Online clinic on skin cancer & sun safety - May/June/July 2012
sun protection, sunscreens & sun burn
gardening
Moderator: talkhealth
gardening
hello - I run a landscape gardening/garden maintenance business so I'm outside all the time. Family are nagging me to wear sunscreen. I don't wear it at all. It's not that I don't necessarily want to wear it but as soon as I get outside and start working I sweat and then the sunscreen residue runs down my face and into my eyes which then stings. I don't like wearing a hat for similar reasons - I get hot and sweaty and then the sweat is constantly building up under my hat.
As the sun has finally come out today, I'm thinking about the fact I should do something to protect myself. Can you recommend any sunscreens that are suitable for being outdoors, doing the job I do, that will be long lasting, ie all day if possible.
Any help you can give me would be welcome.
Thank you in advance of your help.
As the sun has finally come out today, I'm thinking about the fact I should do something to protect myself. Can you recommend any sunscreens that are suitable for being outdoors, doing the job I do, that will be long lasting, ie all day if possible.
Any help you can give me would be welcome.
Thank you in advance of your help.
- Dr Jonathan Bowling
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Fri May 11, 2012 11:21 am
- Location: Oxford & London
-
Contact: Contact Dr Jonathan Bowling
Re: gardening
Dear Gardener,
Sunscreens: the problem with sunscreens runing down the face is a common factor that limits the appeal of sunscreens, particularly for active individuals. A few tips to try:
firstly try a range of sunscreens and apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors to help absorption. If that doesn't help consider the gel sunscreens which contain photoabsorbers (which will absorb into the skin rather than sit on the surface - thus less residue to run off), again apply before activty. Finally if you find no product agrees with you, then try the sunscreen lip balms, of very high factor zinc block (e.g. used by professional cricketers) and apply below the eyes, nose and ears (high risk sites) so at least these areas have some degree of protection.
Hats: I would strongly advise persevering with a hat with a brim, rather than a cap which still exposes the ears to UV. Have a look at Tilley hats, some of which are very lightweight with high protection.
'Sunsense' are a brand from Australia with a range of sunscreen products that are worth a trial if those on the high street do not agree with you.
Good luck, particularly now the sun is shining.
Sunscreens: the problem with sunscreens runing down the face is a common factor that limits the appeal of sunscreens, particularly for active individuals. A few tips to try:
firstly try a range of sunscreens and apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors to help absorption. If that doesn't help consider the gel sunscreens which contain photoabsorbers (which will absorb into the skin rather than sit on the surface - thus less residue to run off), again apply before activty. Finally if you find no product agrees with you, then try the sunscreen lip balms, of very high factor zinc block (e.g. used by professional cricketers) and apply below the eyes, nose and ears (high risk sites) so at least these areas have some degree of protection.
Hats: I would strongly advise persevering with a hat with a brim, rather than a cap which still exposes the ears to UV. Have a look at Tilley hats, some of which are very lightweight with high protection.
'Sunsense' are a brand from Australia with a range of sunscreen products that are worth a trial if those on the high street do not agree with you.
Good luck, particularly now the sun is shining.
Dr Jonathan Bowling FRCP
Consultant Dermatologist
Oxford
http://www.mydermatologist.co.uk
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... owling.php
Consultant Dermatologist
Oxford
http://www.mydermatologist.co.uk
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... owling.php
Re: gardening
Hello Dr Bowling - thank you for answer. I hadn't considered using a gel - I've now Googled sunsense and can see they have a sports gel. I will be buying some and giving it a try.
Thanks again.
Gardener
Thanks again.
Gardener