I hope that you are fully aware of just how essential it is to rock a sunscreen whenever you are out there playing under the sun! But you have to remember that not all sunscreens are equally created.
If you will be hitting the beach or spend a day in the pool, you have to make sure that you have the best sunscreen for swimming. It should be something that will not just wash off. So to make things easier for you, I have listed down below five sunscreens that you need to stock up before hitting the water.
Best Sunscreen for Swimming in 2020
SolRX WaterBlock Matte Zinc Sunscreen, SPF 50
SolRX has combined both chemical and physical sunscreen to make this sunscreen highly recommended for those who love to swim. This product is actually designed to be used by athletes or ocean swimmers. No wonder why long-distance swimmers who are spending hours in the water at once rated this product to be one of the best sunscreens. It also combined together octisalate (5%), octinoxate (7.5%) and zinc oxide (10%) to provide its user broad spectrum protection.
It also comes with a Dry Zinch formula that minimizes the greasy feeling you always have with most sunscreen; it just goes on dry and can be absorbed by the skin much better than those that are purely physical sunscreens. This is also an oil-free sunscreen as well as reef-friendly, I’m sure this will give a peace of mind to ocean swimmers out there.
This sunscreen is being advertised as water resistance for up to 80 minutes. The manufacturer even claims that this sunscreen can retain up to 97% of the SPF after the 6-hour immersion. In addition to its great features and amazing quality, I’m happy to share that this sunscreen comes at a reasonable price.
I just really love this sunscreen since it is not purely chemical plus it contains zinc oxide which is the most efficient active ingredient for sunscreen. However, you should know that both octisalate and octinoxate are by far the worse when it comes to toxicity; though it is far better than oxybenzone. So if you have a sensitive skin type, you might want to consider other products.
Pros:
- It features high SPF rating
- It is reef safe, this means it minimizes damage to the environment
- Delivers reliable water resistance that lasts up to 8 hours
Cons:
- It contains chemical ingredients
BurnOut SPF 30 Physical Sunscreen, Ocean Tested
As its name suggests, this physical and water-resistant sunscreen is perfect to be used in ocean waters. It uses highly concentrated zinc oxide (20%) to deliver efficient and well-balanced protection against UV.
This has a smooth texture that you can easily apply. It is fully packed with natural ingredients, so if you are someone with sensitive skin then this is the best sunscreen for you. It has been enriched with antioxidant vitamins, aloe vera and hemp seed oil that can help rejuvenate and soothe already damaged skin. There’s no added fragranced in this product, though it comes with a mild scent just like most natural sunscreens.
It is also a bonus that BurnOut is a reputable brand who has been popular for producing amazing sunscreens. Every product they made, they always have the users and the safety of the environment in mind. In fact, this sunscreen is free from any harmful chemicals such as petroleum and parabens. This is also biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free and of course, ocean safe. There are no sunscreens that is much greener and cleaner than the ones manufactured by BurnOut.
This sunscreen also offers the maximum level of the sought-after water resistance at 80 minutes, this is because this product has been originally created for water-based athletes. However, this is also a little difficult to properly rub in and it will leave you with a white cast too; but unlike the first product, it doesn’t get anywhere once it is on your skin.
Pros:
- Highly concentrated active ingredient
- Comes with ingredients that are hydrating to the skin
- Has water resistance up to 80-minutes
Cons:
- It will take some time to rub in
- It also leaves a white cast
Badger SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Cream
This physical sunscreen claims to be water-resistant up to 80 minutes! But what’s even more impressive is that when you take a closer look to its list of ingredients, you will see that there are only five ingredients and all of these are certified to be 98% organic and 100% natural; this has the simplest formula among the five products featured in this list.
It is only composed of sunflower vitamin E, jojoba oil, beeswax, sunflower oil and, zinc oxide. The zinc oxide it gives is just ridiculously amazing! It uses highly concentrated zinc oxide (22.5%) to provide broad-spectrum protection. Overall, it balanced well the UV protection.
So unless you are allergic to any of those five natural ingredients, it will be very unlikely to develop irritation from this sunscreen. This is also an unscented screen, though the sunflower oil has a mild fragrance that smells like oatmeal.
These natural ingredients are just the bonus to those who love swimming in the ocean, you will be happy to know that this sunscreen is non-nano, biodegradable and friendly to coral reefs. So using it will not harm the environment.
However, just like most of the physical sunscreens, it will take a little time to rub this properly and it also leaves a white cast on your skin. A lot of its users also complain that it always come off on other surfaces too, so make sure to be careful not to rub yourself against anything after applying the product.
There are also users who say that they feel greasy after application and it is difficult to get off. Overall, this is a sunscreen that you need to consider if you want excellent protection while swimming.
