sunshine ... how much and when?

teefal · Post by **teefal** » Fri May 15, 2009 10:19 am

Haven't seen mention of this recently ...

How long do you stay out in the sunshine on STJ and what times during the day are best? How much beach, how much snorkle? Also include your usual sun protection SPF, etc.

I'm particularly concerned about our 3.5 year old. She'll have a rash gard and we'll lather her up with waterproof SFP 50, but I'd rather not learn later that we spent too much time in the water, or at the wrong time of day.

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Fri May 15, 2009 10:30 am

Because we were on the water the entire time, we had more issues with sun exposure & reflected sun, but I found that Banana Boat spf 80 sunblock did not work as good as Banana Boat for kids spf 50, and the kids stuff doesn't sting if you sweat it into your eyes. Rick stayed in the shade with sunscreen on the entire time and got a nice tan. I, on the other hand, opted to be in the sun and I fried (but I have fair skin, as well). I don't know what time of day or how long to tell you to spend in the sun, but I recommend a high spf sunscreen for your entire family pretty much all of the time. Remember you're at 18 degrees latitude and the sun is much stronger there!

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Fri May 15, 2009 10:40 am

DELETED

chrisn · Post by **chrisn** » Fri May 15, 2009 10:55 am

I agree. Between 10-2 is when you need to be the most careful. My dermatologist also recommends 30spf and remember to apply it at least 30 minutes before going out. I don't like Banana Boat. I fry using that brand.

I get really good results with Coppertone Sport but it's greasy and I don't like the way it feels.

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Fri May 15, 2009 10:59 am

Chris - I'm in complete agreement with you on Banana Boat vs. Coppertone. Maybe part of the reason I got burned.

Jumbiegirl · Post by **Jumbiegirl** » Fri May 15, 2009 12:14 pm

teefal wrote: I'm particularly concerned about our 3.5 year old. She'll have a rash gard and we'll lather her up with waterproof SFP 50, but I'd rather not learn later that we spent too much time in the water, or at the wrong time of day.

We took a 2-1/2 year old 2 years ago and the rash guard suit was fantastic for her body - no burn at all. The areas we watched out for the most were the tops of her feet and her scalp. Wearing a hat some of the time is a good idea. She wore SPF 50 on her body and we put the SPF 50 suncreen stick on her face - we re-applied liberally every 1/2 hour or so. She never even got pink. We were at the beach between 10:00 and 1:00 most of the time.

djmom · Post by **djmom** » Fri May 15, 2009 12:21 pm

you'll be in great shape with rash guards and sunscreen...reapply often Coppertone Sport spray (not spray on lotion) is my favorite with the kids. The pump is the best but very hard to find. Walmart is the only place we have found it for the last several years. It is greasy too, but it lasts much longer than the aerosol type spray....also I highly recommend a hat as well...the hats in Coolibar.com, there are some that have a flap over the back neck area. They are fabulous for kids (and adults). They are made out of material that is similar to a swimsuit and they are stretchy and stay on quite nicely. I have had no problem keeping them on my kids. They wear them in the water unless they are truly swimming.

And dont forget sunglasses for the kids too with 100 percent blockage. I am a big believer in that. The super cheap sunglasses are worse than nothing because the eyes get dilated.....

teefal · Post by **teefal** » Sat May 16, 2009 12:47 pm

Great ... I just bought a bunch of Banana Boat

So the kid's sport stuff works good?

California Girl · Post by **California Girl** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:01 pm

This is what I used:

Banana Boat Kids
Tear Free
Broad Spectrum Sunblock - spf 50
Long Lasting UVA/UVB Protection
No Tearing
Hypoallergenic
Waterproof

It worked very well for me.

cocosmom · Post by **cocosmom** » Sat May 16, 2009 1:16 pm

For those that want full blockage for their face, I use Ocean Potion ( or any other brand) of clear zinc oxide) Spent tooo much money & pain removing all those lovely brown spots to let the sun touch my face! I buy it at Walmart. Comes in little 1.oz round containers. Just a little is needed for your whole face. I also HAVE to put it on my lips or they get fever blisters a week later. You can put lipstick over it.

usvi-on-line