Being an endurance athlete is rewarding in so many ways. Both the training and competition process yield experiences and feelings that provoke joy. In order to get to the moments of joy, you need to be able to commit yourself to the sport.
It is likely that you will find yourself fully immersed in your sport while out in the sun. That is why it is vital that you take the time to make sure that you are properly protected against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
You should follow the Skin Cancer Foundation’s guidelines about sun protection, and wear UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seek shade when possible during training and competition.
It doesn’t stop there though – you must also be sure to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen at all times as an endurance athlete.
Your skin is vulnerable and sensitive. You need to take care of it in the same way you take care of the muscles you need for your sport of choice!
Let me help you learn how to provide the best sun protection for your skin during your athletic endeavors!
After thorough research into the specific sun protection needs of athletes, SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for endurance athletes. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for endurance athletes.
Buyer’s Guide
In order to be sure that your skin is properly protected while you train, there are a few must-have features that you should search for in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
As an athlete, it’s likely that you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun. If there is only one thing you remember about what you need for proper sun protection, let it be this:
You need a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection.
That means you will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is essential because each type of ray works differently:
- UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin and cause tanning or burning
- UVA rays penetrate the skin’s deepest layer (the dermis) and cause premature aging
Exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer. That’s why it is vital that you use sunscreen with this type of protection as an athlete.
Luckily, you will not struggle to find broad spectrum sunscreens. They are available everywhere and are easy to spot. Just take a look at the sunscreen’s label or ingredients list.
The label often has words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’, making it clear that you’ll be sufficiently protected.
You can also search the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are great choices for sun protection for athletics as they provide protection against the full range of UVA/B rays.
Best SPF for endurance athletes
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is one of those elusive things that you know is important, but you’re not exactly sure why!
Understanding what the SPF ratings on sunscreens really mean will help you to better navigate your search. Let me give you a simple explanation:
The SPF rating indicates the fraction of the sun’s rays that will reach your skin if you have properly applied the sunscreen.
For example, if you are wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. While this is very helpful, it is important not to get carried away with sun exposure!
Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that you can spend 50 times longer in the sun than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. This is not something you want to risk as an athlete who will need to get back outside even if you’re burned!
There are a lot of factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF including the time of day, amount of sunscreen properly applied, and even reflections from surfaces like water or sand.
Check out this table below to better understand what protection you get with different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Do you find this information surprising?
The truth is that there is very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100.
So what is the best SPF rating to choose as an athlete?
SimplySunSafe aligns with AAD guidelines and recommends choosing sunscreens that have an SPF rating no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.
And remember, regardless of what SPF rating you choose, be sure to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours!
Physical is better than chemical
It’s helpful to know that sunscreens can be divided into main groups – chemical and physical.
The differences between these two groups lie in their active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect your skin.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
There are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones.
The first and most important is that, when put simply, they work better. They do this by stopping more light while doing so across a broader spectrum.
On top of this physical sunscreens:
- Work immediately upon application
- Last longer
- Are less likely to cause irritation
- Have a longer shelf life
If these reasons aren’t enough to convince you, listen to this:
Chemical sunscreens often contain chemicals that mess with your hormones.
That is the last thing you want as an athlete! The worst of these chemicals is called oxybenzone, and is still legal despite concerns expressed by the FDA. Check the ingredients of any sunscreens you plan to try out, and avoid this ingredient at all costs!
As an athlete, your best choice will always be a physical sunscreen!
Water resistant
Sweating is an integral part of endurance sports! There is no way around it and that’s okay. It doesn’t have to cause problems with your sun protection.
Just make sure to choose water resistant sunscreens. Whether sweat will be your only obstacle, or if you will be engaging in water activities as well, water resistant sunscreens will make your life as an athlete much easier!
Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes.
As an endurance athlete, the logical choice will be a sunscreen with 80 minutes of water resistance. That will provide you with the most durable option while you train and compete.
The best sunscreen for triathletes is definitely an 80-minute water resistant one!
Suitable for daily use
During periods of training and competition, you will likely need to spend long hours in the sun for consecutive days.
