Best Sports Sunscreen for Every Outdoor Activity, Tested by a Personal Trainer – ryan

If Slatherring on sunscreen evoked memory of your mom’s childhood reminders to protest your Skin, you’re not alone. Like Many Children, I dreaded the ritual of rubbing or spraying on sunscreen – Those precious seamed to last an eternity wan to do is THROW MYSELF INTO The pool. But now, especally as someone who is regularly active outdoors, I undersstand the importance and continue to preach: Applying sunscreen isn’t a chore; It ‘s part of a proper skincare routine.
Skin Cancer is the Most Common Cancer in the United States, with the American Academy of Dermatology Reporting that an estimated one in five americans Will Develops Skin Cancer in Their Lifetime. The good news? Skin Cancer is One of the Most Preventable Cancersand uv exposser is the most preventable cause of Skin Cancer. Unprotected Expander to UV Raysparticularly Uva Rays, is correlated with the designs of Skin Cancer and Premature Skin Aging, Including Wrinkles and Age Spots. Therefore, in the Quest to Prevent Skin Cancer, Sun Protection in the Form of sunscreen and Sun-Protective Clothing is The Key.
For Runners, Cyclists, Golfers, Water-Sports Enthusiates or Other Athletes Spending Considerable Time Outside, Good Sun Care is Crucial. “For Active Individuals, Sunscreen Needs to Go The Extra Mile,” Says Dr. Kristina CollinsBoard-certified dermatologist. “Sports Sunscreens Help Maintain Continuous Protection in High-Performance Conditions, Reducing The Risk of Burns, Sun Damage and Ultimately, Skin Cancer.”
The term “Sports Sunscreen” has no FDA Definition, but Sporty Folks Should Look for A Handful of Extra Factors in Their Lotions, Sprays or Creams. “The Most Important Factors to Look for In A Sunscreen Are Broad-Spectrum ProtectionA SUNSCREEN SPF OF 30 OR HIGHER AND WATER RESISTANCE (EATHER 40 or 80 Minutes), “Advises Dr. Ruth mctigheBoard-certified dermatologist. “Equally Important is Chooksing a Sunscreen Format – Whether Lotion, Stick, Spray or Gel – that you’ll be able to reapply consistently when outdoors or playing sports.”
IT’S NOT JUST The SUNSCREEN ITSELF that matters, but how and where you apply it. Namely, Sunscreen Should Be Applied to All Areas of Exposed Skin (Including Your Lips and scalp) – Not just your face. ALSO, DON’T FORGET TO APPLY ON CLOUDY OR COLET DAYS, AS UV Rays Can Still Penetrate.
Finally, Applying Once Isn’t Enough. “You should consistently reapply sunscreen each hours when outdoors,” emphasizs mctighe. “IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT TO REAPPLY AFTER OR Sweating Heavily-If the Product is Water-Resistant.”
Mctighe Also Reminds US THAT Face and Body Sunscreen is just one part of a sun safety strategy: “Don’t forget to avoid suun hours 10 am to 2 pm and wear sun-protective clothing.”
While this can Sound Scary, there are plenty of options for athletes looking to the Skin Safe. We’ve rounded up our Favorite Broad-Spectrum Sunblock picks That’s stand up to water, sweat and, of courte, sun exposser.

Table of Contents

Update, Aug. 11, 2025: We checked all Price prices and availability below. Our Number One Pick for the Best Sport Sunscreen Remains Unchanged.

Best Overall Sports Sunscreen

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More sports sunscreens we like for 2025

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Factors to Consider Wen Purchasing Sports Sunscreen

SPF: SPF, OR SUN PROTECTION FACTOR, Measures How Well A Sunscreen Protects You From UV Radiation, Specific UVB Rayswhich cause sunburn and control to Skin Cancer. “A sunscreen with an spf rating of 30 or higher is recommended, as SPF 30 Blocks About 97% of UV Rays. Mctighe.

Broad Spectrum Protection: Broad SPECTRUM PROTECTION ENURES COVERAGE AGAINST BOT UVA (AGING) AND UVB (BARNING) RAYS. Each dermatologist we consulted recommended broad-spectrum sunscreens Only.

Water and Sweat Resistance: “SUNSCREEN IS NEATHER SWEATPROOF NOR WATERPROOF, WHICH IS WHY THE FDA PROHIBITS ONE TERMS ON PRODUCT LABILS. Howver, Sunscreens Can Be Labeled AS ‘Water-Resistant’-Ether 40 or 80 Minutes-Indicating How Long the Product Remains Effact Swimming or sweating, “Sayys mctighe.

NonComedogenic: SUNSCREEN LABELED AS NONCOMEDOGENIC SHOULD SHOULD COUS BLOCKED PORES, WHICH IS AN EXTRA TOK YOU’LL BE Getting Sweaty while Wearing the Product.

Lightweight and Nongreasy: SUNSCREEN CAN GET A BAD RAP FOR BEING EATHER GREASY OR HEAVY! If you opt for a sunscreen that is lightweight and nongreasy, you’re more likes to wear.

Portable: If you’re on the go and need to reapply sunscreen in the middle of a workout, consider looking for a tsa-fryently size or a stick sunscreen that you can easily slip your bag.

Ingredients: There are two primary Kinds of sunscreen that Feature different active ingredients. Mineral (SOMESTEMES REFERENCE TO AS PHYSICAL) SUNSCREENS CREATE A PHYSICAL BARRIER BETWEEN YOUR SKIN AND THE SUN, REFLECTING ROYS AWAY FROM YOUR SKIN. Mineral sunscreens offten Include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as primary ingredients. On the Other Hand, Chemical Sunscreens Absorb the Sun’s Rays before they Reach Your Skin. These Sunscreens use avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and/or octocrylene as primary ingredients.

