome to the online community

I see that Rebecca has given you some very good advice particularly about not googling and only using reputable websites.

The GP is correct that SPF30 filters out 96.7% of UVB radiation against 98% by SPF50+. However, SPF50+ also filters out UVA rays which contribute to ageing of the skin as well as a higher skin cancer risk. I've never that using SPF50 the day after burning will attract radiation and cause cancer and I think you should take that with a large pinch of salt! Anyway, you're not going to burn anymore are you!!

You don't say what sort of skin cancer you have been treated for but really the advice is the same for all of them. Sunscreen itself is not enough to protect you against UVA and UVB rays and should only be used to protect the areas that can't be covered in other ways, ie face,neck, back of your hands, etc.

Unfortunately, if you've had any type of skin cancer you're more at risk of getting another if you don't protect your skin from the sun. This doesn't mean that you have to stop doing things you used to enjoy doing in the sun, unless that was sunbathing, but you need to change some things to protect yourself.

When I was diagnosed with melanoma I was given a leaflet with the following advice and thought you might find it helpful:

1. Stay out of the sun during the strongest time of the day (11am to 3pm) between April and October inclusive in the UK and in all months of the year in any other part of the world
2. When going outside wear long sleeved tops and trousers/skirts made from natural fibres like cotton
3. Wear a broad brimmed hat (brim should be at least 3 inches) and sun glasses
4. Sit in the shade and never sunbathe 
5. Any part of your body that is not covered, ie face, neck, back of hands should have a sun protection cream of SPF 50 that is effective against both UVA and UVB rays
6. Re-apply the sunscreen as directed on the bottle
7. Never use sunbeds
8. Don't use sunscreen instead of covering up

The first summer after I was diagnosed was particularly hard as I used to enjoy sitting in the sun. However, I quickly got used to the new regime and have a selection of hats to choose from when I go out. I also decided that I now needed a whole new wardrobe so went on a shopping spree. So, every cloud has a silver lining!

I leave a hat permanently in the car so if I forget to take one with me I know I'll have one. Leaving a tube of sunscreen in the glove compartment is a good idea too.

Last year I went to Australia to visit my sister and I still went on the beach and swam in the sea. However, instead of sitting in the sun, I stayed in the shade and I only went in the sea for a short time. Ironically it's easier going on holiday somewhere like that because nearly everyone covers up as they're so aware of the damage the sun can do so I didn't feel a freak in long trousers and a hat!

My friends know that I need to sit in the shade so if we're going to be sitting outside we try to look for a table which means that I can sit in the shade while they can sit in the sun if they want to. If I'm with people who don't know why I need to be in the shade I don't necessarily tell them but will just say something along the lines of "I prefer to sit in the shade" or "it's too hot for me in the sun".

As for sunscreen I think it's just trial and error until you find one you like. I personally use SunSense. I tried it when I was in Australia and liked it. You can buy it here over the internet but I haven't seen it in the shops. They do a wide range but I like their Daily Face SPF50+ for my face, as it's tinted, and their Ultra SPF50+ For the Family for anywhere else that's exposed.

I don't think you'll find an all day sunscreen as they should all be reapplied every couple of hours. However, if I'm mainly indoors then I would be reapplying it this frequently but would if I was spending the day out and about.

x

Hi. Thank you all

 I had a wle last October for a.lentigo maligna . Quite a sizeable length scar. Now is the time I need to find a good skin cream.with the correct protection.   So was wondering if members had any suggestions .   Don't fancy wearing the usual kind all day everyday  thick and greasy!   

Morning

You'll find you've had 2 suggestions already if you read the replies above. The one I suggested I don't find thick and greasy but everyone is different so you'll have to experiment to see which one suits you.

x

Thankyou 

Well after several hours googling. And looking at a few products in boots.  Reading the labelling and talking to the ladies behind the counters  I bought la Roche posay  50 sun lotion.  Then almost took it back because I think I bought on impulse haha!!     I don't want to be greasy or shiny .or feel heavy on my skin...see how it goes 

Let me know what you think to it as it's always interesting to know about different sunscreens.

x

I understand the desire to have easy to use but effective sunscreen. After trial & error I now use SenSense 50. It is non greasy and feels like a moisturiser. So good I was worried initially that it would not work but it has been great. I buy the 500ml pump bottle online and apply it each morning. Just part of the daily routine now and I use it for the whole family. It has certainly simplified our holiday packing! It is expensive for the 125ml bottle but 500ml not so bad and I pump some into a smaller bottle to top up when I am out for the day. It seems to be fragrance free too. Don’t smell like I should be on a tropical beach! 

I'm a SunSense fan as well . As you say you don't smell like you're covered in coconuts! Have you tried their one specifically for your face? It comes in a smaller tube than the SunSense 50 but is no where near as expensive as some I could mention.

x

I bought Riemann P20 factor 50 spray from the pharmacy. Will be out and about tomorrow, so will try it and report back.

Just found the Sunsense Daily Face cream on Lloyds Pharmacy website, and it says its only available with a prescription. They also say that about the Difflam mouthwash the nurses at the hospital recommended.