This is why you will need a sunscreen that will:
- Provide effective sun protection
- Be gentle enough for daily use
- Contain safe ingredients that won’t affect your performance
To ensure you get this in your sunscreen, choose one of the SimplySunSafe recommended sunscreens featured below. All of these products are strong and effective enough for your athletic needs, yet also sensitive enough for daily use without any irritation.
If you have particular skin conditions or sensitivities you need to account for, check the recommended sunscreens for these ingredients (although they’re unlikely to have them).
If none of the below sunscreens work for you (and I’d be surprised because they’re all amazingly safe and gentle products) let me know in the comments and I’d be happy to recommend something for your specific needs.
Best Sunscreen for Endurance Athletes Comparison
 thinksport Sunscreen |
 Badger Sport Sunscreen |
 BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical |
 Raw Elements Eco Formula |
 All Terrain TerraSport |
|
| SPF | 50+ | 35 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (23%) | Zinc Oxide (16%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Price | See at Amazon | See at Amazon | See at Amazon | See at Amazon | See at Amazon |
5 Best Sunscreens for Endurance Athletes
After extensive research into what is needed in sun protection for endurance athletes which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for endurance athletes.
Each sunscreen provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They are all suitable for daily use and water resistant!
1. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinksport Kids sunscreen provides effective SPF 50+ sun protection for children. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB children’s sunblock is suitable for daily use on kids’ sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
- EASY APPLICATION: Kids hate standing still, so this hydrating sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection begins instantly. The fast absorbing children’s sun lotion won’t leave skin feeling oily or sticky, and has no unpleasant chemical scent.
- CLEAN MINERAL FORMULA: The first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, Thinksport vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun creams contain no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
- WATER RESISTANT: Your child can swim, dive and play in the water safely. Our children’s sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering kids continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
- REEF FRIENDLY: Safe for children, and safe for the earth. Produced in the USA, our sunscreen’s active ingredient is non-nano Zinc Oxide, and the formula is highly biodegradable, non toxic and does not contain any known chemicals harmful to coral reefs.
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s choice for the best triathlon sunscreen is thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+.
This sunscreen is one of the safest on the market, having been the first to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements. It provides broad spectrum protection through its sole active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
Although it is a durable sunscreen, with enough strength to protect your skin while you train and compete, thinksport is also extremely gentle on the skin.
You will be able to use it daily on your face and body without any irritation. The formula is a bit thick and leaves a slight white cast, but this is the price you pay for quality, sufficient sun protection!
As you embark on the swimming leg of your triathlon, you will continue to be protected by thinksport as it provides 80 minutes of water resistance. Even the heavy sweating during the running and biking legs won’t disrupt your sun protection.
The high SPF level ensures that even if your skin is paler, or the sun is especially hot while you train or compete, you will still be protected and will avoid dangerous burning.
SimplySunSafe loves thinksport SPF 50+ so much, we also made it our pick as best sunscreen for cycling – an important element of a triathlon for endurance athletes.
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Suitable for daily use
- Durable 80-minute water resistance
- Thick formula
- Slight white cast
2. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another stellar option to protect you in your athletic pursuits is Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35. This formula provides a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%), in order to ensure proper broad spectrum protection.
Badger Sport has a deceivingly simple formula with a total of only 5 natural ingredients!
This makes it very gentle on the skin, despite its tough name. Your skin will be protected without experiencing any irritation.
The high concentration of zinc oxide makes this formula thick and causes it to leave a white cast on your skin. A reminder of your solid sun protection!
Badger Sport Sunscreen is suitable for all types of athletic activity, including any that involve water, as it provides you with 80 minutes of water resistance.
This sunscreen may be the fit for your training and competition needs. Especially as a long distance runner as Badger Sport is also SimplySunSafe’s choice as the best running sunscreen!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Simple, 100% natural formula
- 80-minute water resistance
- Thick formula
- White cast
3. BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30
- UVA / UVB broad-spectrum protection.
- Very water resistant.
- 18.6% Zinc Oxide.
- Chemical-free, biodegradeable, ocean-safe, eco-sensitive.
- Paraben-free, petroleum-free, paba-free.
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another reliable option for endurance athletes looking for sun protection is BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30.
This sunscreen is another which provides broad spectrum protection through a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
BurnOut is extremely gentle on skin, as it is free from PABA, chemicals, and parabens. Using this sunscreen daily on your face and body will not cause any irritation or issues.
