Protect your skin while you're surfing!

Surfers need to be especially careful about sun exposure since they're out in the sun all day long. That's why it's important to find a sunscreen that will protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Not only does sunscreen help protect you from skin cancer and premature aging, but it also helps keep your skin healthy and looking good. Finding the right sunscreen for surfers can be tricky, but we'll help you figure out which one is best for you.

Keep reading this blog post to learn more about the best sunscreens for surfers.

What to Look for a Surfer's Sunscreen

Are you ready to hit the waves? Before you jump in the water, don't forget to arm yourself with good sunscreen that will protect your skin from sunburns and long-term damage.

Here's what you need to know about finding the perfect sunscreen for surfing.

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

When shopping for sunscreen, one of the most important considerations is its Sun Protection Factor or SPF rating. This rating indicates how much protection it will provide against UV rays from the sun. Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30—the higher the number, the better protection it provides. Be sure to read the label carefully and check if it's been tested and approved by both UVA and UVB rays.

Water Resistance

Another factor to consider when buying sunscreen is its water resistance. When you're surfing, you'll be spending plenty of time in and out of the water— so it's important that your sunscreen can stand up to heavy exposure to saltwater and chlorine. Look for a product that states on its label "water resistant" so that your skin stays protected even when you're in the ocean all day long!

Ingredients

Finally, pay attention to what ingredients are in your sunscreen. You want something that's made with natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are less likely to irritate or cause redness on sensitive skin types than chemical sunscreens. Also, avoid any products containing parabens or phthalates as these can be irritating too.

How We Choose the  Best Sunscreen for Surfers

As a surfer, it can be hard to know which sunscreen is best for you and your needs.

There are so many sunscreens on the market, how can you possibly know which one to choose? And more importantly, how can you trust that the sunscreen you're using is actually effective?

After reading through countless customer reviews on Amazon, we've compiled a list of the best sunscreens for surfers. These sunscreens have been proven to be both safe and effective by real customers.

Provides heavy duty SPF 50 skin defense against damage.

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Cool Facts

Let the sun kiss your skin with Headhunter Heavy Duty Reef Safe Sunscreen. This top-notch SPF 50 provides heavy-duty skin defense against damaging UV rays and the non-migrating formula ensures it stays put until you wash it off. Not only is this sunscreen reef safe, but it also's hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so it won't sting your eyes or leave greasy residues on your skin.

Plus, our superior tinted light brown formula offers complete face and body coverage in one easy application. So don't fear the sun! With Headhunter Heavy Duty Reef Safe Sunscreen's superior protection, you can enjoy warm days in total confidence knowing that the future of your skin is safe and sound.

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Headhunter Heavy Duty Reef Safe Sunscreen is the perfect option for any avid surfer or water sports enthusiast. Designed to ensure dependability and long-lasting protection, this heavy-duty sunscreen won't wash off until you do.

With different levels of protection - from SPF 30 all the way up to SPF 50+ - there's something available for everybody, even those with sensitive skin. So whether you're out in the ocean for a quick dip or spending a whole day surfing, Headhunter has you covered.

Cool Facts

Feel the Hawaiian breeze on your skin with Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion! Enjoy the heavenly scent of cocoa butter while you protect your skin from harsh UV rays with SPF 30. This luxurious lotion is gentle, reef safe, and made without Oxybenzones, Petrochemicals, or Nanoparticles

With a lightweight and non-greasy feel, it's perfect for those wanting to avoid that heavy sunscreen feeling. No more sticky messes or streaks for a hassle-free application that allows you to make the most of your time in the sun. Let Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion take care of business while you enjoy the sand between your toes.

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Maui Surfer Honey All Natural Sunscreen Lotion is the perfect choice for a luxurious sunscreen experience. Protecting you for 80 minutes in the water, this lotion is made with essential oils grown in Maui and is proudly made in Hawaii.

Don't let your day at the beach be ruined by sunburn; lather up with Maui Surfer Honey and make sure to have a good time! This natural lotion will keep you feeling safe, leave your skin feeling nourished, and make sure that you come home with a tan instead of a burn.

Enriched with Zinc Oxide, and is Hypoallergenic, Gluten and Cruelty and Free to ensure a fun, clean day in the sun.

