The sun is the supervillain looking to take on the skin, and sunscreen is the shield that protects the body from harmful side effects of exposure to the sun. Wearing sunscreen has proven effective for a long time now, and the use of sunscreen has become popular among surfers, lifeguards, swimmers, and anyone enjoying a good time on the beach or in the swimming pool. The best waterproof sunscreen will keep you focused on the fun while protecting you from the sun's rays that are harmful to your skin.
What is Waterproof Sunscreen?
Waterproof sunscreen is a sunscreen that will offer the required SPF levels when exposed to water or sweat. The sunscreen is made using a water-resistant formula that adequately protects the skin from harmful rays while remaining unaffected by the water or sweat. The best water-resistant sunscreens will offer broad-spectrum protection while lasting longer on wet skin. Sun's harmful rays, like the UVA and UVB rays, can penetrate the water surface and affect your skin even when you are underwater.
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Best Waterproof Sunscreen
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Best Waterproof Sunscreen - Reviews
Neutrogena has the best waterproof sunscreens that consider the fact that smooth consistencies can lead to pores getting clogged and eventually acne. The Neutrogena ultra sheer sunscreen is your best bet against skin cancer and other effects resulting from getting exposed to UVA and UVB rays. Neutrogena is a non-greasy sunscreen lotion that works well for sensitive skin because your pores will remain open at all times.
Neutrogena offers a whopping 100+ SPF, a broad spectrum that is way above the 30 SPF limit. You are assured of maximum safety when you use Neutrogena products like the Neutrogena beach defense sunscreen that has an impressive 70SPF to keep you protected all the time. The non-comedogenic, reef-friendly formula used in the lotion makes Neutrogena the best sunscreen to keep UV rays at bay.
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Sun Bum is your best friend to stop the sun from sabotaging your summer-long-planned water sports and time on the beach. The SPF 50 sunscreen offers well above the recommended limits to keep you protected from harmful rays. The sunscreen lotion is a moisturizing sunscreen, a rare feature in most sunscreens that you will find in the market. The sunscreen applies to all skin types because of the octinoxate and Oxybenzone-free formula. The brand uses natural ingredients to come up with this fantastic sunscreen.
The sunscreen is easy to use without any complicated procedures that other brands require. In addition, sun Bum is reef-friendly, unlike other sunscreens, protecting the environment from damage by the chemicals found in other sunscreens.
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EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen is a preferred water-resistant sunscreen among athletes and lifeguards because of the formula's effectiveness. The broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen protects anyone who spends most of their time on the beach or in water. Therefore, the brand is the best choice for anyone who does not have to spend much time in water and the sun. In addition, sunscreen offers maximum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
The SPF 50 sunscreen has a good reputation, and for all the right reasons, unlike other brands with a higher price tag and little to zero effectiveness. The zinc oxide mineral-based formula has been made with the best results to give you assured protection and value for your money. EltaMD is your ticket to living freely under the sun with no strong smell to deal with.
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Blue Lizard Australian sunscreen is a sure option to protect you from harmful rays because the brand is made for use in some of the harshest environments on the planet. The reef-safe sunscreen looks only to keep the harmful rays at bay and not harm the corals that are ever at risk in recent times. Blue lizard gives you up to 40 minutes of absolute fun in the water while holding on to the skin to keep you safe and sound. In addition, the paraben-free and fragrance-free brand gives you a comfortable experience out on the beach or swimming pool.
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La Roche is a powerhouse in the skincare industry, and anything they make has the best properties that protect the skin from drying out and getting affected by the sun. For example, La Roche-Posay Anthelios light fluid face sunscreen has an SPF 60 that is more than enough to protect the skin from all types of harmful rays. In addition, the sunscreen has been dermatologist tested for safety and is suitable for sensitive skin and different skin types.
La Roche-Posay is hypoallergenic and has no ingredients that may lead to irritation of the skin. The sunscreen is fragrance and paraben-free, offering comfort while giving the best protection possible. You can now safely stay away from free radicals that increase the rate of aging and increases the chances of getting skin cancer.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Sunscreen
a) After How Long Should I Reapply Waterproof Sunscreen?
The fact that sunscreen can be water-resistant does not mean that you can stay with the sunscreen underwater forever. After a given period, the sunscreen begins to wear off, reducing the potential to offer the specified sun protection. The FDA allows for a sunscreen labeled either 40 minutes or 80 minutes of water resistance. The labeled time should include the amount of time it takes for you to require reapplication while in a hot jacuzzi.
