Skin protection in Spain
 

Being from a Country that really doesn't get too much sun, not hot sun anyway, this is something I have been thinking about.
What do you do to protect yourself from the hot sun in the way of creams etc.? Going on holiday for a week or 2 and slapping on the factors I suppose might be different from actually living there!
I am fair skinned and hubby is a baldy:lol: 7 year old tans but I want to make sure we are all properly protected as we are after a more outdoor life!

Do those of you already living there use the all-day lotion in the morning before you go out? Is there a particular product or brand that is good?
I know it seems quite trivial, but I am particularly concerned about my youthful good looks with premature ageing and all that:rofl:

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

The only time I used it I got burnt.
Now I just try to be sensible and get accustomed to it slowly and only work in it in the mornings.
Stay out of the early afternoon sun.

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

Hi!
I use a facial moisturiser with an SPF of 15 daily. Haven´t burnt once and I´m incredibly fair skinned and always outdoors! :thumbup: In the really hot months I do put sunblock on my arms and legs too though, you just get used to it as part of your routine in the morning! I´ll PM you the brand of moisturiser I use.
My one tip is buy it in bulk if you go to visit the UK. I think cosmetics and the like are really expensive here in comparison and often the supermarkets in the UK put things on special offer. I have bought this particular moisturiser in El Corte Inglés in Madrid but it cost me €15 compared to 5-6 pounds. El Corte Inglés is the only place I´ve found it yet but I live in a totally Spanish region.

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

I burn very easily, and use a high protection cream when sat in the sun, BUT, we only sit out in the morning and later in the evening, we, and I suspect most people who live here, stay out of the sun from about mid day till 4 pm, which is the reason for Siesta time here.

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

I was recommended P20 - you apply it once in the morning and thats its, its water resistant and have used it on my 12 year old since he was a baby and never had a problem with him getting burnt - so gets the thumbs up from me

I think you can only get it at duty free as Ive never been able to find it in the shops either here or UK so I just get people to bring it over for me - if I remember its about 20 quid a bottle but like i say its only applied once a day

have a look here

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

just seen on their website its available in Superdrug, Asda, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, John Lewis, Lloydspharmacy, Savers, Matalan, T J Hughes, Home Bargains as well as duty free

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

Hi thanks for your replies:D
Spain I was wondering about the P20 stuff...I have noticed Costco are selling it here at the moment, which brings me to another question...is there a Costco in Alicante region?:confused: Brilliant place!

Find it hard to get my head around the siesta thingy! Just can't imagine sleeping in the afternoon!:unsure:

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

Sleeping in the afternoon is much better than sleeping at night in the summer. Oh and for skin protection I wear chain mail and a full suit of armour, you can't beat it

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

Sunbathing at night is the thing. Dont have to worry about cream then. Swimming at night is definately good though, usually go for a dip around 12.30 - 1 am :)

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

dont know of a Costco over here no but there is a Makro

It does take some getting used to, shops closing for siesta and on Sundays but you do in time - not sure about sleeping in the afternoon, think its only those retired folk that can do that :D

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

Do, do, do get a Factor 50 for your face and, if possible, wear a hat (especially bald men). Just walking around in the summer sun at most times of the day can put your skin at risk.

I've lived in hot countries on and off for the last 40 years and now, after three of four removals of facial skin cancer, I always put my Factor 50 on. One by Galénic, to be found in most pharmacies, is a 40 ml tube for 14€. Good stuff. Dermatologist said to put it on during winter sun also.

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

Have you got pale skin or lots of freckles, or have you just been unlucky?

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

No, not fair-skinned nor unlucky, just failed to take proper precautions earlier in life in the Far East and Middle East and the damage was done then apparently.

For those who tan easily, like me, we can think we don't need protection. I know the factor 50 is for fair and delicate skins, but I'm not taking any chances now.

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

You are quite right to take precautions now. Skin cancer seems to be on the rise, it is mentioned often now as we approach Summer in the UK even.
Thanks for that tip;)

Re: Skin protection in Spain
 

I agree 100 per cent. I know all skin tones are at risk, but I was under the impression that dark skinned people could "get away" with it as I dont imagine the indigenous populations suffering from high rates of skin cancer or using skin protection. Or is that just because they dont have northern european sunbathing habits?

I btw use factor 50 as I dont want to acquire too many wrinkles and I too did a lot of bronzing in my twenties.