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Cool Facts

Introducing Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50, one of the best mineral sunscreens on the market. Get your summer days off to the perfect start with this Beach-In-A-Stick! Natural, zinc-based mineral protection that sits on top of your skin but feels amazing and weightless. Your skin will be left with a matte finish and you'll have Broad Spectrum SPF 50 from UVA/UVB rays.

Your beach days have never been easier - just roll it on in under a minute for reliable protection all day long. Not only does it feel great - no irritations or chalky white residues - but it also smells incredible. Perfect for an active lifestyle and made for all skin tones, enjoy yourself knowing you are using natural minerals that won't rub off on clothes or towels like other conventional sunscreen products often do.

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Enjoying a day in the sun can be stress-free and fun with Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50. It's enriched with non-nano Zinc Oxide and is hypoallergenic, gluten, and cruelty-free so you'll know you're taking proper care of your skin. This sunscreen freshly scented product is all natural so it won't bother those who have sensitive skin types.

Plus, because it's specifically formulated for children, it can be used on adults as well! With Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50, you get the coverage you need for a relaxed day outdoors.

Hydrate, protect, and cover your assets with this UVA/UVB protective body sunscreen.

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Cool Facts

Are you looking for a sunscreen that will protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, but also make you look good in the process? Look no further than DUNE SUNCARE The Bod Guard Clear Sunscreen. Our revolutionary preventative SPF gel protection is packed with skincare benefits, giving you the confidence necessary to face whatever each day brings.

This lightweight lotion is designed to work on all skin types and tones, so regardless of what your natural complexion is, our product will provide you with protective coverage while keeping your skin hydrated and healthy. From the office to a day out on the beach, you can trust our clear sunscreen lotion to keep your skin safe and looking its best.

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Dune Suncare The Bod Guard Clear Sunscreen is ideal for any user looking to protect their skin without the use of harmful chemicals. A vegan and cruelty-free product, this sunscreen is also free of GMOs, parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, meaning it can safely be used on the skin without fear of irritation.

Not only is it safe, but dermatologists have also clinically proven the efficacy of this sunscreen in protecting from UV rays. Additionally, key ingredients such as Vitamin E, hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract, neem leaf, and flower extract work together to aid in skin hydration and smoothness.

For worry-free sun protection that won't compromise your health or the health of animals and the environment - try Dune Suncare The Bod Guard Clear Sunscreen.

Enriched with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to deliver you protection from UVA/UVB rays.

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Cool Facts

Tropical Escape. Balanced Protection. Introducing the Miami Beach Bum Blocked Mineral Sunscreen – your go-to body lotion for a summer-inspired skincare experience you can take with you wherever you go.

Enjoy this lightweight, luxurious lotion that's enriched with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals for full-coverage UVA/UVB protection as well as additional skincare benefits. Delight in the citrusy aromas of tropical paradise while giving your skin that extra shimmer of confidence it needs to make it through your day.

Experience the "feel" of Miami Beach without leaving home; explore the power of sea mineral defense against the sun's rays and feel confident knowing you're covered! So leave your worries behind and bask in the sun; treat yourself with the Miami Beach Bum Blocked Mineral Sunscreen today.

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Miami Beach Bum Blocked Mineral Sunscreen is unlike any other sunscreen on the market. Not only is it reef safe and naturally scented with Orange & Coconut, but it also includes key natural ingredients Aloe, Broccoli, and Algae that help restore skin's moisture and hydration.

This unique combination of minerals and natural ingredients makes Miami Beach Bum Blocked Mineral Sunscreen the ideal choice for those looking to protect their skin from the sun while nourishing it at the same time.

Includes a nourishing blend of all-natural organic ingredients that keep your skin protected, deeply hydrated, and nourished.

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Cool Facts

Discover the perfect summertime essential with EiR NYC Surf Mud Pro SPF 50! Packed with all-natural organic ingredients like nourishing antioxidants, fatty acids, and minerals, this sun protection product promises to keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come. Enjoy the benefits of deep hydration, improved skin tone, and enhanced skin elasticity.

The formula is lightweight yet effective at keeping harmful UVA/UVB rays from damaging your complexion. And because it’s made with natural ingredients, there’s no need to worry about irritating chemicals or parabens irritating you and your skin.

