Wondering whether to choose waterproof sunscreen or water-repellent sunscreen? Does it even matter?
These terms sound very similar so on the surface it is not really clear how they differ, and what that means for your skin.
Read on to discover the difference between waterproof sunscreen and water-repellent sun cream so you can make an informed choice on how you protect your skin from the sun.
What’s the debate around waterproof sunscreens?
If you spend a lot of time at the beach or in the pool on holiday then it is natural you will want sun protection that doesn’t wash off too easily and a waterproof sunscreen seems to be a good idea.
However, in the US the Food and Drug Administration decided that sunscreens can no longer be described as waterproof or sweatproof, as this exaggerates the effectiveness of the protection.
In the UK sunscreen brands are still allowed to call their sun creams waterproof. The Consumer body Which? has also criticised water-resistance claims as being ‘meaningless’.
Many people find the barrier that waterproof sunscreens create means that their pores get blocked, stopping sweat from escaping and leading to skin irritation such as prickly heat.
Waterproof sunscreens and your skin
A key difference between water-repellent and waterproof sunscreens is that waterproof sun creams tend to achieve greater protection from water by using synthetic ingredients, such as silicones and mineral oils, which create a seal that stops water getting through.
While somewhat effective at helping to stop sun protection from being washed away, the action of these ingredients have the potential to block pores and irritate sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
If you are prone to prickly heat or eczema, a water-repellent sun lotion might be a better choice for you.
As experts in sensitive skin, at Green People we make sure our sun cream products are suitable for all skin types. We do not use silicone or petrochemicals in any of our water-repellent sun creams or after sun lotions.
What is water-repellent sunscreen?
A water-repellent sunscreen will have demonstrated that it can maintain a percentage of its SPF protection when submerged in water.
The NHS advises that you apply water-resistant sunscreen if you likely to have contact with either water or sweat and, if you need a water-repellent sun lotion, we can help.
Shop water-repellent sunscreen
All Green People natural and organic sun creams achieve water repellence through a blend of plant oils, plant waxes and emulsifiers which help your sun protection to maintain a level of protection when exposed to water.
We use these ingredients because they create an effective barrier that helps keep water out, whilst still allowing skin to breathe and allow the body to regulate its temperature with ease.
Suitable for those prone to sensitive skin and eczema, our natural water-repellent ingredients help ensure that our sun care is suitable for those prone to prickly heat.
Shop all Green People sun cream now.
Don’t forget the after sun!
After your evening shower, give skin a boost with soothing Aloe Vera and cooling Mint with our Hydrating After Sun.
It is made with ultra-gentle ingredients such as Chamomile and Calendula that moisturise and calm your skin, helping to maintain your tan and minimise peeling.
Hydrating After Sun 200ml
Keep your tan for longer with this moisturising natural after sun lotion
£21.50
For more information on our natural sun lotions please get in touch by emailing organic@greenpeople.co.uk, or calling one of our friendly customer care team on 01403 740350.
Please note, that no sunscreen will be 100% waterproof and as such, we advise swimmers reapply their sun protection after spending time in the water. We also advise all our customers to apply sun protection at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and every 2-4 hours, depending on the intensity of the sun.
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