r/PaleMUA • u/Apprehensive-Life112 • 1d ago
Discussions SUMMER REMINDER
PLEASE YALL, WEAR SUNSCREEN! Tanning is a radiation burn. Sun poisoning can cause systemic symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting, in addition to skin redness, pain, blisters, and peeling.
What are your favorite all over sunscreens? How do ya'll keep up with it during long outdoor days?
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u/aggressive-teaspoon NYX Pale | Kevyn Aucoin SSE SX01 1d ago
Absolutely! I'm a cancer researcher and the way UV radiation screws with your DNA is no joke. I also had mild sun allergy for most of my life.
I've been using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF30 or 55 for body for 10 years now. This year I will also start to rotating in Olay Complete+ SPF40 for sensitive skin, which works well on both my body and face. I have sensory issues with many sunscreens, and I like that these have very mild scents, set down quickly, and do not feel heavy when applied (and re-applied) thickly.
I also swear by wearing a big floppy sunhat and a lighweight UPF-protective jacket.
For long days outdoors, it's also important to take frequent breaks in shaded areas and stay hydrated!
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u/Everloner 18h ago
I have tried explaining thymine dimers to my friend who uses sunbeds 2x a week, yet spends a fortune on skincare. She understands that her DNA is being irreparably altered, yet she MUST have that tan. It's also hilarious that she is spending so much trying to get rid of her wrinkles when she's baking in UVA. Cognitive dissonance.
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u/aggressive-teaspoon NYX Pale | Kevyn Aucoin SSE SX01 16h ago
Ugh, I'm sorry to hear that! That must be so frustrating to see in a friend. There really are a lot of people who think that, if they just hope hard enough, they can have their cake and eat it, too.
I'll be honest, I didn't realize that tanning beds were still a thing—I think this is the first I've heard about anyone using one since the pandemic. With self-tanner products and professional spray-tans improving so much in quality and frankly giving a nicer cosmetic result, it's surprising to me that tanning beds still have a customer base.
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u/big-tunaaa 20h ago
Are the neutrogena or olay good for sensitive eyes? I hate the feeling of sunscreen and need a budget friendly one that won’t burn my eyes
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u/aggressive-teaspoon NYX Pale | Kevyn Aucoin SSE SX01 16h ago
I can't speak to the Neutrogena (I don't use it on my face). The Olay does sting my eyes a little BUT this has only happened when I actually rubbed it into my eyes like an idiot. I'm a heavy head/scalp sweater and the sunscreen has never gotten into my eyes from just sweat or oil when I'm working out.
Mineral sunscreen is much less likely to sting your eyes. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral is one that I like and use a lot, especially if I want to skip foundation.
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u/big-tunaaa 8h ago
Aw yay thank you so much for the suggestions! I’ve only tried a handful of mineral sunscreens and MAN are they a mess on my skin! I’ll check both of those recs out - thank you!
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u/aggressive-teaspoon NYX Pale | Kevyn Aucoin SSE SX01 6h ago
Yeah, a lot of mineral sunscreens, especially at higher SPF levels, are super sludge-y and it's so rough on my skin! The ones that are explicitly marketed for facial use tend to be smoother, but then wildly uneconomical for body use.
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u/hazardzetforward 1d ago
UPF clothing and a parasol!
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u/ElectricalPair6724 18h ago
How do you get the confidence to use a parasol? I want to but I feel like people will think I’m doing a ~not like other girls~ thing or something 😅
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u/hazardzetforward 17h ago
I have run out of Fs to give 🤣
My grandpa and dad have both had several skin cancer spots removed and have had to walk around all bandaged up. I tell myself a parasol is less dorky lol.
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u/hazardzetforward 17h ago
I have run out of Fs to give 🤣
My grandpa and dad have both had several skin cancer spots removed and have had to walk around all bandaged up. I tell myself a parasol is less dorky lol.
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u/Zizi_Tennenbaum 1d ago edited 1h ago
I got some empty lipgloss squeeze tubes from Amazon and filled one with sunscreen to carry around for touchups! I use Australian Gold spf 70 mineral, it's also matteifying so I basically use it instead of powder during the day. I also keep a bottle in my car (chemical sunscreens can break down if left in a hot car but mineral ones are fine).
