Sunburn, irritation, and dry skin? This sounds all too familiar to me. As summer approaches and so do the days spent surfing at the beach, we surfers expose our skin to extremely harsh conditions daily, with the wind, saltwater, sand, and sun taking their toll on our skin. As someone who has lived in a tropical climate for almost four years now, here are my best tips on how to keep your skin protected while still enjoying the waves, even in the hot summer heat! —Emma Bukowski from Noserider Surf Club
Pre-Surf Skincare: Getting Ready for the Waves
Ever had the best surf of your life, only to find out you got completely toasted afterward? I certainly have, which in most cases has been due to a lack of proper sun protection. If you’re thinking, ‘But I do apply sunscreen,’ and you still got sunburned like I did, it’s most likely because of poor-quality sunscreen, not using a high enough SPF, or not prepping your skin properly before heading out to catch some waves.
The ocean water reflects the sunlight, which increases the UV radiation during your surf sessions significantly. Do not use anything less than SPF 50+ sunscreen. Trust me, I would know. The most sensitive part of our skin is our face, which is why during the hot summer days, additional sun protection for your face is a must. I prefer to use zinc, a special sunscreen designed for watersports, to protect my skin against sunburn during extended periods in the water. I usually apply zinc to my nose and cheekbones, as these spots get burned the most easily.
Most sunscreens take approximately 20-30 minutes to absorb into your skin. If you apply it and hop straight on your board, you’ll most likely get sunburned, as the sunscreen will just wash off. I prefer to apply my sunscreen at home before heading to the beach, so I don’t have to wait for it to absorb. Then, I add an extra layer before getting into the water.
On-the-Water Skincare Tips
One of the biggest challenges we face is protecting our skin while we’re out in the water. I’ve learned that good skincare and sun protection before hitting the water are game-changers, as they prevent irritation from saltwater, wind, and sand. While you’re surfing, there’s not much you can do, but here’s a tip from my personal playbook: take a break every few hours to reapply sunscreen and sip some water. It keeps your skin protected and hydrated, so you can keep enjoying the waves.
Post-Surf Skincare: Recovery and Rehydration
A post-surf skincare routine is something many of us skip or forget, but it’s crucial for maintaining healthy skin. I like to start mine right at the beach by rinsing off any saltwater and sand with clean water. If I’ve been using zinc, I bring moisturizing makeup wipes to remove the excess and let my skin breathe.
After giving your face a good rinse and cleanse, it’s time to moisturize. Keeping your skin well-hydrated is crucial, especially with all the environmental challenges surfers face daily. Applying moisturizing cream is key to maintaining your skin’s strength and elasticity. My personal favorite is applying aloe vera gel straight after surfing, followed by my trusty day or night moisturizers when I’m back home.
Eco-Friendly Choices
As surfers, we are responsible for the environmental prosperity of the ocean and reef. As many of us know, sunscreens can be very harmful to the reef. So, what’s the secret to keeping your skin safe while also safeguarding the reef? I’ve found my solution: reef-safe sunscreens and zinc. Not only do they protect my skin, but they also ensure I’m doing my part for the ocean I love spending time in.
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