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EiR NYC Surf Mud Pro SPF 50 is a revolutionary product that not only helps protect your skin against harmful UV rays but also makes an important contribution to our environment. Unlike other sunscreens, it is oxybenzone and octinoxate-free - two chemicals that have the potential to be very damaging to corals through coral bleaching.

By using this product, you are not only treating your skin with the utmost care, but you are helping prevent harm to one of our planet's most important ecosystems - marine life. Your investment in this sunscreen shows your commitment to protecting our earth and its beautiful oceans.

Provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports and active use. 

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Cool Facts

Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays with Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen! This superior sunscreen is perfect for all seasons, giving you broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB radiation. You'll love the fast-absorbing body and face lotion - it’s quick and easy to apply; have protection against the sun’s rays instantly.

No oily or sticky feeling, as well as no unpleasant odor - just a light, natural scent. Hydrate your skin while protecting it from burned or harmfully overexposed areas. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is the brand you can trust to guard your skin against harm. Get its superior protection today – your skin will thank you.

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Thinksport sunscreen offers those leading active lives reliable protection against the sun's harmful rays. Crafted with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, this powerful sun cream is both highly-effective and gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin alike.

Athletes, sportspeople, and all those under the constant vigilance of active pursuits will benefit from its formulae which offer a complete defense from the sun's rays. Tested to superior performance without any unnecessary chemicals, Thinksport sunscreen provides reliable coverage where you need it most.

Sunscreen for Surfers FAQs

Sunscreen is important for everyone, but it's especially important for surfers who are constantly in and out of the water.

So, listed below are the most frequently asked questions about sunscreen for surfers. Along with it are the answers to help you understand sunscreen for surfers better.

Why do surfers use zinc sunscreen?

Surfers use zinc sunscreen because its natural ingredients provide superior protection against both UVA & UVB radiation while lasting substantially longer than other options – plus it helps keep our oceans healthy too!

Is SPF 30 enough for surfing?

The short answer is “No” - SPF 30 is not enough for surfing. When it comes to the ocean and its many activities, the sun's rays are at their strongest and most damaging when they reflect off the water. Therefore, a higher SPF sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection should be used if you plan to spend any amount of time in or near the water during your surf session.

How do surfers avoid sunburn?

The first step is to choose the right clothing for your surfing sessions. Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible - long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses offer good protection against UV rays. Additionally, opt for fabrics that are lightweight and breathable so they won't get too hot in the sun. There are many brands that specialize in performance beachwear specifically designed for watersports activities like surfing.

Should surfers use lip balm to protect their lips?

Absolutely! Surfers should definitely use lip balm to protect their lips from the harsh elements of nature. The sun, wind, and saltwater can all cause drying or cracking of the lips. Lip balm helps by creating a protective barrier on the surface of your lips that prevents moisture loss and keeps them hydrated. It is also beneficial to use a lip balm with sunscreen for added protection from UV rays.

Should you use a surf sunscreen when you surf or just a regular one?

It's important to use proper sunscreen when surfing, as the sun's rays can be significantly more intense in an aquatic environment. Regular sunscreen may not be strong enough for protection in these conditions, so it’s best to invest in a specialized surf sunscreen designed specifically for water sports.

Does coconut oil help in protecting your skin from the sun?

Yes, coconut oil can help protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and combat the damaging effects of UV rays. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols which act as natural UV blockers, shielding the skin from damage. It also helps build up a protective barrier on your skin that reflects the sun's rays away, providing extra protection against sunburns. Additionally, it contains Vitamin E which has been shown to help reduce cell damage caused by free radicals induced by UVA and UVB radiation.

Bottomline: Best Sunscreen for Surfers

With that being said, we have compiled a list of our favorite sunscreens for surfers. They include reef-safe sunscreen, screening products with SPF50, and even tinted sunscreen that provides optimal protection and prevents any reflection. These products can be found in the market today and affordable prices, too. So don't wait around - check out the products listed above before taking off on your next adventure!

We hope you find your next Groovy thing from the list above! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to fiddle with, but all opinions in this article are our own. Oh, and FYI — MyGroovyGuide may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Have fun finding hip, cool stuff you will LOVE!