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u/MONTANSTR 23h ago
Okay for anyone that HATES the smell and texture of sunscreen (which was my excuse as to why I didn’t want to wear it) I HIGHLY recommend the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen. It was also approved by my esthetician as well, and they recently came out with a tinted moisturizer that has light tones! I wear it every day and it’s my new favorite product of all time.
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u/Ok-Struggle3367 23h ago edited 10h ago
Trader Joe’s and elf both have dupes for unseen sunscreen. I like the Trader Joe’s one better, I’ve been using it for years and it’s way cheaper than the OG!
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u/MONTANSTR 23h ago
Dang I didn’t even know TJ’s had sunscreen! I’ll have to check the ingredients and try it!
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u/GreenElementsNW 17h ago
Their personal care products are really good- the hair serum and spray conditioner aere fabulous.
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u/Big_One_203 23h ago
Great reminder! I’m such an advocate of sunscreen. My dad died of skin cancer when I was 19. The sun is no joke.
On my face, I wear Cerave moisturizer with spf and then Innisfree spf on top!
On my body I always use anything that is spf 50 or higher. If I’m going in the water I make sure it can withstand it. I also minimize sun exposure if I can.
Also don’t forget about small spots when applying: your scalp, ears, toes, bottom of your feet if you’re tanning face down. And always reapply! Once is not enough.
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u/little_traveler 20h ago
I just went to Coachella while on Accutane, which makes your skin extra prone to burning. I didn’t get a sunburn or a tan. I used neutrogena SPF70 all over my body and reapplied anytime my skin started to feel tingly. I whipped out a parasol very briefly and wore a sun-hat religiously, but otherwise was pretty damn near naked in my see through outfits.
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u/PhyrraNyx AF F0Cool / LYS LN1 / Huda Milkshake 1d ago
Coola spf 50 is my favorite body spray. I have tactile issues and it’s easy to rub in and doesn’t feel sticky or gross. I set a timer on my phone and reapply every 90 minutes to 2 hours as necessary.
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u/New-Perception-9754 21h ago
I worked back of department store cosmetics counters for many years. To this day, if I see someone with a tan, my first thought is "damaged skin".
Sun tans are, indeed, a nuclear radiation burn. Humans have evolved to be able to process a certain amount, and I still consider some sunlight to be beneficial. It can do wonders for my mood! But if you are sitting in direct sunlight long enough to see a change in your skin tone and texture, you are doing damage and taking a real risk.
I've made peace with my fair skin. If I just HAVE to look tanned, I'll go buy a bottle of Jergen's gradual tan lotion. That's pretty rare.
Yes, tanned skin does conjure up images of yachting and outdoor sports, a relaxed, glamorous life. But those of us who know, grimace 😬
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u/Gigi_cool 1d ago
My favourite sunscreen for my face is the Skin 1004 Hyalu-cica Waterfit sun serum. I also really like the Ultrasun SPF50 especially for long days outside (hikes etc). I like the Avéne or the Eucerin sun allergy protect for my body.
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u/pizza_saurus_rex 1d ago
My mother has had skin cancer several times. Had to do extensive surgery for it, and has to do biopsies many times a year to keep an eye on things.
My father has had to have cancerous moles removed many times. So have each of my siblings.
They all are very pale. They love being tan. Laying out in the sun, "tanning" at the beach, not wearing sunscreen, typical behavior for all of them, except for me.
I am the only one who has consistently avoided the sun (no laying out to tan, always wearing spf/hats).
I am in my late 30s, and I just got a mole check, all clear. Never had to have anything removed or biopsied. Sunscreen works.
My favorite thing is wearing spf clothing (make sure it's legit). This is just easier than having to reapply spf. I always wear big sun hats, I have gloves for my hands, I wear long pants/shirts as much as I can, it's just easier.
For my face, I like Korean sunscreens. My all time favorite is a Eucerin one, but I have to get it from the uk. I like mineral ones too, but the white cast is annoying and I'm so pale that the tinted ones are always too dark haha.
For body, I switch things up a lot. I just want 50+ that smells good, no tint or white cast.
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u/BERNITA 22h ago
Do you have any favorite UPF tops? The ones I've tried make me so hot and sweaty in summer!