Pros:
- The active ingredient used is highly concentrated
- It has a simple formula
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It has a thick formula
Watermans SPF 50+ Aqua Armor Lotion
This is a physical-chemical hybrid sunscreen and it uses 5% octocrylene, 13% homosalate and 20% zinc oxide. Its zinc oxide’s level is quite impressive, this is actually highest one I’ve seen in a physical-chemical sunscreen and this concentration alone is already enough for most physical sunscreens.
Anyway, this product has been designed to endure the harshness of ocean use, be it the salt water, wind or sun. It provides an excellent broad-spectrum protection too! However, the chemical ingredients such as octocrylene and homosalate have some toxicity issues though this is not as bad as oxybenzone; though I think this is something that you should consider. For me, I don’t mind if it appears in this list of ingredients, this sunscreen is even highly regarded by ocean-swimmers as well as most surfing communities. But you have to be careful if you have a sensitive skin type; I suggest you opt for some that are pure physicals instead.
This sunscreen has thick consistency too and has the tendency to leave a white cast which is normally expected when the product is using highly concentrated zinc oxide. Just like other sunscreens mentioned in this list, it also has a water-resistance level of up to 80 minutes which is very important if you will be swimming. Most of its buyers are also commenting on the sunscreen’s long-lasting ability and that it really stays put during use. It doesn’t sweat or run off, so we can be sure that your eyes will be safe with this one.
I also like the packaging of this sunscreen, it is actually one of its remarkable features. The pouch it used is environmentally friend and is very easy to squeeze. It is very flexible that you will be able to fit it almost anywhere. It also has a metal clip or a carabiner you can attach to your bag to make it accessible whatever adventures you are into.
Pros:
- The active ingredient used is highly concentrated
- Comes with a water-resistance level of up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It contains chemical ingredients
- It has the tendency to live white cast on your screen
Headhunter SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen
This is another hybrid chemical and physical sunscreen. It uses 12% zinc oxide, 7.5% octinoxate, 7% octocrylene and 5% octisalate to deliver broad-spectrum protection. This SPF 50 sunscreen has actually been designed to be efficient for ocean use and is being recommended by most long-distance swimmers.
As I already mentioned above, chemical ingredients such as octisalate, octocrylene and octinoxate are not the best ingredients when it comes to toxicity though there’s nothing to worry too much since Environmental Working Group still gave fair to limited-use rating to this product.
This sunscreen is also PABA and fragrance-free and it will not make you feel greasy after application. But just a little warning, this is not the most ideal sunscreen for anyone with sensitive skin even if it has been classified to be hypoallergenic. Its staying powers is also great that it will really stay put on the skin but what’s even great is that when you accidentally get this into your eyes, it will never sting.
It also has the recommended level of water resistance at 80 minutes and buyers of this sunscreen are raving on how remarkable and long-lasting the protection it provides despite sweating.
Pros:
- It has high SPF level
- It also has a water resistance of up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- It contains chemical ingredients
- It has the tendency to leave a white cast on your skin
The Best Way To Keep Your Skin Protected When Swimming
Swimming is definitely an excellent physical activity and it comes with a lot of health benefits. However, swimming outside only means increase exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
So here are some on how to keep yourself protected.
- Slather on some SPF. Of course, this should be mandatory. This is not just a fancy practice. Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before you get outside and dip in the water.
- Don’t forget to reapply. Reapply sunscreen every 40 to 80 minutes while swimming. Reapply sunscreen too after toweling off since the towel can wipe off the product.
- Hydrate all the time. One of the best ways to make sure that your skin is not getting dehydrated is to keep on sipping water while you are swimming. Don’t forget to drink enough water all through the day to keep your skin healthy. The skin also has the tendency to try to make up for lack of moisture water in the pool, which is not good since it has excess amounts of chlorine.
- End your swimming water warm shower. It is important that you take a shower as soon as you get out of the pool. I suggest you begin your shower with warm water to help your popes open up and allow thorough cleansing. Finish it with cool water to help your pores tighten and prevent moisture loss.
- Swim early. I suggest you swim early in the morning since the sun is the strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Swimming late in the evening is also a good idea.
Final Thought
So there you have it, the best sunscreens you can use whenever you plan to hit the beach or pool. These five sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection and are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
A sunscreen could be a great companion that will keep your skin protected on a sunny day. Take note that water can amplify the sun rays, so make sure you will be protected as possible. Don’t forget to bring along aloe vera products too for your sunburn.
How about you? Do you have a favorite sunscreen that you always bring with you when you’re planning for a swim? Tell me about this product in the comment section below. I would really love to hear from you!