Sunscreen for surfers:
What to look for and popular options
Lesson 11
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Introduction
Surfing means spending plenty of time under the sun, and that calls for a sunscreen that can keep up with the rhythm of the waves. Protecting your skin is key, and choosing the right sunscreen is your ticket to a sun-safe surf session. When it comes to sunscreen for surfers there are some different options out there. Here’s a friendly guide to help you choose a surf sunscreen that is both good for you and for our coral reefs.
Why should surfers wear surf-specific sunscreen?
Using sunscreen during surfing is so, so important. It’s not just about dodging sunburn; it protects you against the harmful UV rays that bounce off the water, intensifying exposure for surfers that are in direct contact with the reflective ocean. This can cause early aging and skin cancer. Apart from the reflecting water, it’s the prolonged sun exposure from often being in the water for several hours that increases the need for sunscreen for surfers.
From my experience, surf-specific sunscreen is a total game-changer. I’ve tried using regular sunscreen and even sport sunscreen while surfing, but they always washed off way too quickly, leaving me burned after my surf sessions. Surf-specific sunscreen stays on much longer from my experience.
5 tips on what to look for in a surf sunscreen
1. Water resistance
Since surfing means being in the water for longer periods, it’s important to choose a water-resistant sunscreen for surfers. Look for a product labeled as “water-resistant”.
2. Broad spectrum protection
Broad spectrum sunscreen refers to sunscreens that protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA and UVB are types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, with UVA having a longer wavelength and penetrating the skin more deeply, contributing to premature aging. UVB, with a shorter wavelength, primarily affects the skin’s outer layer, causing sunburn and playing a key role in the development of skin cancers. Sunscreens labeled as “broad spectrum” provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays to minimize the risks associated with UV exposure.
3. SPF level 30 or higher
Choose a sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF), preferably SPF 30 or higher. SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, and a higher SPF provides more protection.
4. Reef-friendly ingredients
Say no to boring chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching, disrupt marine ecosystems, and act as persistent pollutants. When you spot a long list of ingredients in your sunscreen, chances are some are just there for cost-cutting convenience. Both your skin and our oceans deserve quality, not a budget-friendly compromise.
Reef-friendly sunscreen usually use physical blockers, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin. Unfortunately, the term “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” is unregulated, so you can’t always trust products labeled that way (watch out for greenwashing). Instead, look at the active ingredients on your sunscreen to make sure it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals for the reefs.
Top 2 ingredients to avoid:
- Oxybenzone
- Octinoxate
Other ingredients that can interfere with coral reproductive cycles, harm DNA, and lead to coral bleaching:
- Benzophenone-1
- Benzophenone-8
- OD-PABA
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
- 3-Benzylidene camphor
- Octocrylene
5. Mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide
There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral (also referred to as natural) and chemical. A mineral sunscreen is made with only mineral active ingredients. The only two active ingredients for mineral sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – also the only two active ingredients considered safe and effective by the FDA.
Zinc paste
It’s not uncommon to see surfers wearing zinc paste, normally covering sun-sensitive areas such as the nose and cheeks- it typically appears as a visible layer of white or colored paste on these areas of the face. Zinc paste is commonly used for targeted applications, on specific areas that need extra sun protection.
Zinc oxide
Both zinc paste and zinc sunscreen offer the benefits of the ingredient zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and is supposed to be a safer alternative to chemical sunscreens. By opting for a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, you do not limit the zinc oxide coverage only to specific areas where you apply zinc paste (if you use zinc paste that is). Instead you get full face and body coverage of zinc oxide.
None-nano zinc oxide
Some concerns have been raised regarding the nanoparticles in zinc oxide, with the concern being that they could potentially be absorbed into the skin. Nanoparticles are smaller than 100 nanometers, “super small”. Non-nano on the other hand means that the particles are larger than 100 nanometers, “not super small”. This is supposed to lessen the risk of skin penetration and toxic ingredients entering your bloodstream. Supposedly, it is also safer for marine wildlife. Therefore, a common recommendation is to opt for a mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide.
Best sunscreen for surfing: 4 popular sunscreen brands in the surfing community
What is the best sunscreen for surfing can of course be subjective, however I have here listed some popular options from different brands within the surfing community. What they all have in common is that they are:
- Water-resistant
- Broad spectrum protective
- SPF 30 or higher
- Free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
- Mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide
All of which I have recommended in a surf sunscreen earlier in this guide!
1. Raw Elements
While searching for a natural alternative to chemical sunscreens, Brian Guadagno, founder of Raw Elements, determined that one did not exist and felt a responsibility to find a solution. Raw Elements describes itself as “the conscious consumer’s answer for serious sun protection”.
What I like about Raw Elements is that they not only have regular, white sunscreens, but also tinted sunscreens which gives you a more natural look. This is a brand I have seen many surfers with social media presence recommend, and they have a broad product range, offering something for everyone- from sprays to moisturisers and sunscreen sticks.
2. Avasol
“Ava,” from the Samoan word for respect, and “Sol,” for the sun that shines life on our planet- that is where the name of the brand stems from. If you’re into fresh, local, and organic, you’ll love Avasol.
In their product assortment, they have both sunscreen sticks and sunscreen cream. What I find to be unique with Avasol compared to other brands is that you can choose between different tinted colours – light, medium, tan or deep – just like with makeup. This gives you a chance to choose a colour that blends in nicely with your skin tone.
3. Badger
Badger is a family-owned company located in the woods of New Hampshire. They blend organic plant extracts, exotic oils, beeswax, and minerals to make the safest, most effective products possible to soothe, heal and protect.
They have a quite large range of different products, and they also offer products specific for children.
4. Suntribe
Additional protection: wear SPF clothing and a surf hat
Lesson quiz: test your knowledge
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