Girls, do you use SPF and Why?

[madmisskelly]

I want to hear all about what SPF you use if you use it.

How often do you put it on? What SPF do you use?

Why do you use it?

I do not use SPF

I use it because sun damage causes 90% of early aging

I use it because of the risk of skin cancer

[Anonymous]

I usually use spf because I'm addicted to anti-aging concepts. its funny because I'm black and my parents look half their age at 50, no noticeable wrinkles yet and theyre good looking , people always say my mom is really pretty, etc. she doesn't wear spf all the time but she does sometimes. I told her she better start to preserve the hotness longer. anyway people always tell me that black people don't need to use spf. its like regardless of your skin tone, its assumed that you have something in you being "black" that prevents you from aging. I guess maybe its true. I'm a tan color (what we call high yellow, light skinned) and my mom is even lighter, like beige-tan. I still slather on the spf. not as often as I should though (every day). there's also the issue of people of color absorbing vitamin d. its tricky.

i want to help protect my skin from the suns aging rays. that's the only reason I would need spf. otherwise id probably benefit more from going without it - black people need more vitamin d and have a harder time absorbing it. when I was younger I wore spf at insanely high levels (like spf 60 - which it turns out is about the time you spend in the sun and not extra extra protection) because I didn't want to get darker. I don't consciously think that now, even though I don't want to get too much darker, but it seems like it takes a while for my tan to fade.

I'd say I use it 70% of the time now, which is backwards because I used it 90% of the time in the winter and the fall. fail. gotta step it up.

[thisislifebaby]

In summer if I am going to be spending time outside (more than 30 min) I will used SPF 30- 50 on my face and whatever skin in showing or if it isn't summer but there I still a high UV rating I will wear SPF 15-20 on my face. I use it because from when I was little I was taught that is what you do or you will get skin cancer I'm not even kidding here in Australia they are really serious about that stuff also I am pale (I don't tan or burn easily) and I have no interest in getting a tan so I stick to my SPF

[DebiPie]

Actually, I now use a 25 in my moisturizer everyday. I have been for years because as I was growing up we didn't have sunscreen. Nothing! Heck, we'd put on baby oil & go out. I worked in the corn fields & got toasty brown for years. Now my skin looks great for my age, no aging problems, I don't worry about that. But I do worry about skin cancer. I have already had a couple of spots removed that are pre-cancerous. Let me tell you, it's not too pleasant. And a couple of them took awhile to heal up & lighten back to skin color. Eww! So slather on the sun screen ladies! You do not want brown spots & cancer.

[madmisskelly]

Im noticing my freckles are actually fading the more sunscreen I wear!

[DebiPie]

Keep wearing it!

[madmisskelly]

I just got the spray (burns less) and the actual moisturizer that has spf 110.

[angel1142]

I'm a mixed girl with brown skin that tans super easily and I use spf 50 everywhere but 25 on my lips (to still get it looking transparent). Because my health is more important than anything and I have to protect myself. And it feels good to have a protection from the sun that before was literally burning my skin!

[Ada-Fae]

I combine a lovely (expensive) natural SPF 45 with a homemade lotion that has an SPF of about 10-15. I also almost never have any exposed skin besides my face, neck and my arms from the elbow down, and have recently taken to wearing a wide brimmed hat and carrying around my parasol. I prefer to remain pale. I burn really badly before I tan, I look better pale and I would rather not live with all the lovely side effects of spending my life in the sun. Besides that, I much prefer the rain.

[madmisskelly]

I live in cali, where its almost always sunny. I love the sun, and love how I look when I am tanned but I don't want the risk of skin cancer. So I fake bake and then do a super high SPF when I go out during the day.

[aliciaxx]

Fake bake? Like a tanning booth or getting spray tanned?

[madmisskelly]

fake tan lotion or spray tan if you want the tan look without the skin damage, although there is nothing wrong with pale skin.

[saelym]

On top of enjoying the apparent novelty of a ghostly sheen, there's a history of skin cancer in my family and I don't tan well.

