I have searched and most threads are a year or two old now so time for a refresh.
Does anyone use a sunscreen that doesn't sting your eyes?
I have tried three recently, Invisible zinc, Solrx and Banana boat for kids. The banana boat stung the least but didn't work very well. The invisible zinc offers the best protection but stays on until scrubbed off and still stings. The Solrx is the nicest to use and pretty much offers the same protection as the zinc but stung the worst.
I have tried applying a good half an hour before but the problem seems to be after kiting or a couple of hours I guess it starts coming out with sweat and then runs into my eyes every time I get water on my face (crash) which happens a lot. I then am pretty much blind for the next 30 seconds or so with my eyes on fire. It gets bad enough that I stop trying tricks for fear of getting my head wet and not the pounding the rest of my body will inevitably receive.
Does this happen to everyone and I just need to harden up or has everyone else got one that doesn't sting?
Cover your self in brown zink, no stinging. I can't remember the brand but it has a green lid.
I use Solrx and have never had a problem with it getting in my eyes but you are probably prone to sweating more in queensland due to the humidity once the seabreeze hits in WA it cools off nicely.
Google sweat resistant sunblock??? or try underoaths suggestion.
Hat is the correct answer. I'm happy to look uncool & wear a surf cap all the time, only screen up below the eyes & no problems. Also if you want to wear sunnies the cap will keep them on. BTW Ella Bache sunguard foundation is the best stuff for your lips, but you have to go to DJ's to get it. Comes in a tiny tube but It still lasts me 2 seasons.
cheers
Col
All the quality water resistant sunscreens are fine. I like Banana Boat.
Apply it early so it dries before you get to the water.
Rub the excess out of your eyebrows.
Put less on your forehead and wear a hat.
I use a giant white zinc stick. No smell, no sting (i hate the sting!). I rub it in all over my face so i look ghostly
I don't understand why u would use invisible zinc when you can use real zinc. Are you afraid someone in a helicopter with binoculars might see you and think you dont look cool?
If you rub it in 15 mins before your sesh it will absorb into your skin. No running into your eyes
Anything that you rub into your skin I would imagine you'd have issues with - you sweat it's going to push the suncream out. If you use the right zinc you won't have an issue - it doesn't drip, like my girlfriend - it will sit on your face for hours.
if you good you can do a try hair session!... that way the water wont wash the suncrean into your eyes.
I've found Aloe Up - water sports jelly - 30+SPF to be pretty good stuff, sweat resistant & won't run into eyes and sting. I use this on head/face and then just regular 30+ SPF for the rest.
Available from www.uniquesportsaccessories.com.
i reckon ive tried most sunscreens and they sting my eyes as well. just got out of the pool and Hamilton is stinging my eyes while I write this. Zinc is the only one ive found that doesnt sting your eyes but its a pain to get off and gets all over your shirts, wettie or whatever your wearing whenever your face hits your arm, shoulder etc...
A hat is very good at blocking UV from getting the top of your head, your forehead, top of ears (if hat full brimmed) and to a lesser extent your temples.
Skin cancer is never good, particularly in these areas. It is difficult to surgically totally remove from your head and if it does spread, it hits some pretty important stuff, like your ears, eyes and brain.
Do yourself a favour and source some Island Tribe Gel Sunscreen.
I started using this initially in South Africa, and it is absolutely fantastic stuff. It's perhaps a little more $$$ than your regular stuff, but it's well worth it. It's quite a thick gel- you don;t need to use that much, but it does not run. Infact, it's a bit of a bugger to get off but in a good way!
Try it- I promise you won't use anything else for kiting afterwards...
Kitepower stock it:
www.kitepower.com.au/
Other wise search:
www.islandtribe.com.au/clear-formulas/
for stockists. Make sure you get the GEL version though...
Banana boat black all the way. This stuff ris so thick it it ain't going to run into your eyes. Goes on like glue. Takes a fair scrub to get it off at the end of the day though.
Yeah you look like the living dead but better than beetroot red........
Totally agree with Island tribe
Gell SPF 40 is the one
Been using it for 25 years
Wont find better
Cheers for the suggestions.
I've gotten hold of some Island Tribe gel so will give that ago. Also got a hat but think I will still need some sunscreen on the forehead. If that doesnt work bronzinc may get a run. I shall see how it goes.