As an added bonus, the conditioning ingredients in BurnOut will nourish your skin as you train and compete!
The thick formula takes time to rub, but this likely plays a role in providing a solid 80 minutes of water resistance.
You’ll be able to focus on your sport without the constant worry of sun protection!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Suitable for daily use
- 80-minute water resistance
- Thick formula
- Takes time to rub in
4. Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30
- EWG TOP-RATED SUNSCREEN – Performance-driven face and body sun protection lasts up to 80 minutes and does not run or sting your eyes
- DAILY USE FOR ALL AGES – Gentle, moisturizing formula can be used as part of your daily skin care routine and is gentle enough for kids
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC NATURAL MINERAL SUNSCREEN – Soy, gluten and nut free, contains no synthetic chemicals and packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so your skin stays protected long after environmental exposure
- SPF 30+ BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION – With a sole active ingredient of 23% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, our Face + Body Lotion 30+ provides UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum coverage
- SAFE FOR OUR PLANET – Reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable in recyclable packaging. Protect yourself and the environment!
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30 is another good option for endurance athletes.
This sunscreen provides unmatchable broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide (23%).
Raw Elements Eco Formula is ideal for daily use on the face and body as it is hypoallergenic and will not cause any irritation to your skin.
Your skin will thank you for nourishing it with natural Vitamin E while you train and compete!
You are granted your necessary 80 minutes of water resistance by Raw Elements Eco Formula so you will not need to worry about sufficient protection even while swimming or sweating heavily.
The formula is thick and will leave a bit of a white cast, but that’s a small tradeoff for great protection as an endurance athlete!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Skin-nourishing ingredients
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- White cast
5. All Terrain TerraSport Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
- All Terrain's sunscreens are created for active lifestyles, & TerraSport Sunscreen lotion has your skin covered & protected, naturally. From hiking to camping, sports or beach & pool days, TerraSport keeps you & your family safe from sunburn & UV rays
- Enjoying an outdoor lifestyle comes with many benefits, but UV rays & sunburn are not one of them! From camping & hiking in the woods to lounging in the backyard, All Terrain has chemical-free sun protection options for outdoor activities on land or water
- All Terrain's natural, chemical free sunscreen lotions & sticks provide effective broad spectrum protection from UV rays and protect your skin from sunburn with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide for safe and effective sun protection that is paraben and oxybenzone free
- Started by an outdoor enthusiast with Deet-Free Herbal Armor Insect Repellent & has a line of natural, safe & effective, sunscreen, first aid, medicated skin care, soaps & hand sanitizers to help you live an active & healthy lifestyle
- All Terrain is committed to providing safe, effective, environmentally friendly skin care protection products to help you live an active, healthy life. All Terrain products prove that natural-based ingredients can work as well as chemical-based ones do
Last update on 2021-07-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s final recommendation for sun protection for endurance athletes is All Terrain TerraSport SPF 30.
This vegan product provides broad spectrum protection through its active ingredient zinc oxide (16%).
All Terrain is gentle enough for daily use on your face and body without causing any irritation. In fact, the formula contains many nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C that will condition your skin as well as protecting it!
The formula is thick and may leave a white cast. Be sure to knead the tube before you apply the sunscreen to avoid difficulties with application due to the oil and zinc separating, especially as it nears closer to its expiration.
All Terrain provides you with the 80 minutes of water resistance you need to get you through that triathlon swim!
Sweating and water are no match for this formula – so give it a try!
- Gentle enough for daily use
- Skin-nourishing ingredients
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- May leave white cast
- Formula may separate
Conclusion
This guide was written for those seeking the best sunscreen for endurance athletes. I hope that by reading this guide you gained a better understanding of how to properly protect your skin in the sun, and found a product that suits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ but all 5 recommended products will protect your skin in the sun while you train or compete.
Now that you have read this guide, you can start arranging your test trials. Testing different sunscreens will help you to learn which products fit into your routine and satisfy your needs. After you test a few sunscreens, you’ll be able to make your final choice much more easily!
I love learning new things and hearing about new products from others! If you use or know of another great sunscreen for endurance athletes, please share it in the comments. I’ll take a look and maybe even add it to the list!
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