Best Sunscreen Or Sunblock For Swimming
As someone who is ridiculously pale, I’ve been slathered in sunscreen since birth, even during winter. I think that qualifies me as a bit of an expert when it comes to staying safe in the sun.
I’m sharing my knowledge with you so you can avoid the undesirable ‘lobster’ look, too.
We need to take our sun protection seriously. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and one in five Americans will develop it in their lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Even though you’re fully aware of all that, it can still be a pain having to reapply sunscreen every five minutes when you’re swimming, sweating or playing around on the beach, so I’ve chosen a water-resistant one.
Banana Boat is one of my favorite suncare brands out there. Not only do their products smell amazing, they also really do keep you safe in the sun.
Criteria
So, what you should you be looking for when buying sunblock for swimming? Well, obvious as it sounds, go for something water resistant!
Normal sunscreen tends to come off pretty easily when you’re splashing around at the beach or swimming outdoors. Water-resistant sunscreen clings to your skin for longer, but only for 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the label. The FDA points out there’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.
Work out what SPF you need. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 or higher for time outdoors.
A higher SPF doesn’t let you skip reapplying. Reapply after swimming, after toweling off and at least every two hours.
Again, it sounds obvious, but make sure it’s really got SPF in it. Many tanning oils don’t contain any sunscreen at all, so watch out.
It used to be super trendy to smother your body in oil and lie in the sun on kitchen foil. No more, kids. It’s all about safety these days, so make sure you really look at what you’re buying.
For me, it’s got to smell good. Sure, it’s not the most important factor I consider when buying sunscreen, but, if a product smells amazing, it really makes it something special.
I hate the biscuity smell you get with some sun protection. Ones with a good scent will always shoot to the top of my list.
I also like something that will go on easily, so sprays or oils are my favorites. That said, I want something that will come off easily when I want it to. The classic, thick white sunscreen just doesn’t do it for me anymore.
Banana Boat Protective Tanning Oil
This is the best sunscreen for swimmers for many reasons.
For one, it’s water resistant, so it stays on while you swim or, if you’re me, doggy-paddle around manically.
It’s an oil in a spray bottle, so it’s really easy to apply.
It also happens to smell incredible. It’s made with carrot extract and has a nice sweetness to it without being cloying.
The bottle shown here is SPF 15, but it comes in different factors.
SPF 15 is below the SPF 30 dermatologists recommend, so choose a higher-SPF version for a long day in the water.
We all know the annoying routine of applying sunscreen, swimming, getting out, drying off and having to reapply sunscreen.
A water-resistant oil cuts down on the hassle, but you still need to reapply after the time on the label and after toweling off.
This is also a brilliant product in its own right, regardless of whether or not you’re a swimmer. It contains aloe vera so is actually pretty nourishing for your skin.
Use enough, though. Most adults need about 1 ounce to cover the body.
Pros & Cons
I’m all about the pros with this product, I just love it so much! I’ve always been worried about burning. Even if I’ve just put my sunscreen on, I’ll be panicking that it’s sweated off already.
Just looking at a swimming pool makes me feel like I need to instantly reapply, that’s the level of fear I have over burning.
So, the fact that it holds up while you splash around makes it a winner in my eyes.
I love the smell of this, in case I haven’t already mentioned it. It actually feels really nice to apply to your skin, too.
Protecting your skin from the sun somehow feels like a beauty ritual with this oil – you’re left feeling silky and smooth, and you smell delicious.
It’s a spray bottle so is really easy to apply. No more awkwardly asking strangers on the beach to ‘do my back, thanks’. Or is that just me? Either way, it works and I love it.
Cons? It’s a tanning oil, and a tan is a sign of skin damage. Pick a high SPF and reapply often.
Conclusion
So, to sum up, if you’re after the best sunscreen for swimmers, look no further.
I love this product, especially in a higher SPF. Whatever you choose, look for water resistant, broad spectrum and SPF 30 or higher.
Sources
- Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun, FDA
- How to select a sunscreen, American Academy of Dermatology
- Skin cancer statistics, American Academy of Dermatology