Therefore, you need to reapply sunscreen after at most two hours. However, it is essential to read and strictly follow the instructions on the sunscreen to stay safe at all costs. Also, you will need to keep the sunscreen close to you and have a reminder in case you have too much fun and forget that you need to reapply. I mean, people forget their kids when having too much fun on the beach.
b) What is the Main Difference Between Water-Resistant and Waterproof Sunscreen?
A while back, brands would claim their products as waterproof. However, the FDA has since disallowed the use of the term "waterproof" on any sunscreen. The word "sweatproof" has since been disallowed as well. Therefore, you need not worry if you see water-resistant instead of waterproof. No sunscreen is entirely waterproof, and therefore you should not be misled by a brand claiming to have a one-hundred percent waterproof sunscreen.
c) What Makes Sunscreen Water-Resistant?
Different ingredients are added to sunscreen to make it possible to last longer when exposed to water. Ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and Oxybenzone. The ingredients form a film that sticks to the skin before giving in to the element. Sun exposure will send UV rays through the slightest opening, and you need to reapply the sunscreen after a specified time.
If sunscreen is labeled as water-resistant, it can last 40 minutes before it starts wearing off. If the sunscreen is labeled very water-resistant, it can last 80 minutes before you need to add more to your skin. Sensitive skin requires a strict application of sunscreen. Waterproof sunscreens are resistant to sweat and can work even when you are not going into the water. Doing demanding physical exercises might lead to sweating, and waterproof sunscreens come in handy in such situations.
d) What SPF Number Should I Use?
Dermatologists have a recommended SPF number you should go for when buying sunscreen. A broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen is a good option because the sun has different intensities during the day. Having different sunscreens or different times of the day can be cumbersome and impractical. SPF of at least 30 will block most sun's rays that might be harmful to different skin types. In addition, the right sunscreen will subtly blend in with your daily skincare routine without obstructing anything while keeping you comfortable all day.
A higher sun protection factor does not imply that the sunscreen will last longer than a sunscreen with lower SPF. If you want long-lasting waterproof sunscreen, look for one with more extended periods described in the specification. Super-sensitive skin will require more than just applying sunscreen to protect oneself from skin cancer and other effects of UV exposure like premature aging.
e) Is Sunscreen Reef Friendly?
Most sunscreen brands claim that they are cruelty-free in the manufacturing process and that they are the best sunscreen that has not been tried in ways that violate nature. However, these same brands can contain harmful chemicals to the reefs when you go out for a swim. Sunscreen with harsh chemicals like Oxybenzone and other chemicals cause harm to coral reefs, which are living things that intake their nutrients from the water. Therefore, many sunscreens are not suitable for the reefs unless specified otherwise.
f) Does Sunscreen Clog Pores?
Outdoor activities lead to sweating which deposits a lot of residue into the pores of the skin. Having greasy sunscreen will most probably clog your pores. Sunscreen with a matte finish might have lower chances of clogging your skin pores. Even the best waterproof sunscreens that claim to stay clear of the pores eventually find their way into the pores. You can use methods to end up with a non-greasy consistency when applying sunscreen to avoid clogging pores of already sensitive skin.
The first thing to do is find non-water resistant sunscreen compatible with your skin, water-resistant sunscreen, and water-resistant sunscreen powder. Next, apply the oil-free non-waterproof sunscreen as the first layer on your skin. Remember to follow all the preliminary steps before applying sunscreen, like applying vitamin C. The next step is to apply the water-resistant sunscreen once the first layer has settled.
Once you have applied the first two layers, place a tissue over the surface to blot out any excess oil that might find its way to the pores. Once the excess oil is blotted out, apply a water-resistant sunscreen powder to maximize the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Removing the sunscreen requires just as much care because this process can lead to residue remaining on the surface, clogged pores. Next, cleanse your skin properly and apply a moisturizer.
g) Can Sunscreen Cause Acne?
Acne is formed when bacteria gather inside the pore and cause an infection. Another cause of acne is clogged pores as a result of waste removal by the body through sweat. Skin flakes and dirt from the surface can clog pores as well. With that being said, sunscreen applied on the skin's surface can clog pores, especially if the sunscreen or the sunscreen lotion is not oil-free. Sensitive skin will react differently when exposed to chemicals like paraben.
Final Take
Your skin is a vital part of your well-being because it protects your body from intoxication because of the pores that act as openings for sweat to come out. The skin also acts as an indicator of our well-being. Therefore, the skin needs utmost care from elements like the UVB rays that cause massive harm to the skin. Even the best waterproof sunscreens will not beat just staying away from direct sunlight as a protective measure. However, if you have to be out there in the sun, ensure you apply a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protective sunscreen. The skin is the largest organ you have that you have to take care of at all costs.
