Alright I'm in need of some sunscreen that will keep me from being well done by the end of summer. Whats the best stuff out there and do they make any SPF 2,000,000,000 LOL any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rob

Spf 30+ seems to be the standard here at the moment ,we use it all the time and I haven't been burnt for years. IAN. I ALSO WEAR THE GLOVES RATED AT 30+ To keep those nasty Scc/Bcc or even worse Melanoma from the back of your hands.IAN

Most any 30+ SPF works fine for me. There are some brands that are really oily and get a bit messy when you are fishing.

This is the stuff I use Active Breathable Sunblock SPF 30 by Neutrogena. It is not greasy, it's waterproof & sweetproof: You feel dry very quickly after putting it on and it comes in SPF30 and SPF45:



Just for fun, I found this "Bud Light - Real Men of Genius" song about SPF80... it's semi-funny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdGj-FVxOcs

On a serious note, here are some interesting facts about Sunblock & Sunscreen:

Sunscreen, Sunblock and Sunburn: What you should know.
As the summer temperatures start rising, more and more layers of clothing are removed and the quest for outdoor fun ensues. Don't let fear of the sun wreak havoc on your summer plans. A little knowledge will go a long way to protect you from sunburn, skin cancer and wrinkles. Simply take precautions to protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays and get ready to play.
Through this article you will find out what sunburn is; learn the differences between sunscreen and sunblock; understand what SPF is; and learn the distinctions of water-resistant and waterproof sun protection products.

What you should know about sunburn

Sunburn results when skin cells have been damaged and/or destroyed. The outer layer of the skin is comprised of dead cells on the surface and live cells directly underneath. These live cells continuously produce dead cells to revitalize the surface of the skin. When sunburn occurs, the live cells of the epidermis have been overexposed to the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) of the sun and have been injured or killed. The result is flushed skin, as the blood flow increases in the damaged area and white blood cells work to remove the affected cells. The associated burning pain is actually a reaction from the chemicals released from the damaged cells.

Who's at Risk?

Spending long periods of time in the sun with non-protected, exposed skin is a recipe for disaster. And while fair skinned people are more susceptible to sunburn than those with darker skin tones, this doesn't mean that dark skin is immune. The truth is that tanned skin has a natural SPF of about 4, while dark skin has an SPF of 8. In addition, certain medications like oral contraceptives and antibiotics may cause increased sensitivity to UVR. Children are also at great risk for sunburn due to their thin, sensitive skin. Dermatologists recommend keeping infants out of the sun, and providing sunscreen for children six months or older; applied to areas not likely to be inadvertently put into their mouths, or that can drip into their eyes. Remember that repeated exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in later years.

The difference between Sunscreen and Sunblock

There are two types of products that protect the skin from the sun's damaging ultraviolet radiation: chemical and physical products. Sunscreen is classified as chemical, while sunblock is physical.

Sunscreens actually absorb the ultraviolet radiation, thus and reducing the amount of radiation that penetrates the skin. There are two types of ultraviolet light, UVA, often called the "aging ray" which weakens the immune system of the skin cell, and UVB, called the "burn ray" which causes changes to DNA that can cause abnormal growths in skin cells. While older sunscreens were only effective on UVB, newer formulations are effective on both UVA and UVB. Even people with sensitive skin can find highly effective sunscreen designed to be non-irritating. For example, Pharmaceutical Specialties Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 35 is excellent for those with sensitive skin.

Sunblocks, on the other hand, are classified as physical. As the name implies, they physically block both the UVA and UVB radiation from the skin. Sunblocks used to be thick, white, greasy creams made of either titanium oxide or zinc oxide, but they've become much more user friendly. Consider trying Cotz Transparent Sunblock SPF 58 or Neutrogena's Active Breathable Sunblock , which is available in an SPF of 30 or 45; it's a waterproof, sweat proof, non-greasy sunblock made for an active daily life.

What's an SPF?

Sunblocks and sunscreens are rated with SPF numbers. SPF refers to the "Sun Protection Factor" for UVB rays only. A sunscreen with a SPF of 15 will delay sunburn from occurring for 15 times (in minutes) longer than normal if using no protection at all. For example, if it takes someone 20 minutes to sunburn and they applied a sunscreen with an SPF of 15, they would be able to remain in the sun for 300 minutes (15x20). SPF's are rated typically from 1 to 60, although there are some products with an even higher rating. While most suggest an SPF of 15 for everyday use, the activity, time of day, time of year, and the duration should all be considered.

What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof?

If you're out playing in the water, or perspiring heavily, determining how long a sunscreen or sunblock remains on the skin is very important. The FDA considers a product to be water-resistant if it maintains its SPF rating for at least 40 minutes of water exposure. To secure waterproof status, the FDA states that a product must maintain its SPF rating for more than 80 minutes of exposure. Two highly recommended products are Waterproof Sunblock by Murad and Foundation #4 and #5 by Dermalogica are great choices for your daily regimen. Don't be afraid to mix it up either. Blending a lighter or oil-free sunscreen with a sweat proof, waterproof, or rub proof sunblock could be a winning combination for everyday wear.

