Looking for high SPF sunscreen

[squamouscell]

Are there any pharmacies selling very high SPF sunscreen on St. Thomas or St. John's? I called around and found the Coppertone Ultraguard SPF 70+, but nothing with an SPF over 100. I mail order the Photoderm Max SPF 120, but it's kind of pricey and only comes in small tubes.

Maybe I should just wear the Burqa?

Thanks, SC

[Bumblebee2]

I've heard various things said regarding SPF factors.
This is the most recent. Anything higher than a SPF 30 rating does not give you any better protection from UV rays. Ultimately, you need a sunscreen or sunblock that blocks out the vast majority of UVB as well as UVA rays.

[Pia]

Hi SC

If you need a certain SPF # I would bring it with you. Just because Chelsea Drug Store (STJ) might have it in stock today, does not mean it will be in stock when you are here and need it. I have not seen anything over 70 (I think that is the Coppertone)

Pia

[Jan&MikeVa]

Hey Squamous, welcome to the forum! Take your lotion with you, like Pia said you can't count on finding it there. I use Neutrogenia (based on my Derm's reco) and always bring it, but I've also seen it at Chelsea's.

[Gromit]

There's also SPF treated clothing if you need a little extra. I had also read the same info on SPF ratings.

Basically anything over a 30 or 45 really does nothing for you. At that rate you just need to bathe in zinc oxide.

Just be vigilant with the sunscreen and wear a hat.

Also, no "s" after St. John.

[cocosmom]

Walmart carries a clear zinc that I use on my face. After spending bucks and dealing with laser pain getting rid of those lovely brown spots, zinc for me baby! Also use it on my lips. Much more attactive than white zinc lips or sun blistered lips

[Lulu76]

Last year, I got burned with SPF 55 sunscreen. This year, I wore SPF 36 (although it was the "active" formula, and I think that helps because I sweat my sunscreen off). Anyhow, I wore a hat, sat in the shade when I could and was very diligent about reapplying, and I didn't really get burned at all. I got pink on the top of my legs the one day I didn't have good shade, but it didn't even hurt. In fact, I think I need to go back and work on my tan!

I think you can use the lower SPF as long as you are smart about it.(I have also heard that nothing over 30 works any better.) If you have a sun sensitivity and have to use something special, then I'd bring it with me just in case Chelsea Drug doesn't have it when you're there.

[cliffnchristi]

Aveeno and Neutrogena both make SPF 70, which I used on our trip in June. I have also heard that anything over a 30 doesn't matter, but I didn't want to take any chances!

[California Girl]

I've recommended this before and I stand by it! I'm extremely sun sensitive and I use Banana Boat Surf. It's super waterproof and you can put it on just before you go out in the sun... not have to wait 15 - 20 minutes or so after applying. I didn't get one single bit of sunburn (except on my forehead where I missed applying it!)

It was a little difficult for me to find, so I ended up ordering it from Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_ ... +boat+surf