5 best waterproof sunscreen for swimming in India

One of the most important swim product for swimmers is a water resistant sunscreen. Most of the swimming pools in India are outdoors and young swimmers are continuously exposed to very bright sun rays.

Water-resistant sunscreens are formulated to maintain their effectiveness for a limited time when exposed to water. They typically offer protection for about 40 to 80 minutes in water before they start to break down and lose their ability to shield the skin from UV rays. The label of a water-resistant sunscreen will indicate how many minutes it remains effective when swimming or sweating. For example, a sunscreen labeled “water-resistant 80 minutes” means it should remain effective for 80 minutes in water or while sweating before requiring reapplication.

Swimcare waterproof sunscreen for teen and young competitive swimmers is one of the best waterproof sunscreen lotions for swimming in india. This can be used along with the Swimcare preswim lotion to protect the skin while swimming in chlorinated pool water.

Nivea sunscreen for kids is a water-resistant sunscreen lotion with moisturizer that young swimmers can use during regular training sessions of competitive swimming.

Here we explore the features, benefits, and tips for selecting and using these sunscreens, thus helping you to enjoy your aquatic adventures while remaining protected.

Waterproof sunscreen applicators can be in the following form.

• lotion
• creme
• spray
• gel
• stick
• powder

Waterproof sunscreen for swimming

Here is our pick of waterproof sunscreen for swimming India that you can get online. These are especially very important for competitive swimming.

Other than the known sunscreen protection that these products are known for, we found the following to be favourable.

Product	Highlights	Why selected
Swimcare waterproof SPF50	Comes along with moisturizer to keep the skin soft	✅ A swim care product made in India
Nivea sun kid spf 50	Formulated for children’s delicate skin	✅ Sunscreen with moisturizer meant for young swimmers.
Cetaphil Very Water Resistant Sunscreen	Contains vitamin E	✅ Meant for sensitive skin
Derma Decode Waterproof Sunscreen	A silicone gel sunscreen	✅ Acne-safe sunscreen ✅ This spray makes it easy and fast to apply
Neutrogena Sunscreen SPF 50+	Ultra light	✅ Non oily, non sticky, absorbs fast

Cetaphil water-resistant sunscreen SPF50

This water-resistant Cetaphil sunscreen is lightweight and can be worn every day for swimming outdoors in India. Remember to re- apply this swimming sunscreen every 40 mins. Though

PROS

• This waterproof sunscreen for swimming is very lightly scented
• absorbs fast and is meant for all skin types

CONS

• Not always available in India
• It sometimes leave a slight white cast if not applied properly on skin

Derma Decode waterproof sunscreen

This is a waterproof sunscreen for swimming in India that can be sprayed before swimming.

PROS

• The spray makes it easy and fast to apply. Spreads evenly throughout the body
• Does not leave a noticeable white cast.

CONS

• Quantity might not be enough for daily use during swimming.

Neutrogena Sunscreen SPF50

Neutrogena sunscreen is light and water-resistant and many swimmers choose Neutrogena before swimming in India.

PROS

• Oil-free and Non-Comedogenic
• Neutrogena sunscreen does not leave a noticeable white cast.

CONS

• Quantity might not be enough for daily use during swimming.

Nivea Sunscreen lotion SPF50

This sunscreen lotion is widely used by swimmers in India. Being a lotion, it is lightweight and spreads on the body evenly.

PROS

• The skin feels moisturized with Vitamin E
• Light on the skin and absorbs fast

CONS

• Some find it sticky

VLCC water-resistant sunscreen gives long-lasting protection. This is meant for the Indian sun and is suitable to be used during swimming.

What waterproof sunscreen for swimming be used for younger swimmers in India?

When you are looking for water-resistant sunscreen for toddlers, you can go for Neutrogena wet skin kids water-resistant sunscreen for swimming. It is broad-spectrum which protects against skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. It can be used for beach and swimming pools.

Nivea sunscreen for kids is also water resistant and also acts like a moisturizing lotion for the kids.

What are the characteristics of a good sunscreen for swimming?

Sunscreen for swimming should have several important features to provide effective protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Broad-spectrum protection

Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, which means it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Both types of rays can contribute to skin cancer.

