Surf's up, dude and duddettes! You're ready to hit the waves, but not so fast - you need some protection from the sun's UV rays. Choosing the right sunscreen is important for any beach day, but especially when you're surfing. You need a sunscreen that's gonna stay put while you're shredding the waves and won't leave you looking like a lobster. Lucky for you, we've got the lowdown on sunscreens so you can ride those waves without any worry from nasty things like skin cancer. From water resistant to SPF protection, we'll give you the tips you need to find the perfect sunscreen for a gnarly day on the surf.
What you need to know
If you're ready to head out to catch some waves, you gotta protect yourself from the sun, man. Your surfboard ain't enough. Get some swim fins and a top-quality wetsuit, but don't forget the sunscreen!
When it comes to surfers sunscreen, there are many options. Luckily, we've got some insider tips - it's all about finding a sunscreen with high SPF (at least 30; preferably more). And make sure it's water-resistant and free of sketchy chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate. Look for active ingredients like avobenzone or zinc sunscreen. Picking the best one for your skin type is key.
Stay safe out there and shred those waves!
How we choose the Best Sunscreen for Surfing
Selecting sunscreen for surfing is not as easy as riding waves. To ensure that we come up with the best possible ones, our review process begins with extensive research. We look at all aspects of various sunscreens – from ingredients to SPF protection and water resistance levels, to determine which ones stand out above all others. We also take into account customer reviews as well as expert opinions on what makes a good surf sunscreen. In combination with the other factors, this allows us to make informed recommendations on which sunscreens are best suited for optimal surf-related protection.
🏅 Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Why we ❤️ this sunscreen
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is our pick for the best all-around sunscreen. Its superior, moisturizing formula helps to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays with added Vitamin E to further boost antioxidant protection. Plus, Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotions have been evaluated and approved by the Hawaii Department of Health, making it perfect for those planning a beach getaway! When applied liberally, Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion offers an excellent level of sun protection ideal for enjoying any outdoor activity, even surfing. The pleasant fragrance will remind you of summertime childhood memories spent splashing in the waves!
🧴 features
Sun Bum Sunscreen Lotion is a highly effective and Protecting Sunscreen specifically developed for Surfing. It provides a robust UVA/UVB protection, enriched with Vitamin E, it is both oil-free and water-resistant for all skin types. Sun Bum Sunscreen is also reef friendly and hypoallergenic, ensuring safe fun in the sun without containing ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben. Best practice to ensure maximum sun protection is 15 minutes prior of sun exposure to all areas of the skin while avoiding the eye area followed by reapplying after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Sun Bum offers the best overall protection for Surfers when facing strong elements of nature with its non-comedogenic SPF 50 Lotion.
🥈 Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion
Why we ❤️ this sunscreen
Sun protection is essential when partaking in outdoor activities. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 is an oil-free formula that is ideal for those looking to keep their skin safe during any outdoor activity, whether it's surfing or a day at the beach. This sunscreen helps protect against the signs of sun damage and provides beach-strength broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage, so water-lovers can enjoy the ocean confidently knowing their skin is protected. Plus, it's fast absorbing and lightweight, so you don't have to worry about feeling greasy or weighed down while having fun in the sun!
🧴 features
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 70 is the perfect choice for those looking for budget-friendly, high performance sunscreen. Utilizing Helioplex Sunscreen Technology and offering unbeatable protection against UVA and UVB rays, this oil free Sunscreen provides superior broad spectrum protection, making it ideal for a range of activities including beach trips, surfing, pool days and more. With an easy absorbing formula that's water resistant up to 80 minutes and PABA and oxybenzone free, the Beach Defense Sunscreen is lightweight yet powerful enough to ensure your skin is efficiently protected all summer long.
🥉 Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - SPF 40
Why we ❤️ this sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - SPF 40 is a fantastic option for everyday protection from the sun's harmful rays. This Sunscreen is Reef-Friendly, oil-free, weightless and invisible on your skin and makes for a great makeup primer. It also has remarkable properties for surfing and other water sports with its sweat and surf-resistant qualities, making it ideal as an everyday Sunscreen as well as one perfect for when you're catching waves at the beach. Not only that, but Unseen Sunscreen can be worn underneath most facial hair styles so there’s no reason to leave your beard unprotected while out in the sun. For those seeking lightweight, broad-spectrum Sunscreen protection with a versatile formula perfect for all skin types – Surfer’s or not – Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - SPF 40 is your answer.
🧴 features
Get Sun protected with Unseen Sunscreen based on SPF 40 from Supergoop! most popular sunscreen formula provides oil-free and lightweight sunscreen protection that is totally invisible while filtering blue light, UVA, UVB, & IRA rays. It glides onto the skin smoothly leaving a matte and makeup-gripping finish. Additionally, the reef-friendly sunscreen contains antioxidant-rich ingredients such as frankincense and nourishing meadowfoam seed that not only protect but also nourish your skin. Perfect for all skin types, tones and lifestyles including surfing – apply generously and evenly as the last step in your skincare routine to achieve maximum sun protection!
Sunscreen for Surfing FAQs
Sunscreen can help protect you from the sun's rays. Learn more from the following Frequently Asked Question regarding Sunscreen for Surfing.
What SPF is best for my skin type and geographical location?
Selecting the right SPF should be based on your skin type and where you plan on surfing. In areas with higher levels of UV radiation, an SPF 30 rating or higher is recommended.
Are there any products with natural ingredients?
Yes, there are plenty of natural sunscreen products available that may include ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and shea butter.
What are the pros and cons of water-resistant sunscreen?
Water-resistant sunscreens typically offer a longer duration of protection than regular sunscreens when exposed to water or sweat. The downside is that they usually leave a white residue once applied to skin.
What must-have features should I look for in a good sunscreen for surfing?
Look for features such as broad-spectrum protection, chemical-free formulas and labeling standards from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Does sport sunscreen provide more protection than regular sunscreen?
Sport sunscreen can provide more coverage due to its water resistance; however, it is only beneficial if reapplied regularly throughout surf sessions.
Is it better to apply the sunscreen directly to wet or dry skin?
Sunscreen should always be applied on dry skin for optimal coverage.
How often should I reapply a surf-appropriate sunscreen?
Reapply sunscreen every two hours when out in the ocean to maintain adequate protection.
Are there sunscreens specifically designed for surfers?
There are water-resistant sunscreens specifically designed for surfers with added defense against windburn, sand abrasion and saltwater exposure.
Best Sunscreen for Surfing
Applying the right sunscreen for surfing is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable day at the beach. Whether it’s a traditional sunscreen, sport sunscreen or a natural formula, there are plenty of options to choose from. Take into account your skin type, geographical location, product features and how often you need to reapply. With the right information in hand, you can make an informed decision on which sunscreen is best for surfing.
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