Are you planning to cool off this summer with a relaxing swim or thinking about sweating out those extra calories in the gym? Regardless of what you choose to do, don’t miss out on this essential - applying a water-resistant sunscreen.

Water-resistant sunscreens are designed to stay effective even when exposed to sweat or water. They are formulated in such a way that they do not dissolve in water the way normal creams and lotions do. So these products will naturally repel water and hence are less likely to get washed away. However, there are no “water-proof” sunscreens. Even products formulated to be water-resistant could eventually become less effective just from the physical erosion caused by the water flowing over your skin. Hence more frequent re-application is advised when exposed to sweat or water.

But what makes sunscreens water-resistant in the first place? It is the combination of ingredients and the formulation strategy that gives a sunscreen its water-resistant properties. The use of film-forming agents, emulsifiers or polymer technology in the formulation of the sunscreen can help withstand water. This gives extended protection against UV rays even when exposed to water or sweat. This makes it ideal to use these when planning to engage in water activities or any activity that causes you to sweat. 

Mineral and Chemical Sunscreen

The use of sunscreen is a must to safeguard yourself from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun.  Its consistent use can help ward off the harmful UVA rays that can cause long-term conditions like aging, pigmentation and skin cancer, and UVB rays that result in sunburn and tanning.  

There are two types of sunscreens -

Mineral Sunscreen

As the name suggests, Mineral sunscreen contains minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It protects from the UV rays of the sun by forming a physical barrier on the skin that reflects these rays away from the skin’s surface. 

Chemical Sunscreen 

Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, contains ingredients that absorb the UV rays of the sun and dissipate them. It contains active ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate or combinations of these, which are non-natural, chemical compounds, hence this sunscreen is called chemical sunscreen. 

Speaking of the differences between mineral and chemical sunscreens, apart from having different composition, most mineral sunscreens don’t blend into the skin fully leaving a white cast. Chemical sunscreens on the other hand get fully absorbed. However, the chemicals present in chemical sunscreen may not be suitable for all skin types and therefore, cause irritation. This is not the case with mineral sunscreen, thanks to its natural ingredients. Even though both these sunscreens have distinct features, they can both be water-resistant. But like all water-resistant sunscreens, you may require frequent reapplication especially if your skin comes in contact with water.

How often should you re apply water resistant sunscreen?

Contact with water

The duration of the effectiveness of sunscreen depends on whether the skin is wet or dry. When the skin is dry, the sunscreen will provide protection for 2 hours, after which it should be reapplied. This changes when the skin becomes wet. The sunscreen retains its SPF levels for 40 or 80 minutes in water, after which reapplication is needed. 

Exposure to Sun

The amount of exposure to the sun plays an important role in determining the frequency of sunscreen reapplication. Sunscreen shields the skin for 2 hours but if you are exposed to UV rays when they are at their peak during the day, you should consider reapplying it sooner. 

Mineral sunscreens are typically known to take extra effort to blend into the skin and leave behind a white cast, which causes some hesitation in using them. But all this is about to change with Sandiva’s mineral sunscreen, One & Done Tinted Sunblock, which is specially formulated to prevent white cast and seamlessly blend into your skin as a one-step quick protection-and-light makeup routine in the morning. It is a lightweight lotion with a beautiful mousse-like texture that is packed with the goodness of soothing Sandalwood, an antibacterial and antimicrobial ingredient, to calm inflammation caused by sun exposure. The presence of 24% Zinc Oxide helps form a protective shield on the skin that blocks both UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin. We know that using sunscreen is vital even when indoors. Iron oxide in One & Done Tinted Sunblock provides a beautiful natural tint and enhanced protection against blue light such as screens & indoor lights. By being completely photostable and resistant to water, it won’t break down when exposed to the sun and will hold up through sweat and activities such as swimming for much longer. That’s not all! With the highest PA rating of PA++++, this sunblock is suitable for sensitive skin, and is non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. It is undoubtedly the best water-resistant sunscreen for the face. 

A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 35+, the One & Done Tinted Sunblock is available in 4 different shades that blend with most Indian skin tones. It can be used as a BB cream or a light foundation, or act as a great base to layer your makeup. Like any other sunscreen, reapplication during the day is important. But with Sandiva’s SPF Top Up Loose Powder, this has become super easy. Available in shades that complement the sunblock, this powder can be used as a compact or finishing powder for on-the-go reapplication or topping up your sun protection on any exposed areas. 

There is no substitute for sunscreen, and now with its water-resistant properties, it has made life so much easier. With Sandiva Skincare’s unique range of products, you can be assured of protection at all hours of the day. So what are you waiting for? Check out their products right away!

Want to know more about the different types of sunscreens and how they work? Read this blog where we break it down for you!