Sunscreen: what are you using, and when/how are you applying?

Did a search for this topic and last big discussion was in 2011; I figure SPF tech has changed enough in the last 13 years (see: reef-safe sunscreen) to revisit. 

Are you using regular ol' creams/lotions? Stick style? Spray can? 

Zinc-based always and forever? Or other options working for you? Bring on the recommendations!

Then we move on to the HOW and WHEN of applying. Personally, I have to apply creams/lotions before I head out the door, so that I can wash it all off my hands. But I've read folks who re-apply through the day - how are you doing that without making your hands greasy? 

Of course it's easier/better to use sun hoodies and other clothing coverage - but supplementing the exposed bits with sunscreen is still needed!

I use the cream for my arms, legs, parts of my body I can reach, and then a stick for my face, and then a spray can for my back (unless it’s my gf who’s my belayer. Don’t want to make my friends rub my back). If I’m trying to save on weight/space I’ll just bring a spray can. They run out faster/are more expensive it seems like, so I try to limit that to when I need it.

I’ve seen a few people who swear by the sticks for their whole body (looks like a deodorant stick). My main concern there is it goes on clear so it seems easier to miss a spot.

Garnier Ombrelle Sport continues spray sunscreen have used this for ~20 years.  Main drawback is it's not sold in the U.S. so I stock up when in Canada each year.  Spray it on every couple of hours if in a sunny spot.

I live in one of the sunniest places is the US - ~270 - 300 days per year. Lifelong outdoor person, have been baked over and over, skin cancer is always a concern. Face is tanned like a catcher's mitt! Perma-tanned, my kids call it.

I use whatever slop I can find at the drugstore / grocery / outdoor gear shop. Very high SPF (50 +), waterproof, cream, brand-name is mostly unimportant. I use it on face, neck, ears, back of arms and hands; very occasionally calves and thighs. I mostly do not reapply but if my hands get greasy I'll just rub some dirt on them. I do not use chalk at all. 

I rely on sun hoodie a lot. I used to use a lot more sunblock before these wonderful garments became widely available. I also wear a hat with brim underneath the hood, to create airspace for cooling,

Stick style when in the backcountry. Otherwise, I apply lotion, spf 50 (sometimes 70) with the back of my hands to keep the grease to a minimum. I had some heinous sunburns as a kid. As a result, I almost exclusively climb in long pants and sun hoodies so I just need to worry about head, hands, ankles, and the small of my back.

I use a face-specific cream/lotion (such as neurogena) and apply it in the morning, preferably in a place where I have access to a mirror, and running water, to wash my hands afterwards. Though, obviously, the car window and baby wipes work in a pinch.

For everything else I use a spray, to avoid getting the hands greasy. (It’s also a lot less awkward to ask a non-romantically-involved male climbing partner to spray my back, vs the lotion options).

But mostly, I just don’t climb in the sun, unless the temps are in the 40s or below, in which case, keeping the skin covered is not a hard burden, and face is the only thing they needs sunscreen. 

J P wrote:

DI figure SPF tech has changed enough in the last 13 years (see: reef-safe sunscreen) to revisit. 

The technology has advanced, but the US is left behind. The FDA hasn't approved a new sunscreen compound (active ingredient) since 1999. So it's the same garbage still. The sunscreens in Europe are better, but the really good stuff is from South Korea and Japan. You can get non-approved (in the US) sunscreen shipped from international distributors. Or ask friends to pick some up for you if they are travelling internationally. 

J P wrote:

Then we move on to the HOW and WHEN of applying. Personally, I have to apply creams/lotions before I head out the door, so that I can wash it all off my hands. But I've read folks who re-apply through the day - how are you doing that without making your hands greasy? 

Latex glove. Buy a big box of em from Target. I have a ziplock in my bag with suncreen and a couple latex gloves. Keeps the hands clean so you don't grease up the holds.

