Choosing the right sunscreen is important. There are natural suncare options, reef safe sunscreen, and even baby sunscreen. But between water-resistant vs. waterproof sunscreen, which will best serve your needs? As a trusted partner in skincare, we are here to help.
When you’re choosing between SPF products, you’ll usually notice terms like ‘water-resistant’ on the bottle but rarely ‘waterproof’. That’s because no sunscreen can claim to be totally waterproof.
Water-resistant sunscreen means it keeps working even after you’ve been in water. They come with specified durations, like ‘four-hour water resistance’, showing how long it’ll keep protecting you at its SPF level, even if you’re swimming or sweating. Read on for more information.
Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Water-resistant sunscreens are formulated to maintain their SPF protection for a specified duration while exposed to water or sweat. In the United States, the FDA allows these products to be labeled as water-resistant if they can maintain at least 50% of their SPF after 40 or 80 minutes of water exposure. The most common claims are for 40 minutes and 80 minutes of water resistance, depending on the product's formulation and testing.
In Australia, the standards are even more stringent, with some sunscreens tested for up to 240 minutes of water resistance. This means that these products are designed to adhere to the skin better, utilizing specific ingredients that help the active UV filters remain effective even when wet.
Waterproof Sunscreen
The term "waterproof" is misleading as no sunscreen can claim to be completely waterproof. The FDA prohibits the use of this term to prevent consumer misconceptions about the level of protection offered. Instead, manufacturers may use terms like "very water-resistant" to indicate a higher level of efficacy in wet conditions, but even these products will eventually lose their protective qualities after prolonged exposure to water.
What to Consider When Choosing Sunscreen
Besides the importance of using water resistant sunscreen, there are other factors to consider when picking sun protection.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Good sun care isn’t just about SPF. Broad-spectrum sunscreens shield against both UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin damage and cancer. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to premature ageing.
While UVB, though less prevalent, is the main cause of sunburn, choosing a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection ensures that you stay protected from both types of harmful rays.
Choosing Reef-friendly Sunscreens
Just like our skin, our oceans need to be protected too. Many sunscreens contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that cause harm to coral reefs. The good news is that broad-spectrum protection from the sun while staying eco-friendly is attainable.
Reef-friendly sunscreens are the choice of the environmentally conscious, as they lack harmful elements. Opt for these sunscreens to shield your skin while helping to protect marine life and keep the planet healthy.
Protecting Our Littlest Sunbathers
Sunscreen for babies must be chosen with even more care, as their skin is more delicate. If you are going out with your baby, choose a product specifically designed for young skin that uses mineral blockers, avoiding harsh chemicals.
Don’t forget to apply generously and regularly, especially after time spent in the water or sweating. Remember, sun hats and protective clothing are essential too, not just sunscreen. This goes for you and your baby.
When to Apply Sunscreen
The Importance of Regular Reapplication
You can always count on your sunscreen to keep your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays. The breadth of the product’s effectiveness lies, however, in the frequency of reapplication. The subsequent reapplications are just as important as the initial coat.
Whether you’re playing sports, lounging by the pool, or just enjoying an afternoon in the park, reapplying your sunscreen every few hours helps maintain its effectiveness. Moreover, remember to reapply it immediately after water activities or exercise to maintain the level of protection.
Sunscreen for the Day-to-Day Routine
It’s easy to remember to slather on the SPF when you’re planning a day under the blazing sun, but what about when you’re just walking to the bus stop, sitting by a window, or even running out to grab your lunch? Sunscreen is usually relegated to the role of a seasonal accessory, something to dab on during beach vacations or sunny outings.
The truth is, the sun doesn’t take a day off, and neither should your skin protection.
Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine can keep your skin healthy and happy. Just a few moments every morning and reapplications as needed can shield your skin from many invisible threats, keeping it looking younger and healthier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of sunscreen is better for my beach vacation?
When choosing a sunscreen for your beach vacation, a broad-spectrum, water-resistant type will serve you best. As discussed above, broad-spectrum protection shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Keep in mind the environment too; using a product that is reef friendly goes a long way towards preserving our oceans' habitat. A good natural sunscreen should check all these boxes.
Can I just apply my sunscreen once and forget about it for the rest of the day?
As much as we’d love for this to be true, it isn’t. Most sunscreen provides up to three or four hours of water-resistant protection, which means it will serve you well during an active day out. However, for optimal sun protection, you should reapply it every few hours and always after swimming or sweating heavily.
Remember, no sunscreen can provide 100% total block out, so other sun protection measures like wearing a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing are always recommended, especially if you get a lot of sun exposure
Are zinc-based sunscreens safe for children and babies?
Absolutely! Zinc-based sunscreens are not only safe but preferred for babies that are six months and older. Rather than absorbing into the skin, these sunscreens sit on the surface and reflect the sun’s harmful rays.
They are free from the harsh chemical filters found in mainstream sunscreens that can potentially cause reactions or irritations. But remember, for babies under six months, it’s advisable to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible.
Key Points to Remember
When selecting a sunscreen, it is essential to understand that while water-resistant products offer better protection during water exposure, they still require reapplication after swimming or sweating. Consumers should look for products that specify their water resistance duration and always follow application guidelines to ensure adequate protection against UV rays.
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Understanding Water-Resistance in Sunscreens: The term 'water-resistant' is used over 'waterproof' because no sunscreen can be completely waterproof. Water-resistant sunscreens are designed to remain effective for a certain period (e.g., four hours) even when swimming or sweating.
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Always Reapply: Sunscreen's effectiveness diminishes over time, especially after water exposure or sweating. Reapplying sunscreen every few hours, and immediately after water activities or exercise, ensures continuous protection against the sun's harmful rays.
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Daily Sunscreen Use: Sun exposure occurs daily, not just during special outdoor events. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine protects your skin from premature ageing and damage, even during short outdoor activities or near windows.
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Broad-Spectrum Protection: Opting for broad-spectrum sunscreens offers protection against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays. These sunscreens help guard against skin damage, premature ageing, and skin cancer, providing more comprehensive skin protection.
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Reef-friendly Types: Certain sunscreen chemicals can harm marine ecosystems. Reef-friendly sunscreens avoid these harmful ingredients, offering a way to protect your skin while also conserving marine life and promoting environmental health.
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Special Considerations for Babies: Babies' skin requires sunscreens that are gentle and designed for their sensitive skin, usually mineral-based formulations. Wearing layers like sun hats and protective clothing is important for babies' sun protection.
Little Urchin creates organic and cruelty-free suncare products through a combination of nature and science, nourishing your skin. Our products also promote the well-being of our planet and communities as we advocate for a sustainable, healthier future.
