Sun protection and water sports

As a water sports enthusiast, you know how important it is to protect yourself from the sun. Sun rays reflecting off the water can damage the skin and cause sunburn. It is therefore important to protect your skin properly with a product that has been specially developed for water sports.

Water resistance

When participating in water sports, it is important to choose a product that is waterproof so that it does not wash off and you still get sunburned. Ingredients that can be added to liquid sunscreen to make it waterproof include jojoba oil, shea butter, zinc oxide and titanium oxide. In solid sunblock, beeswax, carnauba wax and candelilla wax are often used for this purpose.

SPF

If you are on or around water for long periods of time, it is important to choose a sunscreen product with a high SPF. The risk of burning is greater due to the reflection of UV rays, and the cooling effect of the water also makes you less aware that you are burning.

Broad spectrum sunscreen

A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause long-term damage, while UVB rays cause sunburn. By using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, you protect yourself against UVA and UVB rays and reduce the risk of skin damage.

Sun protection for the face

Sunblock is often used to protect the skin on the face. There are several types available, such as Surf zinc stick or sunblock in a jar. Sunblock is used on the sensitive areas of the face, such as under the eyes, on the nose, lips and ears, and is specially designed to stay on for a long time. Of course, you can also use sunblock on your entire face, and if you have areas that burn quickly or need extra protection, you can use sunblock there too.

Sunscreen and the environment

If you spend all day in the water, you don't want the sunscreen products you use to be harmful to you, the environment and marine life. Therefore, choose a natural sun protection product that does not contain substances such as oxybenzone or octocrinate. These products are coral-friendly (reef-safe sunscreen) and will not irritate your skin, but will protect it well from the sun.

Frequently asked questions

What do surfers put on their faces?

It is important for surfers and water sports enthusiasts to protect their faces from harmful UV rays. They protect their faces with sunblock. Examples include Amazinc's mineral sunblock and mineral sunstick! Sunblock remains visible on the skin.

Why do surfers use zinc?

Surfers and other water sports enthusiasts use zinc to protect their skin from the sun because of the unique properties of this mineral. Zinc oxide is one of the most effective sun filters available and offers protection against both UVA and UBV radiation. It also causes fewer allergic reactions and skin irritation than chemical filters. Zinc oxide is also waterproof and not harmful to the environment.

How does sunblock work?

Sunblock forms a layer on the skin that acts as a physical barrier. This reflects UV rays before they can damage your skin.

Can I use sunblock on my entire body?

Sunblock is used to protect vulnerable skin, such as (parts of) the face. A surfer sunblock is not suitable for use on the entire body, but can be used on areas that burn quickly or need extra protection.