Nothing quite beats being out in the sun enjoying some water sports, but you’ll need to make sure your skin is fully protected from damaging UV rays, which can penetrate through the water.
When spending some time in the water enjoying some activities, you need to choose the right sunscreen to use, which will not wash away with the water, and which will give you the ultimate protection.
Which are the best sunscreens for water sports? The best sunscreens for water sports will give your skin a high level of protection from UV rays, and will not wash away when your skin is in contact with water or sweat. It is so important to find the right sunscreen that will last through water sports.
To help keep your skin protected, so you can spend time enjoying water sports, we have gone and found the best sunscreens to use, as well as some tips on how to find the best one for you!
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Water Sports
You really need to put some thought into choosing the right sunscreen for water sports, because if you don’t, you can land up with some severe sunburn.
Here are the things to consider when choosing the best sunscreens for water sports:
SPF
The SPF of the sunscreen should be the first thing you look at. The higher the SPF, the better protection your skin will have from UV rays.
When out in the water, you should opt for the highest SPF possible, as not only will you be exposed to the UV rays directly from the sun, but the UV rays that reflect off of the water as well.
You should opt for an SPF50+, which will give you high protection. The minimum recommended protection is SPF30, but for water sports, this might not be enough.
Water-Resistance
As you will be in the water, the sunscreen would need to be water-resistant. On top of this, the sunscreen should be sweat-resistant too.
No sunscreen will be completely waterproof, but there are some that are more water-resistant than others, which can offer water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes.
Broad-Spectrum
Make sure that you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen when out in the water. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays, so your skin is not left to be damaged by either.
Reef-Friendly
There are some sunscreens that contain octinoxate and oxybenzone, but these two chemical ingredients have been linked to coral bleaching, so there are now many sunscreens without these ingredients, which are considered reef-friendly.
As you will be spending time in the water, you would want to avoid sunscreen that contains these ingredients, so you can do your bit for the environment.
Sunscreen Type
You can choose between a few different sunscreen types, depending on what you find easiest to use. Lotions are the most common, but you can also choose between spray sunscreens, gel sunscreens, and stick sunscreens.
These are all great options, but you will likely have one you find is better to use.
Sensitive Skin
One thing to look for is a sunscreen that contains gentle ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin. You do not want the sunscreen to cause any more irritation, so look for one that has been designed for sensitive skin, but still offers great protection.
The Best Sunscreens For Water Sports
Here are our recommendations for the best sunscreens to use for water sports, which will keep your skin protected from UV rays and hopefully allow you to have a great time, without any sunburn!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen | Sweat and water resistant, lightweight, reef-friendly |
| 2. | Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen | Natural protection, SPF50+, water-resistant, suitable for sensitive skin |
| 3. | Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen | SPF 70, water-resistant, suitable for sensitive skin |
| 4. | Coppertone Sport Clear Sunscreen | Cooling and hydrating, water, sweat and heat resistant, broad-spectrum |
| 5. | Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion | SPF70+, oil-free, suitable for the face |
1. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen
The Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen was made for those who love water sports, so it should be one of your top choices!
It is a super enduring sunscreen that will stay on your skin, even when exposed to water and sweat, so you can rest assured that your skin is kept fully protected.
It is broad-spectrum, so it offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risks of sun damage and sunburn.
Being lightweight and breathable, the lotion is super easy on your skin and it will not feel greasy or heavy, allowing you to enjoy your water sports to the fullest.
The sunscreen will stay water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, giving you time to enjoy your fun before having to reapply the next layer.
As it is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it is a reef-friendly sunscreen. It is also free from parabens and phthalates – so it is gentle on your skin too!
2. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Thinksport has created the SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen which offers safe, natural protection.
It has been designed to provide effective sun protection for athletes and water sports, and it is broad-spectrum too.
It is suitable for daily use and can be used on sensitive skin, as it is gentle and caring to the skin, while still offering defense against UV rays.
The sunscreen is free from almost all harmful ingredients and is considered reef-friendly too. Being made free from harmful ingredients, it will not cause irritation to your skin.
This is an ideal sunscreen for water sports, as it offers continuous sun protection in the water for up to 80 minutes.
Being safe for your skin, safe for the environment, and suitable for sensitive skin, this is a really great choice to use for water sports.
3. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen
Neutrogena has some great sunscreen products, but their Beach Defense Sunscreen is the best option for protection during water sports.
It is an incredibly high SPF 70, which drastically decreases the chance of sunburn and skin damage.
The lotion is stabilized with Helioplex technology, which provides superior broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
The high SPF lotion can remain water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and it is able to stand up to almost all outdoor activities.
Made with 100% naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients, it is safe and suitable for sensitive skin, and it absorbs quickly to the skin for a non-greasy feel.
4. Coppertone Sport Clear Sunscreen
The Coppertone Sport Clear Sunscreen applies clear to the skin, and rubs in quickly, leaving no white residue or greasy feeling behind.
Once applied to the skin, the sunscreen cools and hydrates, and offers SPF 50 protection, which is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
It is free from dyes, parabens, and reef-harming chemicals, so it is a great option for when you are conscious of what you apply to your skin.
Other than this, the sunscreen is broad-spectrum, and not only is it water-resistant, but it is resistant to sweat and heat too.
5. Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion
If you are looking specifically for facial sunscreen, then the Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion is a great option.
It is ideal for outdoor sports activities and resists wearing off when in contact with water or sweat. This means it will last through your sporting activities and still give you great protection.
The sports sunscreen is free from oil, and it is PABA-free, so it will not clog your pores or cause any breakouts. It is also free from reef-damaging chemicals.
Not only is the sunscreen broad-spectrum, but it is SPF 70+, which offers ultimate protection while still being strong to last through rigorous activity.
The Best Sunscreens For Water Sports
Take a look through all of the above sunscreens for water sports and find the one that would suit your needs best, and give you the best protection while you spend your time on the water enjoying some great activities!
Read through all the tips on how to choose the right sunscreens for water sports, to ensure you are giving your skin the best protection it needs.
Related Questions
Is water-resistant sunscreen good for swimming?
You should wear water-resistant sunscreen when swimming, but you will need to reapply it after swimming. It is also advised to apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before getting into the water, allowing it to set into your skin properly.
How often should you reapply water-resistant sunscreen?
You should reapply water-resistant sunscreen every two hours, to ensure that your skin is given continuous protection. Before you reapply the sunscreen, dry your skin with a towel, apply the sunscreen, and then wait at least 20 minutes before getting into the water.
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