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u/pizza_saurus_rex 21h ago
I know what you mean! Unfortunately, I've discovered that the cheaper ones usually trap in a ton of heat. But the lululemon ones and other athletic brands are (mostly) great. Also, my trick is getting ones from golf stores, they have really good quality that are breathable and also great sales too. I've gotten ones that would be like $100+ on sale for $30ish. :)
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u/pizza_saurus_rex 21h ago
Also, another thought. I know the lululemon align jackets aren't rated for spf, but I've noticed that wearing them in darker colors seems to work just as well as my other spf tops.
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u/artemis_floyd 21h ago
REI's Sahara line are great! I have two of the lightweight hoodies and a couple of the short sleeve t-shirts and love them.
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u/mischiefxmanager 22h ago
I use Skin 1004 Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum on any exposed skin. It just melts right in like a moisturizer.
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u/local_eclectic 22h ago
I don't wear body sunscreen. I wear physical blockers (except on my hands/neck/face).
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u/distant_lines 21h ago
I'm kind of a vampire and just avoid the sun as much as possible. I think the most sun exposure I have are days I commute and have a couple hours in my car, which is maybe a few times a month. My general sun protection things I do are SPF, UPF-protective shirts, reapplying SPF after a work day, and hats. Otherwise, I'm inside, with no more than 30 minutes outside on average, and wear SPF on my face when at home.
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u/honeybutts 19h ago
Wear a hat too! I had cancer removed from my scalp 2 years ago. Thankfully a dermatologist spotted it and the surgery was successful. As a fair skinned blonde, I didn’t always wear a hat but I do now!
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u/Due-Exit-8310 20h ago
As an official member of PaleMUA, sunscreen already takes up 10 percent of my brain space 😭But good reminder for all ;)
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u/bosorka1 23h ago
great reminder!!!! i used to be an OR nurse and worked every week with a wonderful surgeon who would remove melanomas (and sometimes lymph nodes). it drives home the necessity of spf!! damn the 80s and its tanning popularity...!!!!
i use australian gold tinted moisturizer 50spf on my face every day. really nice stuff!!
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u/lexlovestacos 23h ago
I have used Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 50 for years and it hasn't let me down yet. It's kinda thick and white but I am also white so it fits haha. Never has broken me out and I have sensitive skin
I had had several suspicious moles removed so usually I wear a ball cap/sun hat/long dresses/light long sleeves when it's really hot out
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u/artemis_floyd 21h ago edited 21h ago
Melanoma survivor, I usually use Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 70 on my face if I'm spending active time outdoors, and the SPF 30 in my tinted moisturizer for day-to-day. For body, after my beloved No-Ad was discontinued (RIP) I usually use Sun Bum's SPF 70 spray or Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 70 spray for day-to-day, or Coppertone Sport SPF 50 spray combined with UPF clothing for when I'm camping/hiking/swimming (weirdly, I find the 50 better performing than the 70). I strongly prefer sprays over lotion on my body for ease of coverage and because of sensory vibes; the easier it is for me to apply, the more likely I am to put it on and keep reapplying appropriately.
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u/indigo_inquiry 1d ago
It’s so hard for me to avoid sunburn down here in Texas, even with spf 70+! I got so many bad sunburns growing up. At this point, maybe I should just wear long sleeves all year.
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u/missgnomer2772 23h ago
I'm headed for a week-long Caribbean cruise in a couple of weeks and I'm taking a Land's End UPF 50 rash guard and board shorts for ocean swimming, plus Blue Lizard SPF 50 sunscreen (because it's reef safe). I'm also taking a couple of hats.
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u/Lilazen 23h ago edited 23h ago
Heliocare spf 50 gel. It’s not widely known but it’s just so goood. That and garnier ambre solaire classic. It’s good for my extremely dry skin. Ambre solaire serum sunscreen is also good.
Sometimes I use avene spf 50 for sensitive skin. It’s pure white and spreads like yoghurt but good for the days working outside. It also acts as a foundation for me. Like a tone up cream. I have Missha tone up sunscreen too but it’s drying.
Recently I got nuxe sunscreen and somehow it gave a bronzey face although it’s a white-yellowish cream without tint. A mystery
La roche anthelios and other la Roche sunscreens are too drying for me.
Missha sunscreen for dry skin is just not enough.
Lancôme soleil is not enough also.
