antimonysarah

What are people putting on their faces that doesn't massively over-oil skin? I'm so tired of pizzaface for a week after a brevet, yuck. Plus on multi-day events it can actively be starting to be painful to grind it in over clogged pores. (And yes, I'm cleaning it off well post-ride/before sleeping, it's just having it on there for that long during the ride.)

pdlamb

Bullfrog Gel works for me. The alcohol-based gel doesn't give me the oily build-up most sunscreens do.

While the Bullfrog was out of production for a couple years, I tried physical (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) sunscreens. It sat on top of my skin and collected dead gnats and dirt. After the first couple rides I started scraping the residue off with an old credit card before showering. (Wipe the card off with a Kleenex or paper towel as needed.) That didn't completely solve the problem, but it helped!

GhostRider62

Have you tried Neutrogena Clear Face?

(not the best person for advice on sunscreen but I did consult in that industry for a period of time and saw the customer complaints on certain types of formulations)

antimonysarah

Have not tried either of those! The neutrogena ultra sheer and it’s generic CVS version have been my usual goop, and it’s great on non-face skin but not on my face. I’ll try those two— for long rides I don’t mind just using the fancy face stuff for everything. (Especially since whenever I can I ride in ultralight long sleeves and knickers so I’m mostly putting it on my face, neck, and shins.)

GhostRider62

neutrogena ultra sheer and clear face have similar active ingredients but different proportions, the inactives are a little different.

I would try the Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 30. If that works, try the SPF 55

atwl77

Honestly I don't know much on this subject, but for what it's worth, I primarily use Sunplay Sport SPF120, this comes in a liquid form rather than thick lotion/gel and they also come in very small bottles that easily fit into the jersey pocket or saddle bag. While I don't have any skin issues with this particular product, but I notice they tend to stick onto my skin quite aggressively(?), I end up double-washing myself in the bathroom to get rid of the remaining layer after a ride.

GhostRider62

Many recumbent riders swear by DaBrim visor products to keep the sun off the face. I have never tried them but given the universal love for them in that world, I thought I would pass that along. They make many different models to keep the sun out of your eyes or off the face. Could maybe used from say 10-4 when the sun is the worst and then stowed?

https://dabrim.com/collections/cycli...SAAEgJZ-vD_BwE

blacknbluebikes 

Blue Lizzard.

unterhausen

On really sunny, hot days, I have thought that a balaclava made out of sun screen fabric might be nice. Probably scare too many people though.

pdlamb

I dunno. The wind in my face is one of the things that keeps me riding!

clasher

Aliexpress has tons of them, usually under 5$ shipped... I thought about getting one after I shaved all my hair off but have been alright with some thin beanies under the helmet and sunscreen for the face.

David in Maine

A lot of face moisturizers have SPF protection. I (and my wife with sensitive skin) use a different product for the face then the rest of the body. Inconvenient for brevets of course and they are generally expensive but they work well. I'm embarrassed to share the brand we currently have since it costs a ridiculous amount (which I wasn't aware of until I googled it!)

David

antimonysarah

Hah. I have hip length hair (in a bun while riding) — I can’t comfortably wear winter balaclavas without a lot of finagling. But I can see the appeal. Also avoids any upset stomach after swallowing too much sunscreen runoff dripping down your face with sweat (ew.)

kingston 

I use mineral sunscreen pretty much exclusively on the bike. It's expensive, hard to use and makes you look like a ghost, but it's a lot better for your skin. I have a tube of thinksport this season, but there are a lot of good options. ewg.org is a good resource for finding something that works for you.

Shadwhand

Japanese Sunscreen is my goto for anything sunscreen related nowadays. It goes on and feels soft to the touch (no stickiness or what not). Shiseido Anessa is my go-to for heavy-sweat conditions, Biore for everyday usage.

bark_eater 

I modified a heavy Polartec balaclava by adding a similar weigh neck gaiter as a "arm" out the back. I wouldn't have the patience to hand stich spf fabric, but just adding a ponytail slit to the back would be pretty easy.

An as a slightly more relevant comment last year I had a problem with a Walgreens store brand "dry" 100spf sunscreen that ran into my eye and burned. It was very persistent and I couldn't wash it out of my eye with 2 water bottles. I was close to home so rode 5 miles home with one eye shut.