We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen. However, when you add water to the mix, it presents an extra challenge. If you are swimming, it is vital that you find a waterproof sunscreen that can last when you are spending a day at the pool or beach. Use a sunscreen that isn’t waterproof, and you’ll more than likely find yourself burned to a crisp at the end of the day. Read on to learn about some of the best sunscreens for swimming.
7 Best Sunscreens for Swimming
1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 (For Face)
This cult-favorite chemical sunscreen is popular not just because of its protecting abilities. The product contains ingredients that hydrate the skin, including hyaluronic acid. It is also super waterproof, meaning it can last up to 80 minutes in water, and has both UVA and UVB protection. The formula is lightweight and has a watery texture that absorbs well and doesn’t leave a greasy film.
2. EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 (For Face)
EltaMD is another incredibly popular brand when it comes to effective sunscreens. This product provides both UVA and UVB protection, can last in water up to 80 minutes, and contains 9% transparent zinc oxide. It is both a chemical and physical sunscreen, as it also has octinoxate and octisalate. The sunscreen also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that reduces exposure to free radicals to prevent the visible signs of aging. The formulation is fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and noncomedogenic.
3. Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF 50 (For Face)
This combination chemical and physical sunscreen has a thin, milky texture that dries to a satin finish on the skin. It is super waterproof, so it can last up to 80 minutes in water. The sunscreen also contains moisturizing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, so your skin will feel adequately hydrated. It is free of fragrance, mineral oil, and color additives.
4. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 (For Body)
This La Roche-Posay sunscreen has a unique, lightweight formula that transforms into a water-like texture when it comes in contact with the skin. It uses what the brand calls Cell-Ox Shield technology, meaning it contains UVA and UVB protection, as well as antioxidants to protect the skin from free radicals. The formula is also created with thermal spring water, and has a cooling effect on the skin. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes in water.
5. Pacifica Mineral SPF 50 Body Butter (For Body)
If you are looking for a suncare product that masks the typical sunscreen smell, this is the option for you. The Pacifica Mineral SPF 50 Body Butter comes in two scents: pineapple flower and coconut. It is a physical sunscreen formulated with 22% zinc oxide, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes in water. The formula also contains super hydrating shea butter, and the product is vegan and cruelty-free.
6. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (For Body)
This moisturizing and protecting sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes in water. It offers UVA and UVB protection, and is hypoallergenic, oil free, paraben free, gluten free, and vegan and cruelty free. The chemical sunscreen contains vitamin E, which neutralizes free radicals to protect the skin from visible signs of aging. The formula has a light coconut scent that isn’t overpowering.
7. Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 (For Lips)
Your lips need protection, too! This lip balm provides UVA and UVB protection, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is formulated with hydrating ingredients that’ll keep your lips feeling moisturized and chap-free, including coconut oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E. There are a variety of scents to choose from, including coconut, watermelon, key lime, and pomegranate. It is paraben free, petrochemical free, gluten free, and vegan.
Additional Sunscreen Tips
Now that you’ve learned about the best sunscreens for swimming, there are a few things to keep in mind. These tips will help you get the best results from your products and keep your skin completely sunburn-free.
1. Apply Sunscreen Before Going Out in the Sun
Sunscreen can take around 15 minutes to absorb into the skin. Rather than lathering up once you get to the pool, apply your sunscreen before heading into the sun to give it time to absorb. Generally, you should give it at least 15 minute to soak in, but check the bottle of your sunscreen to see if the instructions say otherwise.
2. Reapply Sunscreen Regularly
Not reapplying sunscreen is one of the biggest mistakes people make, and it’ll often result in an uncomfortable sunburn. Even the best sunscreens for swimming can’t last the entire day. In order to keep your skin safe and sunburn free, make sure you are vigilant about reapplying every 40 to 80 minutes. Your bottle will note exactly how often you should apply. This includes everything: your face, your body, and your lips.
3. Use Sunscreen Even When It’s Cloudy
Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean it can’t harm your skin. In fact, when it is cloudy, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate your skin. So don’t use bad weather as an excuse – lather up and stay protected.
4. Use a Cleanser to Remove Sunscreen
Waterproof sunscreens require a bit of extra care when it comes to cleansing. Leaving sunscreen on your face for longer than you need to can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. You’ll want to cleanse as soon as possible to keep your skin happy. Make sure you find an effective cleanser that will remove all sunscreen residue from your face.
FAQs
Are sunscreens waterproof?
Sunscreen is only waterproof if it says so on the bottle. If you are looking for suncare products that’ll keep you protected while swimming, you will want to find ones that say they are “water resistant” or “waterproof.” Even waterproof sunscreens don’t last all day, so you’ll need to reapply every 40 to 80 minutes to stay completely protected.
How long does waterproof sunscreen last?
This will depend on the sunscreen, but generally a waterproof sunscreen will last between 40 to 80 minutes in water. Check the label of your waterproof sunscreen to see how often you should reapply.
How long should you wait to swim after applying sunscreen?
Sunscreen can take around 15 minutes to absorb into the skin, so you’ll want to wait at least that long before jumping in. This amount of time can vary based on the formula, so check the instructions on your sunscreen bottle to see if it has any specific directions about how long you need to wait.
Summary:
- Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 (For Face)
- EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 (For Face)
- Rohto Skin Aqua Super Moisture Milk SPF 50 (For Face)
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 (For Body)
- Pacifica Mineral SPF 50 Body Butter (For Body)
- Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (For Body)
- Sun Bum Lip Balm SPF 30 (For Lips)
The Bottom Line
- Not all sunscreen is waterproof, so it is important that you choose some of the best sunscreens for swimming to keep your skin protected.
- In order to stay completely protected from the sun, you’ll need to use waterproof sunscreen for your face, body, and lips while swimming.
- It is important to wait at least 15 minutes after applying sunscreen before jumping into the water. You will also need to reapply every 40 to 80 minutes.
