Before I got into water sports, I wasn’t aware that not all sunscreens are created equal. I continued using the usual sunscreens for surfing until I got sick of reapplying it every half an hour.
It took me a LOT of research to learn about my mistakes, specifically that surfers are a different niche of sunscreen users.
Ideally, the best sunscreens for surfers are reef-safe, non-toxic, water-resistant, and have a high SPF rating. For surfers, long-lasting sunscreen is a need. So, you must make sure your sunscreen provides long-lasting protection as well.
One can easily get overwhelmed when selecting a sunscreen, for how it can affect your skin. But I’ve got your back. In this article, I’ll share some of my favorites for the best sunscreens for surfers. I’ll also go over important features to look for in a good sunscreen.
How to choose the best sunscreen for surfers?
1. SPF Rating
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a number that measures the sunscreen’s ability to protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The higher the rating, more is the more protection it provides. But how high does it have to be for a surfer?
An ideal sunscreen for a surfer must have an SPF rating between 30 to 50. However, most sunscreens marked for surfers have an SPF rating of 50+. I prefer using the 50+ ones.
2. Reef Safe
While surfing, you’ll come into direct contact with water, which will wash off the outermost layer of your product. Common sunscreens can often contain certain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and other marine life.
To their credit, Hawaii recently became the first state to ban the sale of sunscreens made of chemicals that harm the coral reefs. These chemicals include oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and octocrylene.
Brands then started to develop reef-safe sunscreens formulated with natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
By choosing a reef-safe sunscreen over others, you’re protecting our delicate ecosystems and opting for a safer product for your skin.
3. Water Resistance
A sunscreen that does not provide adequate water resistance can quickly become ineffective. And no surfer would want sunscreen to wear off while still riding the waves.
A sunscreen labeled “water resistant” should protect 40 to 80 minutes of surfing or swimming. It also becomes important to reapply your sunscreen regularly, per your sunscreen’s water resistance time.
Best Sunscreens for surfers
1. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Editor’s Choice!
Sun Bum is the best sunscreen brand among beachgoers and especially surfers. With an SPF rating of 50, this lotion provides the highest level of sun protection, blocking out 97 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The lotion absorbs quickly, making it ideal for surfers who don’t want to wait for sunscreen to dry. Sun Bum Original sunscreen is also enriched with vitamin E, which provides extra antioxidant protection.
Although it’s marked “Reef-safe,” you can find a bit of octocrylene and avobenzone in its listed constituents. Free of parabens and other harsh chemicals, it’s hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types. You can put all your faith in Sun Bum, even if you’re eczemic.
2. Vertra Signature SPF 35 Face Stick
Vertra Signature SPF 35 Face Stick
Best for environment lovers.
Endorsed by the famous Mick Fanning, the Vertra Signature Face Stick is a foundation-based sunscreen offering great coverage. It comes in 4 different tints, one being a neutral translucent shade. The sunscreen offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance.
Vertra products don’t contain any reef-harming ingredients, unlike the Sun Bum ones, which happen to have Avobenzone and Octocrylene. I like this one for its easy application since it comes as a stick. The stick form also makes it easy to carry, especially when traveling long distances.
The tints are a plus; they blend nicely, and you’d rather not have a white clown face. Ensure you order the correct tint for your skin tone, and you’ll be fine. This is a zinc and titanium-based sunscreen, so it does not sting like most other sunscreens.
3. Blue Lizard SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Blue Lizard SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Ideal if you have sensitive skin.
The Blue Lizard SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen is the best for sensitive skin. It has no toxins or potentially irritating chemically active ingredients. So, you can even use it for babies. This sunscreen is reef safe and stays water-resistant for upto 80 minutes.
Even though some of its ingredients are derived from coconuts, the sunscreen has no fragrance. The lotion’s texture is thick and takes some time to get absorbed by the skin.
An interesting feature of the lotion bottle is its smart cap. The smart cap is said to turn blue when it detects UV rays which is a sign that you should put on sunscreen to protect yourself. Blue Lizard is a trustworthy brand.
4. Surf Durt Original SPF 30 Sunscreen
Surf Durt Reef Safe Sunscreen
Eco-friendly and vegan!
The Surf Durt Sunscreen has the best set of natural ingredients. The brand has taken a step towards sustainability and uses bamboo containers for packaging. It offers great UVA/UVB coverage and is water resistant for upto 80 minutes.
Those of you vegans will be glad to know that this sunscreen is animal cruelty-free. You can spread the product well using your fingers; it’s easier when warm. It might take some time to get absorbed, but it’s for sure that it leaves the skin looking and feeling better than before.
The Surf Durt sunscreen is chocolate scented, which may or may not be likable. But the good thing is that the smell doesn’t linger long even if you get some product on your clothes.
5. Raw Elements Natural SPF 30+ Sunscreen
Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen
Long-lasting: Protects you for 90+ minutes.
Raw Elements brings us another natural, reef-safe, and cruelty-free sunscreen. It’s claimed to be 95% organic and safe for all ages. This sunscreen offers about 90+ minutes of water resistance, making it the best long-lasting sunscreen.
The cream is dense and takes longer than usual to spread on your skin. Many may find it greasy initially, but it becomes thinner with time and heat. Remember that it can easily get smudged onto what you wear or stuff around you.
The sunscreen is clear white, but a few slightly tinted varieties are available. Although it doesn’t have a distinct smell, it has a slightly fruity scent. It comes in a reusable tin container and is not liquid; you can pack it in your carry-on bag when you fly.
6. Stream2Sea SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Stream2Sea Biodegradable Sunscreen
It’s organic and reef-safe. What more can you ask for?
Stream2Sea is an EWG-certified plant-based, reef-safe sunscreen and one of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. For a planet lover like me, their packaging is impressive. It is water resistant for upto 80 minutes and comes in different tints.
It is fragrance-free and safe for all skin types. Unlike the traditional Zinc Oxide based sunscreens, Stream2Sea’s main active ingredient is non-nano Titanium oxide.
The product is non-greasy but difficult to apply. It leaves a slight white sheer after the first coat but lightens as you rub it.
7. Manda Organic SPF 50 Sun Paste
MANDA Organic Sun Paste
Manda Organic Sun Paste is mainly made from native Malaysian Tanaka, coconut oil, and shea butter. It is water-resistant and safe for coral reefs. Those of you who have acne-prone skin can use it without fear.
The paste may solidify in colder temperatures and get harder to apply. Still, it’s only due to the constituent coconut oil and beeswax. Warm up the container in your pocket or dashboard to make the application easier.
Manda went a step ahead and made the packaging eco-friendly by using bamboo and tin for their containers which also are reusable.
How to apply sunscreen at the beach?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends surfers use a water-resistant sunscreen with 30+ SPF. They also suggest using a shot glass worth (about 1 ounce) to cover your whole body and reapply every two hours or immediately after surfing or sweating heavily.
1. Apply sunscreen generously for at least 15 minutes before hitting the waves.
Sunscreen needs time to soak in, so apply it before getting into the water. Ensure you get all your body parts, including your back, ears, and neck.
Apply a generous amount or as directed on your sunscreen and massage it properly. Some sunscreens need to be warm for easier application. Make sure you put it anywhere warm to loosen it up before use.
2. Reapply every one to two hours.
Most water-resistant sunscreens work for upto 80 minutes before starting to wash off. And so if you’ve been in the water continuously for more than an hour, you should reapply before getting back into it.
Reapplication is important if you want sunscreen to protect you for longer periods.
