Surf's up! But, when it comes to skin protection, the stakes are higher than ever for the avid surfer. With the sun's UVA and UVB rays wreaking havoc on exposed skin, surfers must take extra precautions to protect their skin from the risk of melanoma.
For many water sports, spending time in the sun is just a part of the job. But, a 2020 study showed that surfers and other water sports with a high sun exposure, are six times more likely to develop skin cancer.
Fortunately, there are several strategies to help protect surfers from the sun's harmful rays. From UV protective clothing and sunscreen to hats and sunglasses, 'surfers' and 'melanoma' are no longer an inevitable pair.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? From hats to sunscreen, there are a variety of ways to prevent sun damage and reduce the chance of skin cancer. Read on to learn more!
Sun Protective Gear for Surfers
Surfing the waves can be a fun summertime activity, but it's important to remember the sun's powerful rays can be damaging. To protect yourself, make sure to invest in quality sun protection gear such as hats, rash guards, and sunglasses with UV protection. Don't forget to protect your eyes, too – consider buying surfer specific eye wear to prevent "surfers eye" or long-term UV damage. Enjoy the waves, but don't forget to stay safe!
Sunscreen Tips for Surfers
Whether you're shredding the waves or just taking it easy, sunscreen is essential. These days, sunscreen comes in many forms but for surfers, it's best to stick with traditional zinc-based sunscreen. Don't worry! That doesn't mean you have to rock the old lifeguard look. There are plenty of zinc sunscreen mists, creams, and lotions that go on without leaving a white cast. Just make sure you use one that is broad-spectrum and anywhere from SPF 30 to SPF 50. We will say, however, there are areas you may want to consider the thick white sunscreen. This includes your nose, ears, or any areas that are prone to burning quickly. Of course, it's also dependent on the amount to time your out there.
Lastly, we want to point out the importance of reapplying your sunscreen. Oh, did you think once was enough? If only it were that easy! It's crucial to reapply your sunscreen every two hours and after being in the water. Using a water resistant sunscreen definitely helps, but you still must reapply. When it comes to dry land, products like ZINC IT OVER, a broad-spectrum SPF mist, makes it easy and fun to reapply, even over makeup!
It's important for surfers to ensure that their skin is well-protected when they are out on the waves. By following these easy tips, you can enjoy the waves while also protecting your skin. So, grab your sunscreen, invest in protective clothing, and remember to take breaks from the sun.
Let the waves come and go, just keep those sun safety tips in mind!