When choosing your moisturizer, why not try one formulated with SPF? Excellent examples include Extra Protective Moisture Lotion by Eucerin, Dermalogica's Sheer Moisture SPF 15, or All-Day Moisture Defense Cream by Peter Thomas Roth. Each one provides a minimum SPF of 15, provides great sun defense, will keep your skin supple, hydrated, and will provide you with a product that pulls double-duty for your busy lifestyle.

After the fact

Don't be dismayed if despite the best of intentions, sunburn occurs anyway. This may happen as the result of a missed reapplication, an unexpected outing sans having sunblock or sunscreen on hand, or a forgotten patch of skin. Whatever the reason, After Sun Repair by Dermalogica is just what the doctor ordered for relief and repair after over exposure to the sun. Also, remember that the tops of the feet, the back of the hands, and the back of the knees are the most commonly under-protected or forgotten areas.

SOURCE SITE

Hope this sheds some light on the subject... it is an amportant one.

BC

Make sure you DON'T put them on your lures

Swimbait-Good point, it wasn't sunsceen, but I once spoilled a whole bottle of Avon Skin So Soft that we use to keep bugs away into my tackle box.My catch rate went way down for a few days.Wife wouldn't let me use the dishwasher to clean them! Johnnie

You have to get the "Crayfish Scented Sun Block"... this way it doesn't matter if they get on your lures... it's like a two in one! Maybe even a three in one... Sun Block, Fish attractant and cologne!

BC

As a red head with a family history of skin cancer, I can tell you that any exposure is very serious. At my last trip to the dermatologis I aked him why I'm having problems at my age (59), his response, what I did when I was young. It can catch up with you. Carl Brendon, are you serious?

Skin-so-soft. Never seen the sunscreen, but have used for mesq. at night. Read that the marines cut it with alcolol, still stank like a french [censored] house. Anybody got a better solution for mesq.? Carl

Hi Carl,

I was totally joking about scented SunBlock... I won't even use that scented soap that really exists for washing your hands.

Skin-so-Soft has come out with bug reppellent that is unscented. I haven't tried it though... that might help to eliminate the "french HO house" factor.

BC

Carl, I know this is a real problem for anglers. My partner Bill, has light-thin skin and has had small skin cancers removed rom his hands and forearms. Bill Dance has the same problems. Park always wears a long sleeve white shirt and a wide brimmed white hat when fishing to at least reflect some of the sun's rays. Can't do much about his hands though. Lots of sunscreen-OFTEN. Even after he lips a fish, he'll add a little more in case it washes off. Terrible problem! I try to keep him in the shade if possible, but the fish aren't always in the shade. White lightweight cotton gloves without the fingertips might help, but it would be miserable fishing with gloves, long sleeve shirt and so on when it's 90 degrees or more. Sorry can't help much. Johnnie

That is tuff Johnnie... I see Flip Pallet from "The Walker's Cay Chronicles" wearing white gloves with the fingers cut off a lot. I'm assuming for the same reason.

If it came down to that, I think I would just start night fishing exclusively.

Well this is one subject I have a lot of experience with. Being that I live in SoCal we get some pretty intense sun.

I "ALWAYS" use spf 50 sweatproof and waterproof sunscreen before I go out to the lake. Also I always wear a hat, usually widebrim and gloves.

I've found it most effective to apply the sunscreen about an hour before I leave and let it dry real good. The only place I don't put sunscreen is on my forehead since it burns like crazy if it get into your eyes.... when temps get up into the 100s which is not unusual at Castaic.... ahhhhh it is almost impossible not to sweat enouth to get that stuff in your eyes.

Besides burning it can practically blind you as well.

And to be honest I could care less if people laugh at me for having a white nose!!!

Just make sure to wipe the stuff off your palms real good, rinse off your hands and rub down your hands with some good fishing scent to mask the smell of the sunscreen. Also sometimes if I'm anticipating it being buggy I use the Avon Skin so Soft with the insect repellent in as a base and then go over it with the spf 50.

Good fishing to you guys, later................ geobass

I came across some information about a brand of sunscreen, called BullFrog. I myself have never used it or heard of it until now, but apparently it is becoming quite the sensation with fisherman and other outdoorsy types that spend a lot of time on lakes.

From what I have read, it water resistant, and does not leave a film on your hand so there's no transfer onto bait. This is also popular with surfers. Apparently, you also do not have to re-apply, like most other sunblocks

If anyone has tried it, let us know what your thoughts are about it.

Here's a link to the site where you can purcahse it or just read more about it.
BullFrog

Wendy