Do you really not have to reapply after a dive in the water with a water-resistant sunscreen?
Which?, an English consumer association, conducted research into how high the sunburn factor is after swimming in salt water or chlorinated water.
The factor decreases after contact with water
Two brands of sunscreen were tested, a popular private label and a well-known international product. With both brands, the factor was a lot lower after 40 minutes in salt water. The SPF of the international product was subsequently found to be 60 percent lower.
Jetske Ultee explains on her website that waterproof does not exist, which is why the term water resistant is used today. A sun product that is water resistant often contains an ingredient such as wax, oil or polymers, so that the cream is less affected by water. But even for water resistant creams, the factor is reduced by water.
The advantage of water resistant
If you know you're not a great greaser, it's a good idea to choose a water-resistant product. This gives you a little better protection if you don't use it for a while. Even when you start to sweat, for example. Protect your skin optimally? Then it is best to re-lubricate after contact with water.
Research by the Consumers' Association
Edit 29/05:The Consumers' Association has investigated the factor of solar sprays. The conclusion is that 1 in 5 products do not deliver the promised protection. Read more on the website of the Consumers' Association.
