How Should a Sailor, Canoeist or Surfer Choose a Sunscreen?

For sailors, canoeists and surfers, the recommended choice is always a water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 50+, providing UVA protection and bearing the CE mark, which guarantees compliance with European standards for safety and performance.

For people who practice water sports, the preferred vehicle is a cream. Cream formulations are better able to maintain their photoprotective effectiveness under demanding conditions such as water splashes, wind and perspiration.

Although water-resistant products remain effective longer than conventional formulations, they should still be reapplied approximately every two hours, especially during prolonged outdoor activities.

Creams

The preferred vehicle for water sports because creams maintain their protective effectiveness more reliably in the presence of water splashes, wind and perspiration.

Lotions, sprays, oils and gels

These are generally less suitable for the marine environment. Recreational boaters may still use other vehicles, but swimming, beach towels and perspiration can remove lotions and gels very easily, making frequent reapplication essential.

Sticks

Sticks are particularly useful for protecting small, localized areas, such as the lips.

Sprays are generally not recommended outdoors in windy conditions, because they may not provide uniform skin coverage and there is also a risk of inhalation during application.

In summary

Finally, it is advisable to avoid homemade preparations or “do-it-yourself” mixtures, as they cannot guarantee either safety or effective photoprotection.