Especially during these summer months when the intensity of sun light is obviously a lot stronger even in Maine, we at Maine Laser Skin care get many questions related to sunscreen and its use. In a series that we are calling Sunscreen FAQ, we will try to address some of the most common queries.
My sunscreen is waterproof. Do I still need to reapply after swimming or sweating?
Simply put, yes, you do need to reapply! There is no sunscreen that is truly waterproof.
In the past, some sunscreens did have that word on their packaging and advertising. However, the FDA requires companies to replace the word “waterproof” with the more accurate term “water resistant”.
Even the most water resistant sunscreen is really only effective up to 80 minutes of water exposure by swimming or sweating. Water can, in fact, affect sunscreen on the skin by washing it off over time and exposure. In addition, drying off with a towel after swimming or sweating removes more sunscreen by friction.
Reapplication is the key to effective ultraviolet light protection. The FDA and multiple medical and dermatological societies recommend that sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours if you are in intense sunlight and/or exposed to water by swimming or sweating.
We have a number of mineral sunscreens that we recommend highly and carry here at our offices. For the remainder of the summer, all of our sunscreens are 20% off, so you can stock up and use these products regularly and reapply while enjoying our beautiful Maine summer.