Protecting your skin from the sun isn’t just a ‘transplant’ thing – really everyone should be watching out for those harmful UV rays. However, due to our (transplant patient) immunosuppressant treatment, we are significantly more susceptible to the harmful effects of the sun. Transplant patient’s skin becomes highly sensitive to UV rays which in turn dramatically increases the risk of sunburn and skin damage, such as skin cancer.
My friend Cindy, double lung transplant recipient at University of Pennsylvania, and I often compare sunscreen products and compiled a list of face and body sunscreen ‘All-Stars’ based on user experience and personal preferences.
We hope you find this helpful and don’t forget to apply before going outside!
If you have recommendations, please share using the contact us option, linked here.
Body All-Star Sunscreen Options
| Sunscreen | SPF | Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch | 50 | Chemical | Beach/pool days, reapplication | No white cast, not sticky, doesn’t rub off on clothes | Sometimes has a shimmer effect | ⭐ Body all-star |
| Banana Boat Sport Ultra | 50 | Chemical | Sweaty activities | No white cast, doesn’t rub off on clothes | Gets sticky after reapplication | ⭐ Body all-star |
| Vacation Classic Lotion | 50 | Chemical | Everyday wear, reapplication | No white cast, doesn’t rub off on clothes, not sticky | None | ⭐ Favorite |
| Sun Bum Scalp & Hair Mist | 30 | Chemical | Hairlines and parts | No white cast, absorbs well | Can make hair look greasy if you apply a lot | ⭐ Body all-star |
| Blue Lizard Sensitive | 50 | Mineral | — | UV-reactive cap changes color in sunlight | Very sticky, white cast, hard to rub in, hard to wash off | ❌ On the shit list |
| La Roche-Posay Melt-in Milk Sunscreen | 60 | Chemical | Face (if needed) | Not too bad on the face | Rubs off on clothes, very sticky, hard to wash off, white cast | ❌ On the shit list |
| Black Girl Sunscreen | 30 | Chemical | — | No white cast | Sticky, very hard to wash off | ❌ On the shit list (I’ve heard the Kids version is much better, but haven’t tried it.) |
| Coppertone Sport | 50 | Chemical | — | Other people seem to love it | Gets all over your clothes | ❌ On the shit list |