High SPF

Look for a sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. For swimming, it’s generally recommended to use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Higher SPF values provide more extended protection, although the increase in protection becomes marginal beyond SPF 50+.

Water-resistant formula

Your sunscreen should be water-resistant sunscreen to ensure it stays effective even when exposed to water. Sunscreens labeled as “water-resistant” have been tested and proven to maintain their SPF level for a certain amount of time in water. However, no sunscreen is entirely waterproof, so reapplication is still necessary after swimming or excessive sweating.

Long-lasting

Choose a sunscreen that provides long-lasting protection. Some sunscreens have specific claims of extended protection, but it’s still important to reapply regularly, especially after swimming or towel drying.

Non-comedogenic

If you’re prone to acne or have sensitive skin, consider using a non-comedogenic sunscreen. These products are less likely to clog pores or cause skin irritation, reducing the risk of breakouts.

How and when to apply sunscreen?

Remember to apply water-resistant sunscreen for swimming generously to all exposed skin, at least 15 to 30 minutes before swimming, and reapply it every 40 mins to two hours.

When applying sunscreen before swimming, follow these steps for proper and effective application.

Ensure that your skin is clean and dry before applying sunscreen. Remove any oils, lotions, or dirt from your skin to help the sunscreen adhere better.

Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (ideally SPF 30 or higher) that is specifically formulated for water resistance.

Pre-swim lotions are designed to be applied before entering the water to create a protective barrier on the skin, helping to minimize the absorption of chemicals like chlorine or saltwater. The pre-swim lotion should be applied prior to applying sunscreen.

How to apply?

Use a generous amount of water resistant sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of your body.

Start by applying the sunscreen to one area of your body and spread it evenly, using gentle, circular motions. Be thorough and ensure that all exposed areas, including your face, neck, ears, arms, legs, and any other exposed skin, are adequately covered.

Pay attention to often overlooked areas such as the back of your neck, tops of your feet, and behind your ears. These areas can be prone to sunburn and are frequently exposed while swimming.

When to apply?

Allow time for absorption. Give the sunscreen some time to absorb into your skin before getting in the water. Follow the instructions on the sunscreen product for the recommended wait time, usually around 15 to 30 minutes.

Reapply if necessary. Remember that even water-resistant sunscreens lose their effectiveness after a certain amount of time or exposure to water. Check the label for specific reapplication instructions. As a general guideline, it’s recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you’re swimming, towel drying, or sweating heavily.

Remember, sunscreen alone is not enough to provide complete sun protection while swimming in India. Consider wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and UV-protective swimwear, and seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours.

What should a water-resistant swimming sunscreen not have?

When selecting sunscreen for swimming, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients or characteristics that may be undesirable or potentially harmful. Here are some things that sunscreen for swimming should not have:

No fragrances and added colors

Fragrances and added colors may increase the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin. Opt for unscented or fragrance-free sunscreens to minimize the chances of skin irritation.

Paraben free

Many cosmetic products contain preservatives like paraben. Sunscreens can also include them. Avoid parabens, look for sunscreens labeled as “paraben-free.”

Alcohol free

Some sunscreens contain alcohol, which can be drying to the skin, especially when exposed to water. If you have dry or sensitive skin, consider avoiding sunscreens with high concentrations of alcohol.

Specially formulated to withstand the rigors of water, these sunscreens provide a shield against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your skin remains safe and guarded while you soak up the sun. Whether you’re swimming laps, lounging by the poolside, or indulging in water sports, discover the benefits and peace of mind that come with the application of waterproof sunscreen.

How much SPF is needed for swimming?

It is recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. SPF measures the sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Should you use sunblock or sunscreen for swimming?

When swimming, sunscreen is generally preferred because it tends to be more water-resistant compared to sunblocks. Look for a sunscreen that is labeled “water-resistant” and suitable for activities such as swimming or water sports.

Sunblock contains physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that create a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting the UV rays back. Sunscreen has chemicals that absorb harmful rays and converts them into less harmful forms of energy.

Other relevant articles

Check for swimmers’ body oils and body butter which can be applied before and after swimming. Swimmers also apply body lotions after a swim session

Find after-swim body wash which removes harmful effects of chlorine and other chemicals.