When you’re shopping for Australian sunscreen, it can get awfully confusing with all the different labels and fancy-sounding words. One term that’s banded around is waterproof, but as we’ll find out, there’s no such thing – as people tend to conflate the word with water-resistant.
The truth is that there’s no such thing as waterproof sunscreen. The products you’ve seen advertised are all water-resistant and no more. To suggest otherwise is misleading. To explain things a little more clearly, let’s dive into the subject a little further.
Knowing That You’re Protected
On those hot summer days when it’s more than a little tempting to go and jump in the pool, you need to know that the Australian sunscreen you’re using is going to protect you when you get wet. It’s for this reason that you need to know the difference between ‘resistant’ and ‘proof’.
If you look on the FDA’s website, you’ll see confirmation of the fact that waterproof sunscreen is not a thing, so if you see a product claiming to be waterproof – they’re lying. Short of a recent technological breakthrough in sunscreen technology, it’s not going to do what it says on the bottle.
Every single type of sunscreen in existence will wash off in the water, meaning that they only remain protective for a short amount of time. This also applies when you sweat, as the same problem is presented.
So, What Does Water-Resistant ACTUALLY Mean?
When sunscreen is said to have a water-resistant formula, it will have been designed to remain on the skin for longer than regular types in wet conditions. There is typically a set amount of time extra protection that this kind of product will offer when worn with wet skin.
These water-resistant Australian sunscreen products will usually offer an extra 40 or as much as 80 minutes extra, after which time they need to be reapplied like regular types.
Ingredients that Make Sunscreen Resistant to Water
While there are ingredients in water-resistant sunscreen that give it these properties, they’re usually separate from the elements that provide the actual protection against UV rays. They’re doing different things, which they do independently of each other.
It’s compounds like acrylate copolymer that repel water and make it possible to remain in the sun for longer – even when wet.
Don’t Be Duped Into Buying Waterproof Sunscreen
Your biggest takeaway from reading this blog should be that waterproof sun protection is not something that you’re going to be selling legally – the FDA has seen to that.
Also, if you are going to use water-resistant Australian sunscreen, don’t assume that you’re going to get hours of extra protection. The truth is that the most you’ll get is 80 minutes, and even then, you need to reapply to remain safe.
Everyone deserves to have fun in the water when it’s hot and sunny without the fear of sunburn or UV damage of any kind. Use the advice we’ve given you here, and you’ll be able to do just that.