Using a sunscreen specifically designed for surfing is essential to protect your skin while practicing this sport, preventing sunburn, premature aging, and more serious issues such as melanoma or skin cancer. Today, there are products made specifically for surfers that offer longer-lasting protection and resistance to saltwater.
Why It’s Important to Protect Your Skin with Surfing Sunscreen
It’s important to remember that the skin “has memory” and UV damage accumulates over time. That’s why it’s always recommended to use sunscreen specifically for surfing, not only in summer but also in winter, when the perceived risk is lower but exposure is the same. From our surf school in Fuerteventura, Surfintrip, we recommend taking care of yourself while enjoying your favorite sport.
Why Use Surfing Sunscreen Instead of Regular Sunscreen?
During a surfing session, your skin is constantly exposed to UVA and UVB rays, as well as water, splashes, and often long sessions. That’s why you need a high-quality product that accounts for all these factors.
SPF 50+ Surf Sunscreens: The Best Choice
Regardless of skin type, it is advisable to use a surfing sunscreen with SPF 50+, which provides longer-lasting protection. A common mistake is to think that a low SPF is suitable only for dark skin and a high SPF only for light skin. Even though darker skin takes longer to burn, SPF does not depend solely on skin type: it indicates how much longer you can stay under the sun without burning compared to using no protection at all. Applying the sunscreen before arriving at the beach or directly there is a good habit, but always choose SPF 50+.
Waterproof, High-Resistance Sunscreen for Surfing
To surf and protect your skin from UV rays, you need a product that won’t wash off in the water. Some sunscreens are labeled “waterproof” or “water-resistant.” However, not all water-resistant creams are suitable for surfing: you need maximum and long-lasting resistance because a short swim is very different from hours of surfing. The best surfing sunscreens provide effective protection for up to four hours, about twice as long as a regular pharmacy or supermarket sunscreen.
Surfing Sunscreen Without Irritation
Another reason to choose a sunscreen specifically made for surfers is its anti-irritation formula: it prevents the product from running into your eyes with sweat or water splashes, avoiding stinging or discomfort. You can safely apply it to your face.
Sunscreen and Environmental Care
Many surfers are aware of the importance of protecting oceans and marine ecosystems. That’s why it’s worth choosing an eco-friendly surfing sunscreen, formulated to minimize harmful chemicals for marine life. These products often carry labels such as eco, ecological, or environmentally friendly, and may contain mineral filters based on zinc, which help protect marine fauna.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
The ideal sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Always check the label to ensure this.
How to Apply Surfing Sunscreen Correctly
Choose the most suitable format and apply the product all over your body, paying special attention to the nose and cheekbones, without forgetting the forehead and lips.
It can come in stick, cream, or spray form. And if you’re someone who spends hours in the water, even with breaks, remember to reapply the sunscreen as needed. Take care of yourself while enjoying your favorite sport!
