Ready to relax with some refreshing swims this summer? Make water-resistant sunscreen your go-to choice instead of regular sun protection. Why? Sun damage doesn’t just stop at uneven tanning and sunburns, Love. The stakes are higher than you think: statistically, 90% of skin aging and over 80% of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, which makes choosing the right protection crucial. Unlike regular suncare creams that rinse off at the first splash, water-resistant sunscreens stay put and maintain their protective shield when your skin needs it the most.
What makes water-resistant sunscreens water-resistant?
Water-resistant sunscreens are formulated to maintain their protective shield for a longer time, even while you’re swimming. So, what makes water-resistant sunscreens actually resist water? The secret lies in their mindful curation of ingredients: film-forming agents, emulsifiers, and other advanced technologies. These ingredients create a protective barrier on your skin’s surface. The protective shield prevents the sunscreen from washing away when exposed to water or your body’s natural oils. The result? Hours of consistent protection against harmful UV rays, whether you’re swimming laps, surfing waves, or simply indulging in some outdoor water sports.
Sweat- and water-resistant sunscreens are, therefore, perfect for summer activities when you’re likely to sweat or enjoy water sports. However, the internet is flooded with rumours about water-resistant sunscreens – some true, some questionable. With so many claims circulating online, it’s hard to know what to believe.
Let’s cut through the noise and uncover some real facts about water-resistant sunscreens, dispelling common myths along the way.
Myth 1: Waterproof & sweatproof sunscreens exist
Fact: No sunscreen is ever waterproof or sweatproof
Love, remember – if something sounds too good to be true, it probably deserves a second look. Despite what those social media influencers might claim, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirms there’s simply no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen. The reality? Sweat- and water-resistant sunscreens exist instead, religiously maintaining a protective barrier over your skin for a measured duration even through splash and sweat, unlike regular sunscreens that abandon your skin at the first drop.
Myth 2: You don’t need to reapply water-resistant sunscreen
Fact: Water-resistant or not, sunscreens need to be reapplied every 2 hours or earlier
According to the FDA, water-resistant sunscreens protect your skin for 40-80 minutes during water activities. If you’re someone who constantly swims in outdoor pools, don’t wait—reapply your water-resistant sunscreen after the 80-minute threshold. For those who prefer poolside relaxation with occasional dips, a 2-hour reapplication schedule works perfectly.
Myth 3: In rainy or cloudy weather, the limited sunlight negates the need for a water-resistant sunscreen
Fact: Even on rainy days, UV rays pierce clouds and reach your skin, making water-resistant sunscreen ideal for lasting protection as it doesn’t wash off with the rains
Sunshine or clouds – it makes little difference to UV rays. Even through thick cloud cover, up to 90% of sunrays still reach your skin, causing tanning, sunburns, and premature ageing. To top it off, rain compromises regular sun protection by rinsing away conventional sunscreens and leaving your skin vulnerable to UV exposure. Water-resistant sunscreens, however, maintain their protective shield even on drenched skin. This persistence makes water-resistant sunscreen particularly valuable during those unexpected showers.
Myth 4: Water-resistant sunscreen also protects against sweat
Fact: Not all water-resistant sunscreens are sweat resistant
Contrary to popular belief, water-resistant sunscreens don’t come with an added perk of sweat resistance. A recent study showed that sweat dilutes UV filters in ways that water doesn’t. Which means, only sunscreens tested for sweat resistance maintain their protective shield during intense physical activities. If you’re an ardent yoga or fitness enthusiast who likes exercising outdoors, the message is clear – look for a sunscreen labelled ‘Sweat + Water-Resistant’.
Myth 5: Water-resistant sunscreens clog pores and cause breakouts
Fact: Water-resistant sunscreens with non comedogenic ingredients don’t clog pores
Let’s talk about a persistent skincare rumour: water-resistant sunscreens automatically clog pores and cause breakouts, particularly for those with oily and acne-prone skin. However, this rumour is flawed on two important fronts. First, it’s not the water-resistant quality that blocks pores, but rather comedogenic ingredients found in some skincare formulations. Second, the problem of clogged pores isn’t exclusive to oily skin type; dry and normal skin types can experience breakouts too when pores are blocked.
The science-backed truth? A non comedogenic water-resistant sunscreen lets your skin breathe. According to the International Journal of Dermatology, modern non comedogenic formulas (including those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are clinically tested to reduce breakouts by 30-40%, compared to older oil-based formulas.
Myth 6: You need special scrubs to remove water-resistant sunscreens
Fact: Water-resistant sunscreens come off easily with any cleanser
Wondering if you need an extra-strength cleanser or exfoliant to remove the water-resistant sunscreen during your nighttime clean-up? The truth is you don’t. Water-resistant sunscreens, despite being designed to stay put through splashes, rinse away completely with your everyday facial or body cleanser. Remember, these formulations are water-resistant, not waterproof.
