Water resistant sunscreens that stay on while sweating or doing watersports.

Can you share some tips for using sunscreen while sweating or doing watersports outdoors? I am going to the West Coast in May and would appreciate all advice! Thank you!

Water resistant sunscreens

Ok…….it’s true confession time. I am an outdoor sports person too and love to hike, swim in Lake Washington (summer :)), cycle and run outdoors. AND….like you I’m really trying to keep the sun off my skin to avoid the wrinkles, sagging, blotches and leatheryness that comes with too much sun.  SO….it can be done but it takes some work. Golf, tennis, and other outdoor sports also cause a lot of sun damage if you’re not careful.

Let’s be honest, the ONLY thing that really completely sunscreens is clothing, and that doesn’t mean a thin white t-shirt. If you are really serious, I’m going to focus on clothing first. Here are some ideas:

  • Rash guards are essential for swimming outdoors. Try http: wwwtheseea.com, J Crew and surfer sites for them
  • Consider a full wetsuit or some footless tights under a partial wetsuit
  • Get several hats that you can wear running or hiking
  • Wear light weight long sleeves when you run and very light tights. See Athleta, Lulu Lemon, REI, etc for these.
  • Cycling…. get wrap around sunglasses, “sleeves,” and a summer long cycling tight or some companies have sleeves for your legs now. Try to find a helmut that has even a small visor.

On the sunscreen issue, try layering a waterproof sunscreen that you like. Again……the higher the zinc up to 20% the better. Then put later another layer or two on top that’s a powder like the Colorscience. These wear well and you’ll still need to reapply.

Remember – all sunscreens can cause irritant or allergic reaction in the occasional person. Apply cautiously the first few times.

Hope this helps you to find some good water resistant sunscreens, Dr. Irwin

Water resistant sunscreens

Water resistant sunscreens

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Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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