JCM wrote:

Latex glove. Buy a big box of em from Target. I have a ziplock in my bag with suncreen and a couple latex gloves. Keeps the hands clean so you don't grease up the holds.

Try using the back of your hand to apply, unless you’re crack climbing. Either way, if you chalk up after applying you don’t need to worry.

Jiggs Casey wrote:

Try using the back of your hand to apply, unless you’re crack climbing. Either way, if you chalk up after applying you don’t need to worry.

Disagree. Back of hand is pretty awkward for getting good sunscreen coverage on the face. And getting your fingers greasy with sunscreen before hard climbing is definitely a no-go.

I've mostly switched to a sun hoody for my upper body. I use Neutrogena ultra sheer 70 spf (or similar generic) for my face, back of hands, and legs. It has a lighter feel too it and it seems to do pretty well for sweatproofness/waterproofness

I don’t use sunscreen very often these days, despite living in sunburn country, (sunny, dry, high-ish altitude). Like others have said, sun hoodies and sun hats ftw. Obvious exceptions include days on snow or water when you know any exposed flesh will be fried.
Side note: years ago I dated a fair-skinned redhead who would slather TF up before even stepping outside. 

Always a sun hoody. Spray sunscreen for legs, roll on sunscreen for my face

Neutrogena "dry-touch" (sometimes called sheer, as described above). Hands are surprisingly dry/clean/non-greasy after application. And if the minimal residue still bugs you, a half-splash from your water bottle (or dirt/chalk bath) will take it off completely. I discovered it while working outdoor events shooting video, because you really don't want to grease up the focus rings on your camera lenses.

They make a zinc variant (no chemicals, just minerals) but it's splotchy and greasier. Other brand "sheer" are ok, but don't dry quite as clean in my experience.

Cherokee Nunes wrote:

Face is tanned like a catcher's mitt! Perma-tanned, my kids call it.

I do spray, at least SPF 50, from Sun Bum or Alba Botanicals or similar. I put it on my face especially, and then usually wear a sun hoody so I don't have to worry about everywhere else and all the reapplication.

Get it from Walmart or Dollar General whichever is closer at the time. Neck, face.

I opt for zinc creams, though I am trying out a zinc and titanium combo. The thick stuff doesn't seem to run into my eyes when I sweat and I find it stays on well. I don't like bars because I have to rub them in unless I'm freshly shaven. I prefer zinc because it keeps you cooler since it reflects radiation rather than absorbing it. I typically go for standard zinc, though I did recently try a tinted version so I don't look like such a ghost. 

I live in sun hoodys. The old version from NRS is my favorite (fit me well, elastic in hood so it stays on in the wind, big enough to go over a helmet, long arms), but haven't found a new one I love yet. 

Are usually use Aveeno baby SPF 70. I have had skin cancer.
There is a website called skin deep that rates all personal care products according to their contents whether they have allergens cause cancer, etc., etc. Often times the ingredients, especially cheap sunscreen are more carcinogenic than the sun. Do your homework people.

june m wrote:

Are usually use Aveeno baby SPF 70. I have had skin cancer.
There is a website called skin deep that rates all personal care products according to their contents whether they have allergens cause cancer, etc., etc. Often times the ingredients, especially cheap sunscreen are more carcinogenic than the sun. Do your homework people.

Which sunscreens have carcinogens?

Keep in mind that the SPF number printed on the bottle is pretty much meaningless, or so Consumer Reports said when I read one of their sunscreen reviews a few years ago. At the time, Trader Joe's SPF50+ spray bottle came up on top. I was already a fan, so kept buying the same over and over. My family pretty much never gets sunburned, except if we miss a spot.

I wouldn't use it if I went snorkeling on a reef, but I very rarely do that.

Whatever is priced right and spf of 50 or above. I have a lot of hair on my arms and legs so I don' use a much as I should as it is harder to apply. I could never wear a sun hoodie with sleeves or I would ignite,