Survey About Sunscreen Usage- Input Appreciated!
Hello! I work for a company that makes sunscreen (I won't mention the name yet so I don't sway your feedback) and I wanted to get some input from endurance athletes on their needs and usage habits. If you could answer the following questions, I'd appreciate it!
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training?
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
7) What SPF do you use?
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
9) Additional comments/feedback
Comments
Scape
Not much, I live in Seattle
Stays there through sweat
Lotion
30
The only thing I don't like about scape is when you apply it, it makes your hands greasy. But that's how it stays on through sweat
3. Coppertone Sport
4. I typically have 3 bottles at any time (swim bag, run/bike bag, in the house). I usually rotate new bottles into each spot once a season (slightly more for my run/bike bag).
5. Something that looks like its designed for "sport" use
6. Lotion
7. 50
The best advertisement for sun screen is all the 'old' pros on the Ironman/endurance sport broadcasts. When my wife sees them and the damage that a life time of sun has done to their faces, she badgers me to keep wearing sunscreen.
2) Early morning and late evening
3) Bull Frog
4) No idea, mainly get my arms, tops of knees and head
5) Water resistant, NOT OILY/greasy, dries or soaks in quickly,
6) Spray or Bottle
7) 30+
8) can't think of anything
9) nah
2) If I'm not going to be out long (say, shortish run), I don't bother. Would like a little colour!
3) I use Coppertone Sport
4) Between husband and me, we go through 2 or 3 bottles a summer.
5) Water resistant, doesn't sting if it gets in your eyes.
6) Lotion
7) 60
8) can't think of any.
9) None.
I do at the beginning of the season but as the summer wears on I don't need it to avoid sunburn. I do use it season-long on my face when training during the middle of the day.
2) If not, why?
See above
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
Neutrogena "Sport Face" for my face. Neutrogena for legs / arms, also the sport one in the metallic packaging ("ultra sport?"). I have also used Coppertone Sport in the past.
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
Probably 2-3 packages, but I buy more than that because I'll forget it when I travel then have to buy more. So I have a lot of half-empty containers.
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
Sweat proof, non-greasy.
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
Lotion typically. In races I use spray on and apply it while running coming out of T2.
7) What SPF do you use?
70 or 100
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
Ability to apply effectively while coated in sweat
9) Additional comments/feedback
1) Yes, if I am heading out for more than 30 minutes
3) I am currently using Coppertone Sport. I have no brand preference.
4) I will usually work my way through one container each year. I usually toss out the rest and the end of the season. I read somewhere that over time sunscreen loses its effectiveness.
5) I look primarily for water resistant sunscreen.
6) I am currently using a lotion but am considering some type of spray so I can apply to my back when my wife is not around.
7) 50
9) My main concern is to avoid having the sunscreen burn my eyes after applying to my forehead. I usually try to avoid applying to that area for that reason and rely on a hat.
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training? - If full sun and I will be out 10-2
2) If not, why? - I don't use it oftne because I have had it sweat in my eyes.
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer? None in particular; I like dry, aerosol spray-on, waterproof, sweatproof
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season? 4 cans+
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)- see above.
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion) See above.
7) What SPF do you use? 15 or 30
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
9) Additional comments/feedback
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer? Banana-Boat-Clear-UltraMist-Sport-Performance-Active-MAX. I also use any and all free samples of sunscreen that are common swag bag fillers here in Florida. CVS brand equivalent of the Banana Boat spray is also very good.
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season? Boat loads. It's a loooong, hot season here in Tampa.
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc) Water resistant.
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion) I prefer continuous spray. I hate pump sprays.
7) What SPF do you use? 50+
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available? Something that doesn't yellow the white portions of my trisuits. You have to soak the suit in something (I forget but my wife knows) to get it out and keep your stuff white.
9) Additional comments/feedback
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training? - Whenever I'm outside for more than 30 min.
2) If not, why? n/a
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer? I'm not too brand loyal and sometimes go with generic. Just bought Banana Boat Natural Reflect and really like it.
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season? 2 to 3 medium sized tubes
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc). water resistant, non-greasy, easy to rub into skin (no white residue), Paraben & PABA Free, Oxybenzone-Free, UVA/UVB Protection, Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and/or Zinc Oxide ONLY
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion) Lotion mostly
7) What SPF do you use? 30, 50, sometimes 70
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available? Spray or pump version of sunscreen with my preferred attributes. Haven't found one yet.
9) Additional comments/feedback
Yes!
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
Neutrogena, Coppertone
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
I am surprised Neutrogena doesn't invite me to their shareholders meeting.
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
Waterproof. High SPF, spray on (so I don't miss shoulders, tramp stamp area), long-lasting. Neutrogena Wet Kids 80+ lasts through an entire Ironman.
