What is the difference?
| What matters | Regular sunscreen | Water resistant sunscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Wet skin | Without a water resistance claim, do not assume protection lasts in water. | Tested to stay effective in water for the labeled 40 or 80 minutes. |
| Swimming or sweating | Choose a water resistant sunscreen instead. | The appropriate choice for these activities. |
| Sun protection | Look for SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection. | Look for the same features; water resistance is an additional feature. |
| Reapplication outdoors | Reapply at least every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. | Reapply every 2 hours on dry skin, sooner as water exposure or towel drying requires. |
SPF describes protection against sunburn; broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Water resistance and SPF answer different questions, because one label apparently needed several departments. Neither category makes sunscreen waterproof: even water resistant sunscreen washes off.256
How long does water resistant sunscreen last?
On US labels, water resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes in water. Check the actual number rather than assuming every water resistant sunscreen lasts equally long. An 80 minute product gives a longer tested interval in water, not permission to skip reapplication for the rest of the day. Reapply straight after leaving the water and after towel drying, sweating or rubbing sunscreen off.14
Look for a stated water resistance time instead of relying on the product name.5
How should I apply either type?
- 1Check the protection claims. Choose SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection. On UK sunscreens, look for at least 4 stars for UVA protection; a UVA symbol inside a circle indicates the EU standard.
- 2Apply generously before going outdoors. Follow the bottle's directions: US sunscreen directions specify 15 minutes before sun exposure. UK guidance advises applying 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving when prolonged exposure could cause burning.
- 3Cover all exposed skin, including your face, ears, neck and hands. For an adult's whole body, UK guidance suggests around 6 to 8 teaspoons. Applying too little reduces protection.
- 4Reapply at least every 2 hours outdoors, and sooner after water, sweat or towel drying. Rub spray sunscreen in so coverage is not left to chance.
- 5Use shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen. Wearing sunscreen is not a reason to stay in the sun longer.
Is water resistant sunscreen better for everyday use?
Water resistant sunscreen is a useful default even without swimming planned because it stays on longer when skin gets wet. As general guidance, a regular sunscreen is a reasonable choice for activities where your skin stays dry; switch to water resistant protection when sweat or water is likely. Wear sunscreen whenever you go outdoors, including short trips, cloudy days and winter.2
A brand name is not the deciding factor, even if the bottle has excellent self esteem. Prioritize the protection claims, enough sunscreen and regular reapplication.3
Does water resistant sunscreen clog pores?
Water resistance describes performance on wet skin, not whether a sunscreen will clog pores. For acne prone skin, look separately for "noncomedogenic," meaning formulated not to clog pores. Water resistance alone does not settle which formula your skin will tolerate.57
What if my skin is sensitive?
Consider a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both, which can be less irritating. If you take isotretinoin, your skin may become more sun sensitive. Choose a noncomedogenic, broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; a mineral formula can help with sensitivity.37
Do not apply sunscreen to damaged or broken skin. Keep sunscreen out of your eyes, and rinse with water if it gets in. Stop using the product and ask a doctor if a rash develops.4
Where this answer comes from
- 1Sunscreen and sun safetynhs.uk
- 2Sun protection: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus.gov
- 3Facebooknewsroom.clevelandclinic.org
- 4Labeling and Effectiveness Testing: Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-The-Counter Human Use — Small Entity Compliance Guidefda.gov
- 5How to decode a sunscreen labelaad.org
- 610 Katotohanan tungkol sa Kung Ano ang Inaaprubahan at Hindi Inaaprubahan ng FDA #FDAFactsfda.gov
- 7Isotretinoin: The truth about safety, side effects, and skin careaad.org