I have SPF lotion for my face (30+) and use an SPF enhanced (15) foundation. In addition to that, I use 100+ SPF spray by either Neutrogena or Aveeno for my body - arms, legs, neck, ears, chest, and a dab on my exposed scalp - because it tends to catch more sun than my face does.

If I'm leaving the basement for any reason, I'm wearing my SPF.

[madmisskelly]

I love the SPF 100! I just need to find one that doesn't burn, probably neutrogena.

[saelym]

I'm big on theirs. My boyfriend even got some for himself (in a less powerful SPF) after feeling how silky it ends up after drying - much better than being covered in oily goo all day

[tohrment]

My facial moisturiser has SPF 30, and my foundation has SPF 17.

I use the moisturiser every day, and the foundation whenever I want to look decent.

Honestly, I'm not all that concerned with SPF cos I'm brown, and thus have a lower chance of developing skin cancer, etc (I know, bad way to look at it). But here in Australia the sun is terrible and it's best to offer your skin as much protection as possible.

[madmisskelly]

The one thing that scared me, because I used to not wear SPF because my makeup had 15 in it, was that when they test it, they test a huge gob of it! So its like, allright, I'm getting the highest one possible so I KNOW I am protected. I am fair skinned and live in northern california soon to be living in southern california.

[tohrment]

Yeah, definitely. Better to be safe than sorry, and all that.

[samhradh_leannan]

I use it any time I know I will be in the sun for prolonged periods of time, on any exposed body parts. I almost always have a little bit of SPF on my face because my moisturizer and makeup both have some. My family is really careful about using SPF because my parents have had skin cancer and my skin is very susceptible. So I was raised using SPF and knowing the importance of it.

[OlympianChick]

I use it because I have a skin disease called vitaligo which means there isn't any pigment there. I have a huge risk of melanoma and other diseases if I don't wear it. Its not contagious but I always wear SPF 100 because of skin damage. Everyone should wear at least 30

[ambertaylor]

Voted C because I'm terrified of getting cancer and getting a tan when I'm young isn't worth getting skin cancer due to sun damage in later life. I also embrace my natural skin tone, very fair and quite pale, I don't suit a darker color and don't find people with a tan more or less attractive.

[mormollio]

I use it for none of those reasons...I like the skin tone I'm at right now and don't want to get darker, also since I'm black hyperpigmentation can be a big issue for me if not taken care of. So I go for prevention. Also I want to look young when I'm old.

I don't sunburn so yeah...

[bsebllgrl]

I use 60 on my face and 55 everywhere else. I've had a couple skin cancer scares and would rather not go through that again. One of my medications causes sun sensitivity though, so even wearing 55, I burn in less than 1/2 hour. It sucks even though I do like having a tan.

[courtney06]

I use it but not for the reasons in the vote. I only use it if I know I'll be out in the sun for a longer period of time. I don't get sunburn but I just don't like tanning. I like my skin the way it is and tanning just makes it ridiculously uneven and oily.

[peace-love-couture]

I use it for B & C, but mostly because of B(since I am dark skinned)

I use Eucerin Face Protection Lotion with SPF 30 & my makeup has SPF in it I believe, but I also use a spray(Neutrogena) when I go running outside, all over my body, including my face

I use it religiously and I harass my friends and mom about it.

[Anonymous]

I burn almost never. I simply tan. On the rare case that I burn, I just spray myself with after-sun and then limit my time in the sun until I'm sure it's better. My father never uses sunscreen, and though he's 54 now, he looks like he's 33. I consider that amazing aging. My mother is the same way. She's 48 and looks probably 35ish. I think (hope) I'll take after them lol.

[madmisskelly]

Although you don't have to burn to have damage to your skin, dermatologists are saying that even if your skin changes color its damaging.

[Opinion Owner]

Well then, I guess that we're all doomed to die 'cause being out in the sun for a day can damage your skin then.

[madmisskelly]

Not if you wear SPF :D

[Opinion Owner]

To each their own.