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
Continuous spray; special face formulas.
7) What SPF do you use?
Really high. Like 50+
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
Bulk discounts; travel sizes. Refillable travel bottles
9) Additional comments/feedback
Posted By Kim DuBord on 20 Jul 2012 07:58 AM
Hello! I work for a company that makes sunscreen (I won't mention the name yet so I don't sway your feedback) and I wanted to get some input from endurance athletes on their needs and usage habits. If you could answer the following questions, I'd appreciate it!
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training?
Almost every time. Lots. Exceptions are ~1 hour runs in the early morning. Any long bike ride I do sunscreen no matter what. I wear sunscreen to every outdoor swim.
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
I seem to keep coming back to Coppertone Sport as reliable and not insanely expensive.
The Neutrogena spray seems pretty good.
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
Gobs. It's routinely on the grocery list. I try not to keep track...
To get the rated SPF you have to use about 3 oz of lotion for a more or less full arms/legs/head/neck. That's a lot of sunscreen.
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
Water/sweat resistant. Low smell. (I"m less concerned about the chemicals than just the smell...) If I tried it and it doesn't work for me, I don't buy t again. UVA protection. (I'm a TiO2 chemist so I won't tell Enrique all the bad things that TiO2 and ZnO do when exposed to light....)
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
All three of these. I've found the continuous sprays the most convenient. None is really the nasty aerosol any more. The disadvantage of the spray is that "plastic sheet" feeling it has going on, but the convenience of being able to do at least an ok job on my own back is huge. I race exclusively with spray on in T2. Lotion is the most cost effective generally.
7) What SPF do you use?
I believe that the ACTUAL SPF is usually limited by the application and by the activity, not by the laboratory SPF on the bottle. Since the pleasantness of the stuff is inversely proportional to the SPF, I generally use 30 when I get lotion. For sprays, I'll often buy somewhat higher, e.g., 50 or 70-80 if available. I do that because i tend to use those in self-application uses where I'm less likely to be sure I've got sufficient coverage.
As evidence that this is true, I note that I almost never sunburn through any garment, even if they are only "theoretically" about 15 SPF.
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
The ideal one would be "waterproof", not smelly, not feel gross and "rub in"... Oh, and it should take out the garbage and put away the dishes... :-)
I would like something that was really effective for the upper half of my face and didn't run into my eyes when sweating profusely.
More seriously, bulk purchasing/refill sizes would be great.
9) Additional comments/feedback
I use SCAPE.
About 3 8.5 ounce tubes.
Water resistant.
Lotion only please.
It's 50 SPF.
A "time to reapply" indicator!
Only brand I have use for years is KINESYS...but it is hard to find, but worth it ( $16.50-$18.00..spendy!) www.kinesys.com
I use as much as I need...come in a 4oz spray bottle and a small mini travel size (super convenient)...have 3 around the house right now.
Easy to apply, non greasy, water and sweat resistant and UVA/UVB protection
Pump spray to just spray or can rub in...this stuff is awesome. No sunburn when I use it...crazy tan lines if I forget
atleast spf 30
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training?
Yes, in the summer, and mainly on the bike as I run in the early am.
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
Banana Boat Sport (made by Sun Pharmaceutical LLC USA
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
about 200 gams
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
SPF30+, Broadspectrum UVA/UVB, long lasting (eg 4 hours plus), water resistant, non-greasy
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
Lotion
7) What SPF do you use?
30+
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
not to sting my eyes if it gets in them
9) Additional comments/feedback
I hear you, that stuff is expensive. Esp the spray-on stuff. TWhen I come out of T2 and ditch the bottle I try to do so in a place where I'll remember and be able to recover it after the race!!!
During daylight hours, usually.
2) If not, why?
No time/inconvenient to reapply.
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
The brand that's on sale. Usually Coppertone Sport, Neutrogena, or drug store brand.
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
About 55 gallons (we use sunscreen pretty much year-round here).
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
water resistant, sweat resistant, no sting, easy to apply
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
Zinc oxide cream on face, neck, and ears. Otherwise continuous spray.
7) What SPF do you use?
At least 50. Higher if we can get it. On sale.
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
Inexpensive. Mosquito repellent option. No sting that really is no sting.
9) Additional comments/feedback
I do some training and races where the need for mosquito repellent trumps the need for sunscreen. It would be nice to have both in one product. I also like packets with towelettes that I can apply without stopping and without spraying everyone in a 20 foot radius.
Option that I would love to see is when sunscreen gets in your eyes it does not make your eyes water like Niagra Falls. (a reference to the IM LP folks this weekend.)
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training?
