5 Best Sunscreens For Water Sports
The sunscreen I would take on the water is the Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50+. It holds its water resistance for the full 80 minutes, and the 12 oz pump bottle is big enough that you will actually put on enough of it.
Water sports are the hardest test a sunscreen gets. You catch UV twice, once straight from the sun and once bounced back off the surface, and every rinse takes some of your coverage with it. The five below all hold up. The rest of this page is how to choose between them.
Which are the best sunscreens for water sports?
The best sunscreens for water sports protect skin from UV rays and do not wash away when exposed to 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 consider choosing the right sunscreen for water sports, because if you don’t, you can get a 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 also to the UV rays that reflect off 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
When out in the water, make sure that you choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This will offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays, so your skin is not 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 type of sunscreen, but you can also choose between spray, gel, and stick sunscreens.
These are all great options, but you will likely find one that 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 | Where To Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen | Sweat and water resistant, lightweight, reef friendly | Check it on Amazon |
| 2. | Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen | Natural mineral protection, SPF 50+, water resistant | Check it on Amazon |
| 3. | Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen | SPF 70, water resistant, suits sensitive skin | Check it on Amazon |
| 4. | Coppertone Every Tone Sunscreen | Blends clear, no white cast, SPF 50, 80-minute water resistance | Check it on Amazon |
| 5. | Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion | SPF 70+, oil-free, made for the face | Check it on Amazon |
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 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 does not feel greasy or heavy, allowing you to enjoy your water sports to the fullest.
The sunscreen is water-resistant and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, giving you time to enjoy your fun before having to reapply the next layer.
It is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it 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, while still offering defense against UV rays.
The sunscreen is free from almost all harmful ingredients and is considered reef-friendly, too.
Because it is 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 for up to 80 minutes in the water.
This is a great choice for water sports because it is safe for your skin, safe for the environment, and suitable for sensitive skin.
3. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen
Neutrogena has some great sunscreen products, but its Beach Defense Sunscreen is the best option for protecting against 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 is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and can withstand almost all outdoor activities.
Made with 100% naturally sourced sunscreen ingredients, it is safe and suitable for sensitive skin. It also absorbs quickly into the skin for a non-greasy feel.
4. Coppertone Every Tone Sunscreen
Coppertone retired the old Sport Clear tube, and Every Tone is what replaced it. Same idea: it blends in clear and stays clear, so you are not walking around with a white cast on your shoulders.
You get SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection, water resistant for 80 minutes, which is the longest a sunscreen is allowed to claim.
The formula leaves out fragrance, oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA and phthalates. Those middle two are the ingredients Hawaii’s reef rules actually name, so this one travels well.
Vitamin E does the moisturizing here. It is a light lotion rather than a thick one, which matters when you are reapplying with wet hands halfway through the afternoon.
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 oil-free and PABA-free, so it will not clog your pores or cause breakouts.
It is also free from reef-damaging chemicals.
Not only is the sunscreen broad-spectrum, but it is also SPF 70+, which offers ultimate protection while still being strong enough to last through rigorous activity.
The Best Sunscreens For Water Sports
Take a look at all of the above sunscreens for water sports and find the one that best suits your needs and gives you the best protection while you spend 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 your skin is getting the best protection it needs.
Related Questions
Is water-resistant sunscreen good for swimming?
It is what you want, as long as you know its limits. No sunscreen is completely waterproof. The better ones hold their water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes, so treat that as the ceiling rather than a promise.
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 it, and wait at least 20 minutes before getting into the water.
What SPF should you use for water sports?
SPF 50 or higher. SPF 30 is the usual minimum, but on the water you are catching UV straight from the sun and bounced back off the surface, so the extra protection earns its place.
Does the sunscreen have to be broad-spectrum?
Yes. Broad-spectrum means it covers UVA and UVB, and on the water you are exposed to both all day.
Which one is best for your face?
The Neutrogena Sport Face oil-free lotion. It is SPF 70+, it will not clog pores and it resists sweating off, which is the combination you want on a face that is in and out of the water.
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