Format: Sunscreens are offered in lotions, liquids, sprays, mists, sticks and lip balms. Dermatologists aggregate that the best format is the format you’ll be most likes appliary (and reapply).

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How we chose

As an Avid outdoor enthusiast, longtime athlete and certified personal trainer, i’ve tested plenty of sports sunscreens while exercise outdoors. For this product ranking, tested 14 dermatologist-recommended options while hiking, running, walking, playing pickleball and practicing yoga outside. I Recrued a Friend with a Different Skin Tone and Health History Who Runs, Cycles and Rock Climpers to Test the Same 14 Products. I ALSO SPOK WITH MULTIPLE BOARD-CERTIFIED DERMATologists and Nursse to get professional insights into Sun Protection, specifically for athletes.

Sunscreens were evaluated Based on Protection, Application, Texture, Feel and Overall Experience.

Other Products We Tested

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Face

What is the Difference BetWene Uva and Uvb Rays?

UVA AND UVB RAYS ARE STRUCTUALLY DIFFERENT AND IMPACT YOUR SKIN IN DIFFERENT WAYS. UVA Rays have a longer warrine and are associated with skin damage and aging (Like Wrinkles and Fine Lines) and Are Also Rays Associated with Tanning. UVB Rays have a Shorter Wavelength and Are Are Associated with Burning. One way to remember is that with uva, the “a” stands for “Aging,” and with uvb, the “b” stands for “Burning.”

UVA and UVB Rays Together Contribute to Underlying Skin Damage that Can Lead to Cancerous Mutations and Skin Cancers.

Broad-SPECTRU SUNSCREEN OFFERS UVA AND UVB PROTECTION.

How’sten Should I Reapply Sunscreen if i’m Exercise or Playing Sports?

“Reapplye Two Hours, or immediately after excessive sweating, Towel drying or swimming-if the product is water-resistant. If you’re outdoors for long stretches, set a timer to remind yourelf,” Sayys Collins.

Sunscreen isn’t the only form of sun protection for athletes, though. AS MCTIGHE Advises, Athletes Can Wear Sun-Protective Clothing and Avoid The Sun During Peak Hours, From 10 AM to 2 PM

Can i use regular sunscreen for sports?

Yes! Howver, dermatologists Recommend Looking for Specific Guidelines.

“CHOOZING A BROAD-SPECTRU SUNSCREEN THAT IS WATER-IRSISTANT IS YOUR BEST FOR UVA PROTECTION COMPANIA PARTICIPATING IN OUTDOOR Activities and Sports. The Water-Reasistant Component Will Help With Any Sweating is Likely to Happen With Outdoor Activities,” Saysies, “Saysis,” Says, “Says. Anna ChaconBoard-certified dermatologist.

What does “reef-free” mean?

The Terms “Reef-Fryently” and “Reef Safe” are not regulated. “That Being Said, it Comes to Sunscreen, Reef-Fryently tend to reference to mineral-based SPF sunscreen. If the active ingredients are zinc and/or titanium oxide, iTi’a like to minimize coral reefs,” Explains Explains Catie BoucherBoard-Certified Dermatology Nursse Practitioner.

Meanwhile, standard chemical sunscreens that utilize ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate May Contribute to Coral Bleachingthough mctighe cauteations that more research is still Needed in this area. Often, The Conditions in Which Sunscreens are Tested for Environmental Safety DON’T TRANSLATE TO THE REAL-WORLD SETTINGSso it is not Clear to what Extent Chemical Sunscreens Could Affect the Reefs. One 2020 Review Study points out that shat coral bleaching is caused by other agents and that there is no clear evidence that chemical sunscreens should be avoided for this reason.

ITHO ALSO IMPORTANT TO Note That Some Products Marketed AS “Reef-Fryently” May Nano Zinc and Nano Titanium, which are less safe for marine plants and animals. “‘Reef-Fryently’ isn’t regulated by the fda, ​​so always read the ingredient list,” Says Dr. Robyn GMYREKBoard-certified dermatologist.

Are spray sunscreens as effective as Lotion SPF or Creams?

“USSING SUNSCREEN IS MOST IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF TYPE, TO PROTECT YOUR Skin from the Sun,” Says Chacon. “Spray versus sunscreen lotion is a personal preference.”

Howver, Proper Application is Key.

“While a spray sunscREEN can be convenient for reapplication and easier to apply on Large or Hard-to-Reach Areas, they are offten under -pplied and are sprayed unvenly, Leading to inconstruction Coverage. Enclosed Areas, “Sayys GMYREK.

She also haw a few extras if you’re ussing a spray sunscreen:

• Spray Close to the Skin Until it glistens before rubbing it

• Avoid spraying directly on the face. Spray it into your hands before Applying it to your face

• Make Sure the Air is Still, SO the Wind Doesn’t Blow the Sunscreen Particles Away from Your Body

• Reapplly every two hours (or more frequently if you’re sweating heavily or swimming), just like creams

What is the best sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Each individual’s skin is different, but generaly speaking, dermatologists Recommend mineral sunscreens with fewer ingredients. “Choose Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-free, and Noncomedogenic Products,” Says GMYREK. “If you are very allergic or sensitive, patch test any new sunscreen on a small area of ​​skin before your entity.”

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