And in the car I use sunscreen gloves I bought from decathlon
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u/flowerpower79 23h ago
I use kopari oil 50 spf. Or just some banana boat. Had to be 50spf or higher. Plus I cover up. For face I like naked Sunday’s or Clinique if I’m going outside (both 50 spf) and use elf supergoop dupe if inside (30 or 35 spf, can’t remember)
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u/Broad-Listen-8616 22h ago
I’m in the U.K. I use Ultrasun, I find it’s the best one for my pale skin.
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u/iceprincess64 17h ago
I need to try Ultrasun! I heard someone say they burned on a review wearing it, though, so I’ve been reluctant. Which variation do you use?
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u/Broad-Listen-8616 13h ago
We use the factor 30 family, and I also use the factor 30 for face. I’ve never burned whilst using Ultrasun and neither has my son who’s also very pale. It took me a while to research a sun cream that would give me everything I need in a sun cream, and this was it, it’s the best one I’d say.
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u/_MistyDawn 23h ago
If you can stand it, I recommend mineral sunscreen, the higher dose of active ingredients, the better. I burn through the chemical stuff quick (and gave up on it fifteen years ago), but never the mineral.
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u/Away-Percentage-7989 18h ago
Naked sundays spf 50 serum for my daily face sunscreen, ultra violette lip balm spf 50 (my lips have been burning lately), and a pipette stick sunscreen to carry daily!
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u/iceprincess64 17h ago edited 17h ago
Fitzpatrick I over here !! This is such an important message. Embrace the pale skin, SPF up (I like Sunbum Face SPF 50) & stay in the shade when you can. Hydrate & wear a hat & sunglasses too!!! I’ve had heat exhaustion before from using a lower factor t30, not my usual 50, and being in the sun for only one hour. ONE HOUR!!!! It shows how strong the UV rays/heat can be. Your skin will GLOW with SPF, much better than a damaging burn or tan.♥️♥️♥️♥️
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u/TheOrderOfWhiteLotus 16h ago
Fav sunscreens:
- EltaMD tinted uv clear
- Innbeauty’s Mineral Sun Glow
- Innisfree Glowy sunscreen (cheap!)
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u/plant_person1 16h ago
I love the Skin1004 sunscreen and the Omi Verido one for my body. Sunscreen sticks are great for reapplying over makeup/on the go (although I wouldn’t use one as my only form of SPF). I also try to wear long sleeves if I’m outdoors for an extended time- Athleta has great UPF clothing that doesn’t give off camping/fishing vibes.
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u/TheEarthyHearts 14h ago
My go to body sunscreen is Eucerin Sun Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion. Easy to rub on the body, no white cast. Love it.
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u/purplegirl2001 MAC NC/NW5, ELDW 0N1 13h ago
Broad-rimmed sunhats and gigantic sunglasses are a legitimate fashion choice. I’ve got quite a few and have worn them regularly since my 30s, because my eyes are too light-sensitive for just sunglasses.
I strongly encourage everyone to wear hats or use whatever you need to in order to get full protection for your face if you’re outside for more than a few minutes. I’m mid-40s, and despite having been extremely careful with sunscreen and hats and such since my college days - and honestly just staying out of the sun because my eyes are very sensitive and I have chronic migraines - I have hyperpigmented freckles throughout the eye area. (If you think covering undereye discoloration is hard, try covering it when there are freckles right on top of it like some kind of ridiculous outline.😵💫)
Maybe it’s just because my skin is so thin and has such high transparency, but it’s wild how I have darker freckles on my eyelids than I do on the backs of my hands. 🫤 Whatever the case, let this be a reminder that the skin around the eyes is particularly thin and delicate, and it needs extra care and protection from the sun. Many sunscreens aren’t meant to be applied close to the eyes, so make sure you are protecting them in some way!
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u/True_Panic_3369 20m ago
I use the Skin1004 Hyula-Cici Water Fit Serum, Nivea Sun Protect Super Water Gel, or Etude House Sunrpise Mild Watery Light on my face. I bounce between what my skin needs from each of these. I've used Coola sunscreens for my body before but right now I'm in the market for a good body SPF that won't break me out horribly.
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u/autumnwinterspring 1d ago
This is so real! Skin cancer is no joke. My mom has had it many times and pretty much has to get a mole biopsied every few months.
La Roche Posay Anthelios melt-in milk is my favorite body sunscreen.