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Sunscreen is crucial for maintaining healthy, glowing skin, and while you may have found your go-to daily protection for your face, are you using the best full-body sunscreen for outdoor activities? Sports and swimming can lead to sweating and the washing away of sunscreen, resulting in losing that much-needed protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays. In order to get the most out of your fun (and not burning in the sun) look for sunscreens for sports that will properly protect and last longer during your outdoor activities.
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Sports?
With many options available, we narrowed it down to our favorite seven sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection, are water-resistant, and contain non-harmful ingredients.
What Makes Sports Sunscreens Sweat-Resistant?
One key feature you should look for in a good sunscreen for sports is sweat or water resistance. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the best sunscreen for sports and outdoors will ensure you can safely spend at least 40 minutes sweating, or in water, and still be protected. The best water-resistant sunscreens are effective for up to 80 minutes. These sunscreens will contain agents that help the formula stay on your skin for longer periods. However, you still need to reapply every two hours, or even less, if you’re sweating a ton. No sunscreen is waterproof.
Why Should You Use Broad Spectrum SPF?
The answer is simple: broad spectrum SPF includes ingredients that protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. If you’re going to be playing outdoor sports, you should use a broad spectrum and an SPF of at least 30 or higher for effective coverage.