Which Sunscreen (and where to get long pants)

Hi All, my first post in General!

I have done a search and not coming up with much, on trying to find a good sunscreen. I am developing allergic reactions to just about all of them.... currently using Invisable Zinc, and a zinc stick, but even getting itchy with that one, as well as stinging eyes once my face gets wet. Still getting a bit burnt most sessions too.

I have pretty much resorted to using long rashie, gloves and long pants all this season which is daggy but I hate getting burnt.
But I cant cover my face really, and I dont usually like kiting with a hat.

Also, my long kite pants are slowly shredding, does anyone know where I can get some in Perth?

Ta for advice,
Nic

off topic, but 2007 and it begins with a C

Hey Knaickers,
I have suffered from sensitive skin and struggled to find a good block out but have settled with a nivea product that works fine for me .I would give the invisible zinc a miss as it seemed to burn my skin worse than no sunscreen at all and nano particles have been getting bad press .
My 2 bobs worth .

Banana boat 4hr water resistant. Been through a few brands & it works better than zinc too.

Yep me too! and if you look at Banana Boat site they say no nano particles used.
Find what you are sensitive to is the way to go!

I'm a fan of zinc in big slathers. Any zinc does for me.
Regarding pants - have you investigated Skins or other such like 'tight' might be worth a try, probably more comfortable than kitepants.

Rather than getting long pants (I assume you mean trousers), why not use normal board shorts but get extra long socks ?

You might even be just aswell off with a 15-25 sunscreen, not 30+. More chemicals jammed into 30+. You can buy 50 in America, but Australia capped the top rating at 30+. So you're probably buying 33, which has less chemicals in it than say 50.

Buy a couple, and do a small test patch on your arm, overnight.

word on the street is that island tribe is the shizzle my nizzle!

I like and highly recommend it.

Also the island tribe lip stick is nice too. Try it and you won't be dissapointed.

Sorry but you're out of luck. If you are doing long sessions in hot sun then the only thing that will protect your head and face is a hat. A bucket hat with built in strap from one of the major surf brands is ideal.

As for sun screens, after years of using Banana Boat and other high end sun screens I have settled on a 1 litre pump pack of Black and Gold brand sunscreen that appeared in our house one day. It works fine.

The key is to put it on liberally and early so it dries properly.

For your legs, get some compression leggings and wear them under your boardies. You can claim that they give you more leg muscle power. You might even start a fashion.

Thanks everyone
I live 20-45 mins from my closest beach and s**** up before heading off, so that is not an issue.

My allergic reaction is so variable- sometimes I react, sometime I dont, and sometimes (like with the Invisable Zinc I am now using) it takes a year to suddenly react. The reaction is usually just itchy, and a bit red, but sometimes blotchy and rarely I get a crusty dermatitis.
So, any suggions how to 'test' for what componants I am allergic too?

I almost always react to the cheap brands (used to be able to use coles pump pack on my legs and arms, but not anymore).
I have used Bannana Boat Orange- which was effective but I got itchy after a year of use.

Oh yes, it was Kite Beach at Cocos- thats me in the distance, walking up after a long days kiting!

I guess I need to see if I can find sample sizes of the ones you have suggested above and try them for a few weeks.

The skins thing is probably a good idea too- you are correct they will probably be more comfy than kite pants flapping around.

Any suggestions on cheap 'skins' or variations and where is good to get them?

Been there, done that, in fact at Cocos, had a very surreal night session.... but not my idea of fun in the ocean in WA! (too many biteys for one thing).