My PSA regarding sunblock

[BeerPerHole]

I thought I'd toss out some info for my fellow golfers. I've had three melanomas. The first was a doosy but we caught it just in time. The next two, due to being more knowledgeable and proactive, we caught early. Have also had several other cases of different types of skin cancers. I was a poor white boy who fished all the time without a hat, before people realized the damage/hazard the sun can create. So, let me share what I've learned about sunblocks and mention my favorite - decided after years of trying all different kinds. Some of these can be like wearing automotive grease.

 

You want a broad spectrum product (UVA and UVB) that lasts, and doesn't feel like manure on your skin...and that doesn't irritate. I use Solbar Zinc. Great stuff. I can put it on in the morning and spend all day on the ocean with no burn. Works in the pool. It's a light cream. Feels great. I have also used their alcohol-based gel. It works great but can burn the eyes if you're sweating.

 

Just thought I'd share. I hope you find this helpful. Oh, I also recommend a nice IPA after your round...

[cardoustie]

Thanks for sharing

 

Played w a guy last week w part of his nose distorted and a 3" scar on his forehead ... he was lucky

 

I always use a 50 - 70 on my face, ears and neck

[Socrates]

Buy some stuff made in Europe. USDA and Canada's equivalent haven't made any changes in their regulations since the 70's. That's why the stuff sold in NA plain sucks. Use Piz Buin from Europe and it is far better than the junk I can buy here.

[payerasjl]

blue lizzard. get you some!

[kwelifan]

All you will ever want to know about sunscreen:

 

https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen

[RSinSG]

I lived in a desert my entire life and agree 100%. My dad fought skin cancer (never too serious) and since I was young I’ve always used a block. SPF and water resistance is important so get the highest ratings of each. Also, a Consumer Reports test showed a third of the blocks they evaluated performed at half their advertised rating. So 50 SPF really was 25.

 

I cringe when I see young people “sunbathing” trying for a perfect tan. My arms are so sun damaged from a lifetime in the desert that a minor bump or scrape = bruising and bleeding. Luckily no skin cancer but I go to a doctor whenever I discover a new spot. While I’m happy when he says it’s not cancer, it sucks to be told you’re just getting older.

 

Thanks for the product recommendations. I’m going to check them out.

[masamitsu]

blue lizzard. get you some!

 

I'm a blue lizard fan as well.

[bigfatant]

Thanks for the reminder.. I'm one for using the forearm sleeves, big hat and my umbrella when the UV is high.

 

Btw you can download an app here in Australia to tell you what the UV will be for the day...

 

 

[Muddler]

Buy some stuff made in Europe. USDA and Canada's equivalent haven't made any changes in their regulations since the 70's. That's why the stuff sold in NA plain sucks. Use Piz Buin from Europe and it is far better than the junk I can buy here.

 

Canada regularly updates its regulations and whatnot. That’s why modern sunscreens are widely available in Canada.

[Lee Mootz]

You may want to also Google skin cancer and nicotinamide. Here is the link;

 

https://www.skincancer.org/publications/the-melanoma-letter/spring-2016-vol-34-no-1/nicotinamide

[caniac6]

I use Blue Lizard, Skin Sunscreen, Neutrogena spray on my legs, a wide brimmed hat and sleeves on my arms. We were at Pinehurst and a lot of the caddies were using the big hats and sleeves. I figured those guys are outside all day, so they must know what they are doing.

[FlyingLaw1]

My dad had a really deep melanoma removed from his arm a couple years ago--deep enough to scare the hell out of us all.

 

I've started covering up. Wide brim hat, UV sleeves, gaiter. Sunscreen 100+ on my lower face and nose. I still get some sun but not anything close to what I was getting when I was younger.

[BrandonDunes]

Thanks for sharing, some people need stories like these to realize that sunscreen is a must for everybody no matter your skintone.

 

Here is Dr. Axe's reccommendations for screen: https://draxe.com/best-sunscreens/

[Muddler]

Thanks for sharing, some people need stories like these to realize that sunscreen is a must for everybody no matter your skintone.

 

Here is Dr. Axe's reccommendations for screen: https://draxe.com/best-sunscreens/

 

Keep in mind that the sunscreen available in the US doesn’t actually protect against skin cancer very well. FDA regulations focus on UVB, which causes burns, and allows for much less protection against UVB, which is responsible for cancer. Sunscreens are allowed to use the term “broad spectrum” while providing very little actual UVA protection. If you have the opportunity, it would be better to buy sunscreen in Canada or Europe.

[JBirdUt]

Expensive, but I like it for my face: Elta M.D. 50 sport. https://www.amazon.com/EltaMD-Sport-Sunscreen-Broad-Spectrum-SPF/dp/B008VK3F94/ref=sr_1_5_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1531278164&sr=1-5&keywords=elta+md

My background, 15 MOHS Surgeries over 16 years and several other sun related issues.

[BeerPerHole]

Glad you guys appreciate this. As far as getting broad spectrum protection in the US vs Europe - I was introduced to Solbar from a dermatologist I was working with to keep myself safe. I have found it to be very effective. I know there are some other good brands. It can be tough to find what works really well. Another aspect is that many of the products out there have all kinds of strange chemicals - endocrine interrupters, etc. Some of the stuff is downright toxic to put on your skin, ironically. My last melanoma was early and was on my neck. I see my dermatologist every 6 months...

[Singapore Joe]

Thanks for the reminder.. I'm one for using the forearm sleeves, big hat and my umbrella when the UV is high.

 

Btw you can download an app here in Australia to tell you what the UV will be for the day...

 

In Australia sun block is not really a multiple choice question. The sun is crazy. Those of use who were born in Scandinavia just get roasted in no time. It is a nuisance, especially the water proof SPF50+ variantes are thick and one needs a scrape to get them off but not much one can do about it.

 

Anybody want to become a billionaire? Invent a sunblock pill.

[DeeSee]

Im not sure if you can get it in the states, but P20/50, is the best I've ever used in Europe, North Africa.

 

Its basically a chemical you apply that sticks to your skin.

 

www.p20.co.uk

 

The stuff does not even come off in the shower! (unless you have a very course loofer).

[dcmidnight]

Neutrogena 100 for the face/neck before I leave the house, Bullfrog Water Sport 50 / Neutrogena 70 sprays in my car/bag for the rest.

 

Solar sleeves if its going to be too hot, even played with a buff this week.

[bigfatant]

If you don't like the chemicals on the skin the umbrella is a good option

[zoned_post_meridiem]

I know it's been mentioned before, but Blue Lizard is really great, and readily available. Piz Buin too, but more difficult to get.

 

Not to hijack the thread, but any recommendations for sun sleeves that work well with golf watches (Garmins, apple watch, etc.)? Most of the ones I've seen go too far down, and need to be rolled back somewhat uncomfortably to leave the watch accessible.