[curlysmuuve]

im naturally tan and all I do is get darker if I'm out in the sun, I don't usually wear sunscreen or whatever...but when I'm in counteries like saudi or in north africa I do because its just too freakin hot and I can feel/ smell my skin burning...but I don't think ill get skin cancer if I'm out in the sun too long...if that's teh case all my ancestors would have died because of it from living in the sahara

[SarahHen]

I use it for a number of reasons 1)I'm pale 2) Prevents wrinkles 2) Helps prevent cancer

I usually use SPF 60, and I put it on everyday usually two/three times a day. More if I've been sweating

[Anonymous]

SPF30 broad spec

Whenever I'm out in the day time, just once before I go out. I'd want to reapply but I'd want to wash my face and it's not really something you do once you're out.

link

It doesn't tint your skin any color, it's not heavy, it's friggen awesome that's why.

I don't like freckles. :P

[Opinion Owner]

For the rest of my body I don't really bother =/ unless I know I'm going to be in the sun for long.

[LizTheWeirdKid]

i use 30 SPF because of both B and C. I voted B by accident. I care more about the skin cancer issue. but I do care about sun damage inflicted on skin by the sun. I live in southern california and I walk everywhere so I'm out in the sun alot.

[madmisskelly]

I've gotten hooked on SPF 100. Stuff is amazing!

[LizTheWeirdKid]

really? I've have been tempted to try it but I heard too much spf is bad?

does it really protect against the sun a lot more than the lower spfs?

[madmisskelly]

It really does, the trick is finding ones that don't burn. So finding a great one for your face, one that is gentle, and probably a spray for your body.

[fascination_streak]

I am as pale as they come. I use an SPF 15 on my face every day. My makeup contains an SPF 15 too. If I am going to be outside all day, I use a 50 or I will burn! I don't want to deal with sunburn or skin cancer one day.

[scnbabe89]

I only use it when I'm in the sun for a really long time like over 5 hours, otherwise I don't use it I go tanning a lot so my skin is already damaged. I really don't care about what I do to my body anymore.

[elliesaur]

I'm rather pale and I only use it every once in a while. I generally walk around in long sleeves in the summer too, so the sun doesn't get to me as much, but if I'm at the beach I make sure it's on every inch.

[XRabbitHeartX]

Yep, my moisturizer has SPF in it as well as my foundation. When I'm going to be in the sun for a extended period of time I'll add extra more sunscreen instead of just using my moisturizer cause I'll need higher SPF then.

[cristinaboss]

I don't really use it. I use tanning lotion and that only has an SPF of 4 which is barely anything. I'd rather be tan.

[madmisskelly]

You'd rather put yourself at risk for skin cancer?

[cristinaboss]

People smoke knowing it causes all kinds of cancer. Even cell phones have the potential to cause brain cancer. Birth control, and even certain ingredients in foods can cause cancer. Honestly, what doesn't put us at risk these days? Might as well go lock ourselves up in a room for the rest of our lives.

[madmisskelly]

Smoking yes, causes cancer we know this. Other things, we don't know about it causing cancer. UVA and UVB rays we KNOW can cause cancer. If you are in the sun enough without protection, you CAN and probably will be affected by it somehow, There is scientific study after scientific study to show that prolonged sun exposure multiplies your risk for skin cancer, the same cannot be said for cell phones and other ingredients that you speak of.

[cristinaboss]

Actually with the ingredients, some are known to cause cancer like artificial food coloring, sweeteners, and certain preservatives and there has been scientific study to support that. Are people going to stay away from those things? No, it's almost impossible to avoid. Prolonged exposure is obviously bad and we all know that. But, getting some sun is okay and is totally healthy since the sun does provide vitamin d to your skin. When people load up on SPF 100 or whatever

[cristinaboss]

they're not helping their skin in anyway. And staying out of the sun isn't healthy either.

