The Best Sunscreen for Swimming: Protect Your Skin From UV Rays

Product	Features
	Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen Oil-free, Water-resistant& Non-greasy SPF level 50 Broad spectrum protection from UVA & UVB rays Effective sunscreen lotion duration of 80 minutes. Hypoallergenic & Non-comedogenic Comes with a package of Vitamin-E
	Neutrogena wet skin Water-resistant Sunscreen stick Oil-free, Water-resistant & Non-greasy SPF level of 70 Broad spectrum protection from UVA & UVB rays Effective sunscreen stick duration of 80 minutes Hypoallergenic
	Coppertone Sport Continuous Sunscreen Spray Water-resistant & durable SPF level of 50 Broad spectrum protection from UVA & UVB rays Effective sunscreen spray duration of 80 minutes Contains a package of Vitamin-E and moisturizers
	Neutrogena Ultra-sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen lotion Oil-free, Water-resistant & Non-greasy SPF level 100+ Broad spectrum UVA &UVB protection Effective sunscreen spray/stick duration of 80 minutes
	Hawaiian Tropic sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen Oil-free, Water resistant & Non-greasy SPF level 30 Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB protection Effective sunscreen touch lotion duration of 80 minutes

How about we begin with the very start of “What is the necessity in choosing the best sunscreen for swimming during summer?” So, to begin with, as summer tends to approach and the heat begins to settle in, the best option to cool ourselves is through a swim. Be it a pool, lake, or a beach, swimming is what nearly everyone looks for in chilling down their bodies as summer arrives.

But, it is while swimming that you tend to be more prone to the sunburns and the effects of harmful UV rays. One could knock the thought off saying “How about sunscreen?” Well, you could but we have yet another “but” ahead regarding how effective can these sunscreens can be when we add water to the mix. What next then?

Since it is water that is added to the mix, you need to choose a water-proof sunscreen. Using a sunscreen that isn’t waterproof, then don’t be surprised to have been burned to a crisp at the end of the day. Yep, that is true!

“Hmm. Okay. So, water-proof sunscreen is what we need then! Fine.” Nope, that is not where it ends. Not all sunscreens are the same and effective. Moreover, there are plenty of sunscreens in the market today which makes it quite difficult to choose the optimal choice. Their varied prices tend to extend the difficulty level. Phew!

“So, should we look into more details while making our choice of purchase of a sunscreen?” Well, yes. Call it parameters, characteristics, predicaments, factors, or whatever (let’s use factors to be more sensible), there are certain factors that one needs to consider while making a purchase. Have a look below!

Best Sunscreen For Swimming – Buying Guide

Factors to look for while choosing the best sunscreen for swimming

Listed below are the factors you can check on while making your purchase of the best sunscreen for swimming:

1. Form of use

The best part of having many sunscreen products is that one can look for varied forms in which it comes. Not clear? You will be familiar with what we are referring to from the following list consisting of an array of forms that the sunscreen products are available in the market.

• Lotion
• Oil
• Stick
• Cream
• Gel
• Paste
• Spray

Familiar now? Alright. So, for an easy and quick application of the sunscreen, the spray form of the product is recommended. However, it is still up to personal preference and choice as all of them tend to work great.

2. Water-resistant or Water-proof

This is what we are after – a water-proof sunscreen product. Look out for a water-resistant label on the sunscreen product you choose as this is where the duration time of the sunscreen product is mentioned. 

This duration is what indicates the time after which the sunscreen product tends to become ineffective i.e. the time mentioned estimates the duration after which the sunscreen formula stops working while in water. 

In general, products tend to have an 80-minute water-resistant duration label, however, other products tend to last for 40 minutes only. So, make sure the best sunscreen for swimming that you are going to choose has a relevant label with an effective time of use in water mentioned.

3. Level of SPF (sun protection factor)

The SPF level is a parameter that is used to measure the ability of a sunscreen to protect its wearer from the Ultraviolet B-rays or other rays from the sun that can cause sunburns (and sometimes worse, skin cancer). The higher the SPF level number more is its protection ability.

For example, a sunscreen product with an SPF value of 15 can give up to a protection ability of about 93%, i.e. it tends to filter that much amount of UVB rays. Similarly, some with SPF value as 30 tend to block 97% of the UVB rays. However, it is to be noted that there is no such sunscreen product in the market that can offer a 100% protection ability.

So, make sure you choose the best sunscreen for swimming that can offer an optimum SPF level value of at least 15.

4. Sunscreen type

In general, there are two types of sunscreen products, namely – chemical and mineral. The aspect that tends to differentiate these two is that although both tend to fulfill the requirement of protection against harmful sun rays, their way of functioning is different. The reason for differential functioning is, as you might have guessed, varied formulation and ingredients used.

Here’s The Pros & Cons section for each type of sunscreens.

Mineral Sunscreen

Pros

• The sunscreen made of minerals happens to be suitable for individuals with sensitive skin, children, and for those with melisma as well.
• Quicker in working.
• A mineral sunscreen can be used with other skincare products if any.

Cons

• It in general takes a long time to apply.
• It also needs to be applied more frequently as compared to the chemical sunscreens.
• Sometimes the sunscreen tends to leave out a white film on the skin that may lead to breakouts.

Chemical Sunscreen:

Pros

• Quick and easy for applying.
• Even with lesser quantity, sunscreen tends to offer protection for a long.
• The sunscreen when applied tends to be thinner and lighter against the skin.

