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Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:42 pm
by rkelsen
Now that Melbs has finally turned summer back on, it's sunscreen season.
The problem is that all of the sunscreens I've tried seem to join up with sweat and run into my eyes, and it stings.
Any tips or advice on how to handle this? Is there an "eye-friendly" sunscreen available?
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:48 pm
by ft_critical
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 3:48 pm
by Kenzo
Don't apply sunscreen above the eyes, wear a cycling cap or a Buff cloth for sun protection (and sweat absorption).
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:07 pm
by HappyHumber
Being a ranga, suncream has always been a staple of my summers. And now being a ranga with a receeding hairline I use Banana boat on my forehead & face. Thick as, and takes a bit more rubbing in but I reckon it lasts longer with all the sweat. It's a bit more expensive than most so I use just it on my mug.
Try not to be due a shave too soon after putting it on - it's great for clagging up razors!
El-cheapo Target/K-Mart brand 30+ SPF stuff everywhere else on my body that's exposed.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:11 pm
by gururug
Had the same problem.
As Kenzo said, wear a hat and don't put it above your eyes on the front of your face.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:18 pm
by rkelsen
Of course! Thanks guys.
*runs off to buy a cap*
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:18 pm
by HappyHumber
...being a ranga with a receeding hairline AND a boofhead - the "one size fits all" concept of a cycling cap is lost on me.
Sorry rkelson... just offering this on the offchance you match my demographic
I have to do the whole face.
Banana Boat FTW.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:19 pm
by HappyHumber
...
suppose I could go a bandana.
need one the size a circus big top though
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:32 pm
by Kenzo
HappyHumber wrote:the "one size fits all" concept of a cycling cap is lost on me.
Me too... and I like the look of caps more than bandannas or buffs..
as I am getting older, my forehead does not uncrease from the cap for hours... the dent in my skin circles above my eyes for at least two hours.... a nice circumcised look
Which is why a carefully fitted (flat roll) Buff cloth works best for me.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:34 pm
by kellyu
I had the same problems as you, with it running into my eyes, but now I use Invisible Zinc on my face, and regular SPF 30+ Ego Sports Milk everywhere else.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:35 pm
by HappyHumber
Kenzo wrote:Which is why a carefully fitted (flat roll) Buff cloth works best for me.
Buff roll? Not sure what you mean - a chamois? Something you dry a car with?
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:36 pm
by twizzle
Buff. Limits bug stings as well (yes, you can still get stung).
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:40 pm
by HappyHumber
What is this strange Eastern States speak!?
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:43 pm
by rkelsen
HappyHumber wrote:...being a ranga with a receeding hairline AND a boofhead - the "one size fits all" concept of a cycling cap is lost on me.
Sorry rkelson... just offering this on the offchance you match my demographic
Ranga: check
Receding hairline: in both directions...
Boofhead: does 59cm = boof?
Dammit!
So, a one-size-fits-all cap won't fit me?
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:47 pm
by HappyHumber
rkelsen wrote:
Ranga: check
Receding hairline: in both directions...
Boofhead: does 59cm = boof?
Ermm.. getting close... I generally go a 60cm in a hat, or what I adjust hard hats to when I go on worksites.
Generic "Large" sizes still often give me a headache due to being too tight after a while
They need more sputnik sized skons in China where they make most of these things. It sucks being in this upper percentile.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 4:49 pm
by Kenzo
HappyHumber wrote:What is this strange Eastern States speak!?
http://www.mybuff.com.au/
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 6:55 pm
by wombatK
+1 for Banana Boat, and something cheaper and easier to spread for the torso.
+1 for the Buff, if it ever gets hot enough in Sydney to work up a sweat. Buff is
also good in the rain - wicks the water down the back of your neck and over your
collar if you wear it with a long tail.
Cheers
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 8:26 pm
by Tim
I've been using the Cancer Council branded sunscreen this year and haven't had any problems. I avoid putting it on too close to my eyes but the sweat often trickles down my forehead into my eyes and it doesn't seem to sting any worse than ordinary sweat.
The main reason I use it is that it doesn't contain nano-particles that many other sunscreens do, and are now suspected of causing cancer. It is fairly expensive but I am prepared to pay for the peace of mind.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 10:01 am
by Jean
For alternatives to a cycling cap look at
this stuff. I use a skull cap in summer and a winter beanie for a Canberra winter. Very comfortable, high spf and keeps the sweat from dripping onto the inside of your glasses. Free postage to AU too.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:18 am
by Kenzo
Another option instead of hats or cloth... just keep using sunscreen and use one of these SweatGutr products:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/GUTR-gutter- ... 6673f3d294
Again - I end up with a big dent across my head so won't use it.. but it definitely worked well for keeping sweat out of my eyes and most times off my sunnies too.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:51 am
by Parker
Scape Sunscreen - buy from USA
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 12:12 pm
by rkelsen
Parker wrote:Scape Sunscreen - buy from USA
Hey that stuff looks to be exactly what I'm after. Which online shop did you buy it from?
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 2:46 pm
by MikeyD360
I use this:
http://www.dermalogica.com/au/html/prod ... 30-79.html
Dermalogica Solar Defense waterblock spray.
It's reasonably pricey, but contains some magic stuff that allegedly releases nutrients to the skin as it is exposed to the sun to prevent sun damage. It's like water and goes on clear so very good to avoid that white smudge over everything and looking like a ghost.
It's mildly water resistant, and also is perfect to be sprayed into hair - i.e. to avoid the old burnt bald patch or part line or the short shaved bits at the back of your neck/head.
It will run with sweat and can be a little irritating in the eyes, but I ride with a halo so stops any sweat from getting there.
It also tastes pretty funny if it gets in your mouth, haha.
I've been on 2-3 hour rides in full sun on 30+ degree day without having to reapply and works fine, and I am a pale, freckly white guy about half a chromosome from being a ginger
It's also a pretty easy little bottle to carry around, kids love it because its quick and easy to apply and not lots of rubbing to get the white bits out (cue dirty minded people).
It's pretty much the best sunscreen I have ever used (including bananaboat etc) however as I say, is priced accordingly.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:03 pm
by hotfoot
There was a program about sunscreens on the box last week...they warned the stuff with metalic elements..titanium for example may actually leak into your body and cause health problems. Two of the recommended were Banana boat and the cancer council ones. So these would be good for the stingy eye thing and be better for you.
Re: Sunscreen which doesn't hurt the eyes?
Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2012 5:23 pm
by trailgumby
+1 for Banana Boat and Hamilton.
In the Hamilton range I particularly like Optimal, and they've a new sports one out with a black label that works well too.
Eye sensitivity to blockout has been a 9-year issue for me since I resumed surfing back then when I was semi-retired. There are a few more options these days but they've been a long time coming.
My main drama now is perspiration stinging the eyes. Worse, I can't leave sweat on my face for any length of time or I break out in dermatitis within hours. Seems like I'm allergic to my own perspiration