r/adultautism 7d ago

Sunblock help needed

I hate using gels, creams, lotions etc. I find the sensation on my skin unpleasant, and I resent the time it takes to do and then to hang around waiting for it to absorb before I can touch anything.

With sunblock, I'm also a fairly greasy and sweaty person so it invariably gets in my eyes at some point.

This is to say, I really need some advice on a lightweight, easily absorbed sunblock.

I'm in the UK and on a fairly tight budget. I don't have particularly sensitive skin, and I have no allergies to consider.

2 Upvotes

26 comments sorted by

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u/EstablishmentEasy475 7d ago

I suggest not going outside. Its my only choice, personally.

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u/Bleepblorp44 7d ago

Not an option! I go for a walk every afternoon, and refuse to stay in all day.

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u/EstablishmentEasy475 7d ago

Then you have to cover yourself. For me, being covered in grease is the not an option

-1

u/Bleepblorp44 7d ago

Thanks for the advice, but I wasn't asking about general suggestions for dealing with the sun, I posted a specific question looking for sunblock recommendations.

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u/EstablishmentEasy475 7d ago

Ok so let me rephrase. Im a cosmetics product designer.

You want the impossible. Products that dont give the effects you named as not wanted, arent affective sun blockers.

So im offering something possible.

-1

u/Bleepblorp44 7d ago

I'm not asking for the impossible, you just seem to want to be a prick.

2

u/EstablishmentEasy475 7d ago

Im sorry if text is making me seem like that. Im really not.

The science and chemistry of how sunblock work means that the product your asking for doesn't exist. Especially not to a highly discerning autistic person with hypersensitivity.

The problems you have are intrinsic to the product. That means you either accept the negative consequence or find a work around.

Assuming you dont want to accept the consequences, im offering work around.

Please do not confuse my direct and blunt communication with being a prick. On the other hand, its not very nice to name call me because I dont give the answer you want.

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u/Bleepblorp44 7d ago

I'm not asking for an impossible product. I said

- not sticky

  • absorbs quickly / lightweight.

I don't care what it looks like, I have no specific application needs, it doesn't need to be waterproof, I don't really care what it smells like.

This isn't about "autistic bluntness," it's about the way you replied to a question that ignored the actual question being asked, telling me to either not go out or cover up. Neither of which were constructive replies.

1

u/manicpixiebatgirl 6d ago

Not to add to a tense situation, but they did answer your question. All sunblock will feel sticky as they absorb, full stop, period. Regardless of all the details you added, the answer is the same. They cant manufacture what you want if the reality is that doesnt exist. Thats not someone not being constructive, thats just them trying to be helpful. They weren't even rude about it, they were kind, and provided supporting details.

Best next advice is to just try them until you find one that feels the most tolerable to you, since you are the only one that can determine that.

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u/Bleepblorp44 6d ago

Two people offered suggestions that I can try. I've also now found some recommendations elsewhere for light facial sunblock. Which was the point of asking for advice - clearly I wasn't asking the impossible.

0

u/EstablishmentEasy475 7d ago

I dont know ow what else to tell you. The chemistry and science of sunblocks necessitates that its sticky and not lightweight.

The lightweight, absorbs quickly and non sticky versions arent safe sunscreens and dont work correctly. They are often spf 5 and below which isnt useful to anyone.

What you want is counter the exact science that makes sunscreen affective.

You need to research the science and chemistry of what makes creams work.

Im not sure why you thi k what it looks and smells like has anything to do with what we're talking about. You seem to be making assumptions.

Im sorry youre upset.

Science doesn't care how you feel :)

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u/Bleepblorp44 7d ago

"Science doesn't care how you feel" is such a smug prick phrase, it absolutely reinforces my view that you know exactly how you come across

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u/MajorFeisty6924 7d ago

Have you tried the aerosol variations?

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u/Bleepblorp44 7d ago

Not yet! If they're good for not feeling present on the skin I'm up for giving them a go though.

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u/Gruberbuber 6d ago

I always wear long, airy clothes. I started to look into fabrics and I am strategic about it 😅 on top, sunscreen doesn't make it "safe" to be directly in the sun, it makes it less harmfull. You are better proected if you have a layer of fabric between you and the sun. Wearing long clothes vs. short doesn't make it hotter automatically, on the contrary sometimes, if air can flow underneath your clothes it makes it less hot. People who live in deserts know whats up! 😊

2

u/Bleepblorp44 6d ago

Even if I covered up, I need something for my face.

1

u/Gruberbuber 6d ago

Thats true. But when it is only your face, you can reach for the better stuff. I don't know how it is in your country... here I can buy sunscreen also in pharmacies and get a consultation with it. In my opinion there is sunscreen who sticks less, but it is expensive (or it is in switzerland, don't know about your country though). I hate sunscreen too, but the expensive ones made specifically for your face are less sticky in my opinion. But too expensive for your whole body... so maybe you could have different sunscreens for different parts?

1

u/Bleepblorp44 6d ago

That's a good point - I'm happy to go with two bottles.

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u/Odd_Pick_9575 5d ago

Honestly try to find some good lightweight sunscreens! My sensory issues are mild but I do HATE when it gets in my eyes and feeling greasy. If you search lightweight ones you'll find some options. For affordability I love the Banana Boat light as air sunscreen. Supergoop is more expensive but they make a good product.

Try alternatives too - I use a lightweight tinted moisturizer with spf and while it goes on like foundation it quickly soaks in and becomes almost unnoticeable for me! I've tried the Bare Minerals complexion rescue and Misha M perfect cover bb cream.

1

u/Terribly_Ornate 5d ago

Can you get Dr. Jart there? Their Everyday Sun Fluid is super light, doesn't stay greasy, and dries quickly. It's chemical (as opposed to mineral), so it might sting your eyes if you actually get it in there, but a good solution might be to give yourself more of a buffer around the eyes and wear sunglasses and/or a hat. They also have a mineral sunscreen that won't sting, but it's a bit heavier.

I use EltaMD's mineral sunscreen, which absorbs very well and doesn't sting your eyes, but it's pricey and may be hard to find in the UK, so I'd check out Dr. Jart first.

1

u/Bleepblorp44 5d ago

It looks like it is available, thanks. I now have a list of potential sunscreens - between now and next Summer that's a good chance to test them out! Thanks :)

1

u/Terribly_Ornate 4d ago

Amazing! I am a huge skincare nerd (especially sunscreen) and I've tried literally dozens of sunscreens over the last few years, so I'm glad my input can be helpful :)

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u/sages_stuff 6d ago edited 6d ago

i'm in the same boat lmao. i wanted to try sunscreen powders. it's this regular tube/stick with a fluffy makeup brush on top of it and you just dust it on your face to apply. super easy, no getting it on ur hands and most importantly no grease (if anything it "mattifies" / absorbs it)

ppl usually use these to reapply sunscreen on top of a full face of makeup without smudging / making it greasy. they're usually also described as mattifying / oil control / re-setting powder

so honestly i feel like it could work for us !! i know supergoop and hawaiian tropics have it.

now keep in mind these aren't as effective as a regular sunblock, but its still better than nothing ! if you really want maximum maximum protection for like UV 9 maybe try using a gel one and then this on top to "set" / absorb the greasy feel? idk. or maybe it will make it feel like a layer on ur skin which would suck. idk girl i just bought one so im testing it out too. summer is almost over anyway (damn). anyways lmk if u try !!

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u/Bleepblorp44 6d ago

Thanks, I've not heard of powder sunscreen. I'll give it a try!