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August 17, 2005
Body Glue
I had to be at work early today (7 AM) so I didn’t have a chance to workout before work. I actually still have some work to finish up (from home) but I wanted to take my bike out while it was still daylight so I left at a normal time. I biked through Rock Creek Park and when I popped up back into civilization I found myself in a really pretty part of DC I haven’t been before. I like to think I know DC well so that was pretty weird-but also very cool. I biked for about 45 minutes.
I also have a pretty new sun phobia that is reaching even greater proportions. A couple people I know have recently gotten skin cancer, including my friend who is 27 and got it last year. I am all about running/exercising at the bookends of daylight to avoid too much sun, and I am a big sunscreen user. That’s one of the reasons I belong to an indoor pool here and I wear a visor during all of my errands for work (cute, I know). I am writing about all of this today b/c I just switched from SPF 30 to SPF 45. The difference-it’s like rubbing glue on my body. The stuff is thick. It’s so heavy I think it makes me slower. Well, kidding, but it is noticeably heavier than the lower SPF.
That’s it. No more ramblings on the love/hate relationship for a while…
Posted by Audrey at August 17, 2005 08:27 PM
Comments
The effective protection factor difference between 30 and 45 is miniscule if any at all...like 1% for the average person. 30 for you (and most people) should be more than adequate SPF, in fact wearing 45 (higher than 30) can cause skin irritations or rashes. The more important issues are ensuring that the product you put on is a sun block (blocks both UVA and UVB) and that it is not washed away by sweat or rubbed off by friction. Reapplying frequently and choosing a water resistant product is best for ensuring you are protected. Of course, I'm not a dermatologist, I just play one in real life. :-) If you are really concerned about what is adequate ask your doc.
Posted by: Rob at August 18, 2005 08:39 AM
Rob probably knows a lot more than I do, but if you do want to continue using 45 I like the neutrogena oil free 45 SPF block. It is kind of greasy but it isn't too thick.
Slate actually did a review of different sunscreens last week and I think they said the Neutrogena one was the best.
Posted by: Barb at August 18, 2005 11:45 AM
I think if you are running late in the evening, UV light levels are pretty low, just because of the angle of the sun coming through the atmosphere to your location. And I've heard, as Rob mentiond, that SPF 45 is not helping much compared to SPF 30. I'd definately avoid those mid day runs though, SPF or no. I burn easily and I have the giant farmer's hat for when I have to be out in the sun like mowing the lawn.
Posted by: Jon in Michigan at August 18, 2005 03:12 PM
I have to second Barb's recommendation of the Neutragena sunscreen. I seem to be allergic to lots of chemicals in the stuff and their one for sensitive skin seems to be the only one that my skin can tolerate. I think that mine is spf 30. Both of my parents have had precancerous moles removed and my skin is just as fair, so I know that I need to be more careful than I have been in the past. At least you are using it, which is better than not using it at all!
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at August 18, 2005 08:38 PM