It’s your boat day . . . grab sunscreen
Spending a day on the water requires specialized sun protection. This essential guide helps you select the best boat-friendly sunscreen by focusing on key criteria: broad-spectrum coverage, high SPF (30+), extended water-resistance, and effective mineral ingredients like zinc and titanium oxides. Visit our Pinterest page for even more on sunscreen for your boat day.
1 — Broad Spectrum
Look for broad spectrum otherwise known as UVA, UVB and visible light protection.
UVB: 290 to 320nm
Known for: Sunburn and damage to DNA in skin cells which can lead to skin cancer
UBA: 320 to 400nm
Known for: Tanning and premature signs of aging
Visible Light: 400 to 700nm
Known for: Generating free radicals
Infrared: 700nm to 1mm
Known for: Penetrating deep into the skin, generates free radicals and intensifies damage caused by UV
2 — SPF 30 or higher
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburns.
3 — Length of time water-resistant
Note: NOT waterproof.
Water-Resistant: The sunscreen stays effective for 40 minutes in water.
Very Water-Resistant: The sunscreen stays effective for 80 minutes in water.
Supergoop!
Neutrogena
4 — Pick an oxide or two
Oxides form the basis of mineral (physical) sunscreens.
Oxides work by creating a physical barrier on the skin's surface that reflects and scatters the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation
The importance of these oxides can be summarized by their function as effective, gentle, and stable UV filters.
Iron
Titanium
Zinc