sunscreen packets vs. tube

[Kate Magill]

Has anyone done a weight comparison of sunscreen in packets vs in a tube? The packets seem prohibitively expensive. Plus, very limited selection of brands.

I know, this is BPL, and everyone is going to say, hat, umbrella, long sleeves, etc. We do all that, but this is for my toddler who is nordic-pale and won't keep a hat on his head. He always has some extremity that needs the 'screen.

[Stephen M]

If its for a toddler bring a bottle..

[Kenneth Keating]

Just repackage into small squeeze tubes. The problem with the packages is resealing if you don't use all the product in the first application. Purchase the tubes on eBay, do a search for cosmetic tubes 8ml. 8ml tube sizes work out well. On eBay they're typically they're available from China, but they'll arrive quickly.

[Jim C]

I've found repackaging into a cylindrical container is better than a squeeze tube, because it makes it easy to use every bit of the lotion out. Film canisters are apparently popular for this, though I haven't had a such a canister in years. I also prefer something with a screw top lid, to avoid the cap popping off.

I ordered some half-, one-, and two-ounce containers from Amazon which fit the purpose well, though admittedly, you can go lighter than the ones I picked up. So my search may continue, but I definitely prefer the convenience of a vial over a tube.

Another thing that's convenient about a vial: you can mix in a few drops of lemon eucalyptus and/or tea tree oil to act as natural insect repellent and anti-stink. (That advice applies for adults and older children; the CDC doesn't recommend lemon eucalyptus for children under three, and I also wouldn't use tea tree oil on a toddler. I'm offering a tip for BPLers in general which I've found handy).

[John S.]

It may depend on how much skin is exposed. I cover up and only use sunblock on my face and maybe fingers (depending on gloves used). So, I repackage into black film canister.

[Kate Magill]

Ah, thanks! I knew there was a reason I had all those film canisters!

[Nick Gatel]

"I also prefer something with a screw top lid, to avoid the cap popping off."

Just a history lesson. 35mm film canisters used to be aluminum with a screw top cap. Plastic replaced those. I still have a few screw tops in the garage some where

[John Eyles]

I just use a wide-mouth 1oz Nalgene bottle. Enough for a 5-6 day trip if wearing long-sleeve short and hat.

[Dale Wambaugh]

I keep one packet in my kit, but scew-top salve style containers work well as they are easy to fill and you can get it all out. The containers I have are 35mm diameter and 30mm tall and weigh 8g. You can get your pinkie right down in the bottom corner. My objection to the packets is the sustainability issue. Same thing with insect repellent.

If you want a heavy duty film-style container, check with anyone who uses a blood glucose meter. The little cans that hold the test strips have a very positive seal and the sides are reinforced, so they are hard to flex/crush.

[Bob Moulder]

I like THESE

[Ken Larson]

GO HERE

Important thing to remember:
• Apply generous amounts of sunscreen to dry skin 30 minutes before you go outdoors.
• Use sunscreen on all skin surfaces that will be exposed to sun, such as your face, ears, hands, arms and lips.
• If you don't have much hair on your head, apply sunscreen to the top of your head or wear a hat.
• REAPPLY sunscreen every two hours — and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
• Remember that sand, water, snow and concrete reflect sunlight and make it even more important to use sunscreen.
• A combination of shade, clothing, sunscreen and common sense is your best bet.

AMOUNT TO USE:

"To achieve the Sun Protection Factor (SPF, which protects against the sun’s UVB radiation) reflected on a bottle of sunscreen, you should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. In practice, this means applying the equivalent of a shot glass (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body – a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone. If you’re using a spray, apply until an even sheen appears on the skin. Remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, heavy perspiration, or toweling off. Also remember, no matter how much sunscreen you apply, the SPF should be 15 or higher."

Dr. Hale is clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Hale is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery, and the New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society. She practices dermatology at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY, and lectures extensively on the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.

[John Eyles]

Seems like these are better – tougher polycarbonate – though much more expensive. Not sure about weight.

[alan york]

Coppertone Sport stick.Looks like a big chap stick.Also a good foot lube and wind burn protector. If you put it on above eyes it will not burn like most sunscreen.

[royo royo]

Lately I've been using these little 0.5 oz dermatone tins. Can get them on amazon. The tins are easy to open with gloves, stay closed and are a handy size for short trips, unless you use lots of sunscreen for exposed legs/arms. Kind of expensive but the sunscreen is really high quality and you can refill the tins with more dermatone or anything else bought in bulk.

[Ken Larson]

AMOUNT TO USE:

"To achieve the Sun Protection Factor (SPF, which protects against the sun’s UVB radiation) reflected on a bottle of sunscreen, you should use approximately two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin. In practice, this means applying the equivalent of a shot glass (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the exposed areas of the face and body – a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone. If you’re using a spray, apply until an even sheen appears on the skin. Remember that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more frequently after swimming, heavy perspiration, or toweling off. Also remember, no matter how much sunscreen you apply, the SPF should be 15 or higher."

Dr. Hale is clinical associate professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Hale is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, American College of Mohs Surgery, American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery, and the New York Facial Plastic Surgery Society. She practices dermatology at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of NY, and lectures extensively on the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.

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