Sunscreen for Athletes: Finding the Best One for You

Chemical sunscreens are the most popular type of sunscreen and help protect the skin with chemical UV filters[JH4]  like Avobenzone, Octinoxate and Oxybenzone that absorb the sun’s UV rays³[LA5] .

Mineral sunscreens, sometimes referred to as physical sunscreens, stay on the surface of the skin and absorb and deflect the sun's UV rays[JH6] . Mineral UV filters[JH7]  like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide partly bounce back the UVA and UVB rays, with the remainder being scattered or absorbed by the mineral particles³[LA8] .

Learn more about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen and how sunscreen works.

While the type of sunscreen you choose comes down to personal preference, it can only protect you if it’s applied properly and frequently. Be sure to follow the instructions on your sunscreen’s drug facts box for application and reapplication directions.

When choosing any sunscreen, make sure to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) and an adequate SPF. SPF, short for Sun Protection Factor, measures the percentage of UVB rays that a sunscreen stops from affecting your skin.

• SPF 15 stops up to 93% of UVB rays
• SPF 30 stops up to 97% of UVB rays
• SPF 50 stops up to 98% of UVB rays⁴[LA10] [JH11]

The higher the number, the higher the percentage of stopped UVB rays, but there is no SPF that can completely stop or block[JH12]  100% of the sun’s UVB rays, no matter how high the number. This is why it’s important, in conjunction with wearing sunscreen, to take other sun protection precautions such as avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours of the day, seeking shade when possible, and covering up with protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.

What SPF is recommended for outdoor sports?

SPF is a personal choice that comes down to your skin’s unique needs and your desired coverage level. Regardless of the SPF chosen, for outdoor sports, it will be important to be sure to adequately apply your sunscreen and regularly re-apply for as long as you’re spending time outdoors during daylight hours.

Whether you’re traveling for a game, heading to the beach, or packing your hiking gear, you want to make sure your sunscreen can easily come with you and be applied at a moment’s notice. Having convenient options like carrying a travel-sized sport sunscreen or an easy-to-apply sport sunscreen spray in your [DH13] bag can help you keep your sun protection within arm’s reach and make it part of your pre-game routine.

For a convenient, travel-sized sport sunscreen option, try Coppertone® Sport 4-in-1 Performance Sunscreen, available in SPF 50 and SPF 100. This broad-spectrum sunscreen is designed to stay on strong when you sweat, and protects you from the sun with a durable and water-resistant, moisturizing sunscreen formula (80 minutes). [JH14] [MM15]

Durable sunscreen that can resist sweat, heat and water [MM18] is one of the most important things to look for in a sunscreen for athletes. With any type of physical activity, you’re likely to work up a sweat[LA19] . If your sunscreen can’t hold up to sweat [MM20] or is easily wiped away, your skin can be more vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun. Whether your activities are on land or in the water, look for a sport sunscreen that offers water resistance to help keep you protected.

All of Coppertone’s Sport sunscreen lotions and sprays offer water resistance up to 80 minutes, for durable sun protection that keeps up with you.

Regardless of the weather, you should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin daily[LA23] when spending time outdoors. For some sports like golf, this may mean you’re primarily covering your forearms, face, and neck. For others like swimming, you may be applying sunscreen over most of your body. Choose a sport sunscreen that works best for your skin’s needs and the area you’re covering.

For example, for your arms and legs, you may choose an all-over sunscreen like Coppertone® Sport SPF 30 Lotion for lightweight, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a water resistant formula (80 minutes), but you may want a facial sunscreen to use on your face and neck that offers higher SPF in a formula specifically meant for use on the face. While you can certainly apply an all-over sunscreen to your face as well, the sunscreen(s) you choose will depend on your skin’s needs and personal preference.

Face sunscreen for athletes

Coppertone® Sport Face Sunscreen Lotion is lightweight and stays on strong when you sweat. This breathable formula rubs on easily and provides Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 60+ sun protection, stopping up to 98% of damaging UV rays. This non-greasy sunscreen lotion won't clog pores, blends in clear on all skin tones, and is formulated with antioxidants vitamins E and C. It is free of Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, PABA, Parabens, Phthalates, and fragrance. Coppertone Sport Face Lotion 60+ is water resistant (80 minutes) and dries quickly.

While chemical sunscreens are the most common sunscreen, sometimes people with sensitive skin [LA24] prefer to use mineral sunscreens. When choosing a sport sunscreen, look for a formula that works with your skin’s needs.

Coppertone® Sport sunscreens are suitable for all skin types and come in both chemical and mineral formulas to accommodate personal preference.

For mineral sunscreens for athletes, try Coppertone® Sport Mineral Sunscreen. Designed to stay on strong when you sweat, this high-performance mineral sport sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection in a durable and water resistant formula (80 minutes) formulated with 100% naturally sourced Zinc Oxide. Also available in an SPF 50 spray.

The best type of sunscreen for runners

Runners benefit from sunscreen that is durable and water-resistant, as running, even in colder weather, can cause significant sweating . You’re also at the mercy of the elements while running outdoors and may encounter a range of weather over the course of a run. Knowing that your sunscreen isn’t going to run off at the first drop of sweat or rain can help you stay focused on beating your PR instead of worrying about losing your sunscreen’s protection.

Sun protection tips while running

• Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you head out for your run to give the sunscreen the chance to settle onto your skin.  Don’t forget to protect your lips with a sunscreen lip balm.
• If you’re going on a long run (longer than 2 hours), or if you anticipate significantly sweating or encountering precipitation during the run, be prepared to stop and reapply sunscreen.
• Carry a travel-sized sport sunscreen with you while running to make reapplication quick and easy without weighing you down.
• Supplement sunscreen protection with other sun protection measures such as covering as much of your skin as is comfortable with protective clothing, wearing a hat, and sunglasses
• Opt to run during times of day where the sun isn’t at its peak, such as the early morning or late afternoon or evening
• Check the UV index for your area and consider doing an indoor workout or waiting until a later part of the day on days when the UV index is particularly high
• Seek shade when you can, choosing routes that offer some relief from direct sunlight if you are running during peak hours of the day