My weird sun block question

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

I am Ms Paleskin who has been using sun blocks since paraminobenzoic acid first came on the market in the 1970's. I need to do some yard work today, but the products I have on hand are two years old, and I don't know about their chemical stability.

HOWEVER, I have a tube of Desitin 10% zinc oxide diaper rash ointment on hand. My skin is dry, so I can get by with the heavy emollient. But what I want to ask is, isn't that amount of zinc oxide a really effective sun block? I'm not sure, but I think "mineral" sunblocks use about the same amount. So I should be able to use it for sunscreen without troweling it on visibly, right? (I have pale skin anyway.)

Well, I put it on already and am leaving little white spots on my keyboard now. Guess I should have asked first. Maybe I'll let you know if it works. But what do you think?

[tinapbeana]

zinc oxide is an effective sunblock only if you have a visible layer on... think lifeguards and the white nose... so the diaper ointment would definitely work, but only if it's a thick enough layer to be visible (as zinc oxide is a physical sunblock rather than a chemical one).

i too am a paleskin (burn after 20 min) and am allergic to most sunscreen. BAH! hats, zinc oxide, and even mud (been there!) will all work in a pinch.

there was a time when the only one i could wear was neutrogena but my favorite right now is a brand called Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock Lotion SPF 50: it smells like lemon chiffon rather than coconut, goes on well and soaks in. the price on their site is expensive, you can find it for less at walmart or publix...

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Well, darn it, I came in for lunch and my face is looking awfully pink. Not sure yet if it is sunburn or just the flush of working myself warm.