As for those intensive scrubs containing sugar, salt, or crushed nuts and shells – they’re completely unnecessary for daily skin clean-up. In fact, these abrasive products can impact your skin’s natural protective layer, leaving it raw, irritated, and even damaged with micro-tears.
Having distinguished truth from myth, let’s explore the essential qualities to keep in mind when selecting a water-resistant sunscreen.
How to Choose the Right Water-Resistant Sunscreen
For starters, look for a sunscreen that feels feather-light, melts instantly into the skin, and blends without a trace, leaving your skin feeling velvety-smooth with a clean, non-greasy finish. Beyond these fundamentals, consider the following vital elements when searching for a water-resistant sunscreen that genuinely aligns with your skin’s nature and needs.
- Skin Type: Whether your skin is dry, oily, acne-prone, or sensitive, an ideal water-resistant sunscreen should have a texture specifically tailored to your skin type. If you’re battling excess oily skin or acne, seek out oil-free formulas with a matte finish, while water-resistant sunscreens with a dewy, hydrated finish work wonderfully if you have dry skin.
In short, when selecting a water-resistant sunscreen, always choose a formula with a texture and finish that complements your skin type.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Look for a water-resistant sunscreen labelled “broad spectrum” to ensure protection against both UVA rays (ageing sunrays) and UVB (burning sunrays).
While many sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, wouldn’t it be great to find a water-resistant sunscreen that goes beyond the basics? Yes, Love. We’re talking about an intelligent water-resistant sunscreen that also protects your skin from IR (infrared) rays and blue light emitted by the sun and digital screens.
Meet Heliocare 360º Water Gel – the revolutionary sun protection that features Spanish Fernblock®+ Technology developed by Harvard medical experts. This cutting-edge sunscreen provides complete 360º protection against UVB, UVA, IR, and HEVL rays while simultaneously boosting your skin’s natural immunity and repairing past UV damage.
- Water + Sweat Resistance: Water-resistant sunscreens are great, but do you know what’s even better? Sunscreen that resists both water and sweat. Upgrade to a water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen that stays put even during intense runs and those muggy summer days when you’re practically melting.
- High-SPF Formula: Generally, it is recommended to shield yourself with water-resistant sunscreen boasting an SPF of at least 30. However, for intense Indian weather where UV levels often surge beyond safe limits, it is wiser to upgrade to SPF50 or higher for optimal protection.
- Hydration: Summer’s hot winds strip moisture from your skin faster than you might realize. The winning strategy? Select a water-resistant sunscreen that delivers both essential hydration and powerful sun defence.
Most water-resistant sunscreens out there offer little to no hydration, typically failing to keep your skin well moisturised. Heliocare 360º Water Gel transforms this equation by turning into your ultimate summer companion. Its revolutionary continuous-hydration system combines a Biopolymer Network with Hyaluronic Acid and a Moisture-Boosting Complex featuring proprietary Aron NT-Z. This powerful formula delivers all-day hydration alongside superior sun protection, keeping your skin radiant, protected, and beautifully supple even on the hottest summer days.
- Paraben-Free & Alcohol-Free: Sunscreens containing alcohol can sensitize and dehydrate your skin, while parabens may trigger redness, irritation, and allergic reactions. To maintain your skin’s natural balance, choose a water-resistant sunscreen that is both paraben-free and alcohol-free.
- UV Filters: Water-resistant chemical sunscreens contain organic UV filters that catch UV rays and convert them into harmless heat, while mineral sunscreens contain inorganic filters that reflect UV rays. Got sensitive skin? Go for a water-resistant mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV filters that reflect both UVA and UVB rays. For other skin types, a water-resistant chemical sunscreen with broad-spectrum UV filters is your ticket to safe, healthy skin. Link
- Anti-Pollution Defence: The best water-resistant sunscreens go beyond basic sun protection. They come infused with antioxidants and anti-pollution ingredients that create a comprehensive shield against multiple environmental threats your skin faces every day.
For superior protection, seek out a water-resistant sunscreen containing powerhouse ingredients like Vitamin E, Ferulic Acid, and other antioxidant champions, combined with an advanced Biopolymer Network (such as in Heliocare 360º Water Gel). This winning combination creates a powerful shield that defends against both pollution and sun damage, keeping your skin healthy and resilient.
In Closing
Remember, Love – Rumours about water-resistant sunscreens or any beauty product, for that matter, spread faster than you can apply them. Always—and we can’t stress this enough—Always verify the claims before accepting them as truth.
And if you’re someone who is seeking a water-resistant sunscreen and believes in making intelligent decisions after careful consideration? Look no further than Heliocare 360° Water Gel. It not only offers water-resistant protection for hours but also maintains hydration for a longer duration, preserving your skin’s health and natural glow.
So the next time you go for a quick swim in that retreat pool, don’t forget to shield up with Heliocare 360º Water Gel.