Cons

• As compared to its counterpart, it takes more time for working.
• It sometimes may cause skin reactions.
• For people prone to rosacea, the sunscreen tends to form redness on their skin.

The chemicals used in a mineral sunscreen (Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide) happen to be approved as “Generally recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE)”. But of its counter-parts (with chemicals Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, etc.) aren’t declared as such and the Oxybenzone chemical is bleaching and damaging the coral reefs.

So, you may decide on what to look for now the pros and cons of both types of sunscreens are detailed.

Not enough time to go through all the details? Well, it happens and hence, to help you find your best sunscreen for swimming, the following list of sunscreen products has been prepared.

Best Sunscreen For Swimming Reviews

1. Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sunscreen

Be it while spending a day at the beach or just hanging out, the Sun Bum original moisturizing sunscreen lotion is what you can look for. Here are its key features:

• Approved by Dermatologists and is a hypoallergenic & non-comedogenic lotion that offers broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• Oil-free, Non-greasy, Water-resistant, and reef-friendly.
• Suitable for all skin types with an SPF value of 50.
• Comes with a package of Vitamin-E.
• Can reapply after 80 minutes.

2. Neutrogena wet skin Water-resistant Sunscreen stick

Next in line, we have a 0.47 ounce Neutrogena sunscreen stick made especially for active kids, i.e. it is formulated to work on kids’ dry or wet skin. Here are its key features:

• Tested by dermatologists and is a hypoallergenic PABA-free formula that tends to offer broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA & UVB rays.
• Oil-free, Non-greasy& Water-resistant.
• Suitable for kids with wet or dry skin.
• SPF value of 70.
• Can reapply after 80 minutes.

3. Coppertone Sport Continuous Sunscreen Spray

Coming with a spray mechanism, this sunscreen is specially designed to hold and stay onto the skin for long even when sweating. Here are its key features:

• A sport spray sunscreen that tends delivers a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection.
• Water-resistant & has a durable formula that tends to leave a light and a breathable feeling on your skin.
• Suitable for sportspersons, summer campers, and more.
• Filters about 98% of sun’s rays with an SPF level of 50.
• Contains moisturizers & Vitamin-E that refuel the skin’s antioxidant defense

4. Neutrogena Ultra-sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen lotion

Back with Neutrogena again. This 3-ounce fluid sunscreen lotion when used as directed helps in defending against the sunburns and also tends to decrease the risk of skin cancer. Here are its key features:

• Recommended by dermatologists and is a non-comedogenic& PABA-free lotion with a broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection.
• Has a Dry-touch mechanism and is Oil-free, Water-resistant & Non-greasy.
• Suitable for all skin types with an SPF level 100+.
• Can reapply after 80 minutes.
• Light in weight and comes in both spray & stick forms.

5. Hawaiian Tropic sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen

Coming from the Hawaiian Tropic, this sunscreen lotion contains no Oxybenzone & Octinoxate. Here are its key features:

• Tested by dermatologists and offers broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection.

• Oil-free, Non-greasy, Water-resistant & Reef-safe.

• Comes with an SPF level of 30.

• Can reapply after 80 minutes.

• Contains skin-nourishing anti-oxidants including Vitamin-C & Vitamin-E.

6. Banana Sport Sunscreen Ultra sport performance

This high-performance sunscreen is designed for sports enthusiasts and anyone willing to sweat it out in the sun. Here are its key features:

• Clinically proven and offers a broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection.
• Quick-absorbing ability, Water & Sweat-resistant, and Non-greasy.
• Comes with an SPF level of 30.
• Can reapply after 80 minutes.
• Formulated with a patented Avotriplex technology for photostability.

7. Australian Gold sunscreen lotion

Coming from Australian Gold, the sunscreen with its native Australian Acacia extract offers antioxidant benefits. Here are its key features:

• Offers a broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection.
• Oil-free and water-resistant.
• Suitable for all skin types with an SPF of 50
• Can reapply after 80 minutes.
• Infused with Aloe Vera and comes with an Australian gold signature fragrance.
• Comes in multiple forms – lotion, gel, spray, etc.

Choosing the best sunscreen for swimming is very much essential for protection against sunburns and the UV rays from the sun. Given that there are plenty of sunscreens in the market, one needs to look for basic and effective factors that a sunscreen product has to offer.

As described before, being water-resistant is an important factor while choosing the best sunscreen for swimming and make sure that the labeling on the bottle is authentic.

The list of Sunscreen provided contains the top-7 sunscreens available in the market with unique features and effective background works. Hope the list helped find your best sunscreen for swimming.

Frequently asked questions

1. Are sunscreens water-proof?

Not all of the sunscreens are waterproof. Only those labeled on the bottle as water-resistant happen to be water-proof sunscreens. So, look out for a label on the sunscreen to verify if it is water-resistant or not.

2. What level of SPF should one need to look for?

As per the FDA, it is recommended to go in with an SPF level of at least 15. For those with fairer skins, it is recommended to consider a value between 30 &50 to go in.

3. How long does waterproof sunscreen last?

The duration that a sunscreen runs effectively depends on the product itself. In general, this duration will last about 40-80 minutes in water. Check for the label on the product to estimate the number of times you need to reapply.

4. How long should one wait to swim after applying the sunscreen?

In general, the estimated time for a sunscreen to properly absorb into the skin is about 15-20 minutes. So, you need to wait at least that long before entering the water body. However, this estimated time can vary with products due to different formulations and ingredients. So, look for the instructions on the bottle to get a clear picture of the specific detailing.