What type of sunscreen do surfers use?
James Craig
Published Jan 08, 2026
What's the best sunscreen for surfers? The best type of sunscreen for surfers is very water resistant, gives UVA and UVB protection, and ideally contains non-nano zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
What sunscreen is best for surfing?
These are called broad-spectrum sunscreens.
- Protect Your Face, Hands, and Feet.
- Kokua Sun Care Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen.
- Thinksport Safe Sunscreen.
- All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen.
- Manda Organic Sun Paste.
- Art of Sport Skin Armor.
- Raw Love All Natural Mineral Sunscreen.
- Badger Sport Sunscreen.
Do surfers wear sunscreen?
Carlin recommends SPF 50 for surfers. “SPF only blocks UVB rays,” says Dr. Carlin. “The UVB rays are more like the burning rays.
What sunscreen is best for the ocean?
What Are the Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens?
- Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen. Amazon. ...
- Supergoop! ...
- Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40. ...
- Countersun Daily Sheer Defense. ...
- REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30. ...
- All Good Sport Sunscreen. ...
- Raw Love All Natural Mineral Sunscreen. ...
- Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen.
What is the white stuff surfers put on their face?
For as long as surfers and paddlers continue to use the ocean, lakes, rivers and waterways as their playground, there will be a need for a natural zinc sunscreen to protect our faces in those harsh salty and sunny environments.
19 related questions foundWhy do surfers have white noses?
A Nose By Any Other Name--or Color
Oh, and you'll be needing some zinc oxide to protect your nose from sunburn. You know zinc oxide. It's that slimy white stuff that surfers and lifeguards have been smearing on their proboscises since Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon first hit the sand in “Beach Party.”
What do lifeguards use on lips?
Zinc oxide was popular with the lifeguards for the nose and lips and is available in SP 50.
What sunscreen does not hurt the ocean?
“Both nano particle—a smaller particle size—and traditional zinc oxide sunscreens are both safe and effective, and both will be considered safe for reefs.
What types of sunscreen are reef-safe?
The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists
- Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 Natural Zinc Sunscreen. ...
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion. ...
- Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30. ...
- Supergoop! ...
- Badger Clear Zinc Suncreen Cream SPF 40. ...
- Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.
What sunscreen is banned in Hawaii?
The 2018 Ban: Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
In 2018, Hawaii was the first state to ban sunscreen that could wreak havoc on the environment. The bill officially went into effect on January 1, 2021, and prohibits sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
What do surfers use on their face?
An after-sun lotion or aloe vera gel is always helpful in the summer. They calm the skin and boost its recovery after sun exposure. As for the face, find a quality cream that suits your skin type and apply it morning, evening, and every time you wash it in the shower after surfing.
How do surfers not get sunburned?
Physical protectors such as hats and long sleeve rashguards will also help to lessen the exposure to the sun as well. We provide all of our surf lesson students with SPF long-sleeved rash guards to protect them from getting sunburned while surfing.
How do surfers protect their skin?
1 - A good sunscreen applied regularly.
For surfers it is recommended to use a Sunblock SPF 50. You must apply 15 to 20 minutes before surfing. If you plan to stay in the water for a long time, you can take one of those lipsticks in the Key Pocket of your Wetsuit to apply on your lips, cheeks, nose and ears.
What SPF is surf mud?
This hydrating, sweat-resistant formulation for the face and body protects the skin from the harsh conditions faced by surfers.
What is Vertra sunscreen?
Vertra's Elite Range of Ocean Based products are reef-safe; Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free, and infused with non-nano, mineral UVA/UVB blockers that meet the FDA maximum 80-minute water and sweat resistance ratings. For over a decade, Vertra has provided the ocean's best athletes with superior UV protection.
Is zinc sunscreen good for surfing?
(2) It's infused with 5% zinc oxide, which works to physically block the rays from getting to the skin. (3) It's hypoallergenic and has good ratings from surfers with sensitive skin.
Is Alba Botanica Hawaiian sunscreen reef-safe?
Alba Botanica® sunscreens are made with biodegradable and reef friendly* formulas, so you, and the oceans, can feel good about what you put on your skin.
What sunscreens are not reef-safe?
Avoid sunscreens with high content of Titanium Dioxide. This mineral does not biodegrade and is found to react in warm seawater to form hydrogen peroxide which is harmful to all sea life. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two chemicals recently banned in Hawaii and are believed to cause coral bleaching.
Is Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen reef-safe?
Walmart carries all the big brands so look for Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat (new formula) for reef-safe sunscreens. They also stock natural brands like Blue Lizard.
Is Bare Republic sunscreen reef-safe?
All of Bare Republic sunscreens are reef friendly per Hawaii Reef Act 104—nary a one contains oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Is Sun Bum allowed in Hawaii?
Sunscreen Allowed in Hawaii
We are very proud to say that our Original, Mineral and Signature sunscreen products throughout the U.S. all meet the requirements of the FDA and Hawaiian legislation and are Reef Friendly (Oxybenzone & Octinoxate free).
Is CeraVe sunscreen reef-safe?
6 Reef-Safe Sunscreens To Pack For Spring Break and Beyond
It also contains good-for-skin ingredients like green tea leaf extract, which is rich in antioxidants. The CeraVe Hydrating Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ticks all of the SPF boxes: It's broad spectrum, lightweight and doesn't leave behind a greasy film.
What is the white stuff that lifeguards put on their nose?
White pasty sunblocks protect your skin by absorbing and scattering away the harmful ultraviolet radiation. They also happen to scatter the less energetic form of radiation, visible light.
Can I use zinc oxide on my lips?
Yes, zinc oxide has been used in skincare for 1000s of years and is non-comedogenic and easy on sensitive skin.
Which lip balm is best in summer?
The 5 Best Lip Balms for Summer
- eos active protection lip balm, $2.99. Eos recently introduced the active protection lip balm for summer and it definitely doesn't disappoint. ...
- Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30, $25. ...
- Supergoop! ...
- Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 35, $22. ...
- MILK Balm Tint SPF 30, $18.