Yes
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
Coppertone sport pro series
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
A lot. As soon as I start training outside I try to remember to start using sunscreen
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
Water/sweat resistant, fragrance free, not sticky.
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
Aerosol
7) What SPF do you use?
30 to start, 15 later in the season
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
9) Additional comments/feedback
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer? SCAPE
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season? not a lot
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc) Water resistant, fragrance free, something that lets my pores breath aka sweat!!!
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion) lotion
7) What SPF do you use? 30-50
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available? apply effectively while coated in sweat
9) Additional comments/feedback I really like Scape and the ability of the body to sweat hell that is what keeps us cool
2) If not, why?
3) Coppertone sport, or anything waterproof
4) two or three bottles
5) Water proof, no run into eyes
6) Spray
7) 30-50
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
9) Additional comments/feedback
2) n/a
3) preferred Scape. But I haven't been able to find it anywhere for months so... I recently switched to Mission and no complaints yet, but hasn't really been tested in a long sunny race yet.
4) half a dozen bottles or tubes at least because I always seem to lose them...
5) must not be too greasy. Must rub in completely. Must not run in my eyes when I sweat.
6) lotion and or spray
7) minimum of 30
8) I like small tubes. Maybe a night before product that will soak in. Anything that will be waterproof and actually work for 12 hours during a race...
9) nope.
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training? I am super fair skin. I alway use sun screen when I am out more than 90 minutes or so.
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer? Coppertone Sport
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season? I would think three bottle per a season. However, I probably lose 2 and give TSA one or two a season!
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc) I have had good luck with Coppertone Sport--therefore I don't change--unless I get a generic of it. I am very careful to apply it around the face--I avoid putting it on the forehead so avoid it dripping to my eyes
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion) Lotion--ok so I'm old school
7) What SPF do you use? I know that the effectiveness of SPF goes down geometrically -- however I awalys get the the highest I could. If they had SPF of 100K I would use it.
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
9) Additional comments/feedback
Here is why I wear sun screen. This happened to me on an Ironman a couple of years ago. Volunteer missed applying sunscreen on my leg-and I did not reapply until the halfway point of the bike. Granted--I am in charge of my body--so this is on me. Fair warning--this is grosss.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25126315@N04/4146325970/
It did get bigger--probably twice this size before it popped. My daughter called it my heirloom tomato.
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training? Yup. always.
2) If not, why?
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer? Coppertone sport spf 50
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season? I buy a big bottle and it usually lasts me about 8 months..?
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc) sweatproof
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion) lotion
7) What SPF do you use? 50 or 30
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available? I'm pretty happy with the coppertone sport. in fact I am getting annoyed that I can only find it in spray. I don't really like spray because I dont think it is all that consistent.
I am apparently way outside the norm here.....
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training? Rarely. The only time I consider it is at the beginning of outdoor training and I don't have any tan whatsoever. But once May rolls around, then none during training.
2) If not, why? Don't like to cover my body in chemicals. I would rather get sun protection via the melanin production due to exposure.
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer? Don't have a favorite.
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season? Less than half a container...
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc) If I use it at all, I want it to be mineral-based, preferably zinc oxide (not Ti02)
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion) Spray for parts of my back that I can't reach. Lotion otherwise
7) What SPF do you use? 30ish
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available? Mineral-based that doesn't create a sweat-barrier (i.e. still porous so as to allow sweat evaporative cooling to occur)
9) Additional comments/feedback
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training?
Yes, on bike rides only.
2) If not, why?
Not while running or anything else. I sweat too much while running, and generally try to be in the shade.
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
Scape SPF50 for longer rides. Neutrogena or Coppertone Sport SPF30 for bike rides up to two hours.
neutrogena face-specific stuff (can't remember the name here) SPF100
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
3 spray cans
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
sweat resistance, price
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
spray and lotion
7) What SPF do you use?
30 or 50. My dermatologist wants me to use 100 on my face, but I seldom do.
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
small containers to take with, perhaps paired with a bigger bottle purchase
9) Additional comments/feedback
1) Do you wear sunscreen while training?
Yes, but mostly for the swim and bike.
2) If not, why?
I tend to do my runs in the early morning or late afternoon when there isn't as much sun exposure.
3) If yes, what brand(s) do you prefer?
Scape and Neutrogena.
4) Approximately how much sunscreen do you use in a season?
2-3 spray cans and maybe a bottle.
5) What product attributes do you look for in a sunscreen? (ie water resistant, fragrance free or pleasant scent, no sting, etc)
Water/sweat resistance.
6) What form(s) do you use? (Pump Spray, continuous spray (like aerosol), lotion)
Spray and lotion
7) What SPF do you use?
50 or higher.
8) What additional benefits/attributes would you like in a sunscreen that isn't currently available?
9) Additional comments/feedback