[madmisskelly]

Artificial sweeteners do not cause cancer, and I would like to see the studies claiming that they do, because I wrote a 10 page scientific research paper on the fact that they DON'T cause cancer.

You get enough vitamin D through supplemented food and what not to the point that you don't need it through the sun. The majority of the vitamin D you get isn't even through the sun.

Any change in skin color is sun damage- getting a tan is NOT healthy.

[_lightness_]

There was recently a study that the SPF can cause cancer just as easily as the sun can. it's really bad for you, I don't use it.

[madmisskelly]

I have never read a study like that. Sure if you use poorly made crap it might not be the best but sunscreen is regulated by the FDA. Where did you get the report. I'd like to read that.

[livi24]

My friend's little brother has to use something like SPF 80 o.O

If I wanna get tan I use SPF 10 or something for my sun tan lotion. My moisturizer is like SPF 30.

[sweet_18]

I use it religiously. It's not even a question. I'm pale...my ancestors were from Europe where the sun doesn't shine as much as in Texas. So I have to use it because my skin is ill-equipped for such excessive sun exposure

[Anonymous]

I use it because, I have naturally red hair, pale skin and freckles. It could be 80 degrees out and the sun be out and ill get sunburn in 15mins. I use it because I don't to die of being so damn hot every night (:. Thnxxs. And I never tan

[arashmenalagha]

I don't need sunscreen because I'm brown my heritage prevents sunburns, but I still use spf 30 on my face and neck.

[DiamondKutt]

Sometimes it's in the face lotions I buy, but I don't purposely buy sunscreen because I've never had a sunburn & I honestly feel like I don't need it.

[litlaprincess]

I'm from Iceland, it doesn't get that hot here so I only use spf maybe like 20 days out of the year when it gets really hot. I voted C.

[TIAP3T]

I use it because I don't want to get burnt. Skin cancer doesn't really scare me we all die at some point :b

[Cuddle_Muffin]

B and C..

I don't even like going out in the sun..it ruins me.

[jokersgirl]

I use SPF 8, so that I don't burn but also so I don't stay white lol I re-apply depending on how much I'll be in the sun that day

[Anonymous]

I use Neutragena baby face sunscreen and this other stuff my mom gave me. I put it on everyday because it keeps my skin protected obviously, but also because I have porcelain skin, and I love the way it looks on me, better than how tan looks on me.

[Anonymous]

I'm very pale... I just burn so 50+ although I haven't really used any when it was sunny last week because I didn't burn so bad.

[Anonymous]

Skin cancer runs in my family. Plus I have alabaster skin and burn easily.

[tokioangel95]

I use spf 50, my skin is really sensitive.

[blufrenzy93]

I use it when I remember, which isn't often.

[JustMeW]

Daily. I use tinted lotion w SPF.

[TheGodEmperorLeto]

wtf is SPF? O.o

[MrEM4N]

I take it you're a no. And very pale.

[TheGodEmperorLeto]

Actually I'm not pale. Native blood in me :P

[samhradh_leannan]

Why would someone who doesn't use SPF be very pale?

[TheGodEmperorLeto]

Ya, I dunno.

And I still wanna know wtf SPF is. Do people realize acronyms have multiple things that can relate for them?

[kheserthorpe]

I'd never heard 'use spf' as a way of saying 'use sunscreen'.

To me its a bit like asking if they have a mpg instead of asking if they have a car.

[TheGodEmperorLeto]

Is that what they were referring to? Sunscreen? lol.

[madmisskelly]

I chose to say "spf" because I didn't want to limit it to sunscreen. You can find SPF in makeup, moisturizer and other things.

[aft18]

Most people I know use the term SPF for sunscreen. They say sunscreen as well but SPF is a pretty common term used where I live.

[rawrawr]

Lol what were you thinking it meant? And I hear people say spf more than sunscreen or maybe equally

[TheGodEmperorLeto]

Single Point of Fail, Sender Policy Framework, Shortest Path First >>> I'm a computer person :P

[Anonymous]

I use it for pretty much c and a tinny bit of b.