Kimberly Bonvechio

Start Your Day with SPF

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By Maggie Coffey

Skin cancer awareness and prevention – it needs to be addressed more often in our profession! Not only the impacts that extended sun exposure can have on your body, but how to properly care for your skin while working in the field. With all of the different products that are available on the market, how do you know which ones to choose? We’ve taken the guess work out of it for you by asking those who spend hours outside on the water! Here, we breakdown the sun care brands most recommended by the Women of Fisheries. As any good scientist knows, don’t just take our word for it, do your own research and consult your dermatologist when deciding which products are right for you! 

Top Sunscreen Brands Recommended by Women of Fisheries

1. Supergoop!

WHY WE LOVE IT: Supergoop! has over 40 reef-friendly, cruelty-free products that are sold in recyclable packaging. What’s even better? The founder, a former teacher, gives back through the brand by donating SPF products to schools in several states across America. 

Everyone likes a good discount! Good news is if your employer offers pro deals through Outdoorly, you can get a 30% discount on a selection of Supergoop! products. 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: Supergoop!, Dermstore, Sephora, & Outdoorly

PRODUCTS TO TRY:

  • Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 
    A velvety smooth product that will change how you view sunscreen. The oil-free formula is rich in antioxidants and doubles as a makeup primer for those days when you want to add a little something extra to your routine. 

2. EltaMD 

WHY WE LOVE IT: This Swiss-rooted brand is a favorite among dermatologists. EltaMD not only produces top-notch cosmetic sunscreens, but also helps communities by partnering with the Skin Cancer Foundation and other charitable organizations to provide free skin cancer screenings and sun safety education. 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: EltaMD, Dermstore, Amazon, & SkinStore

PRODUCTS TO TRY:

  • UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 
    An oil-free formula for sensitive skin prone to acne and rosacea. It contains a blend of vitamins and acids to promote healthy skin while providing ideal sun protection. 
  • UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 
    A water resistant formula for all skin types. This product can be used daily, or just for activity, without the worry of skin damage from UVA and UVB rays. 

3. Headhunter 

WHY WE LOVE IT: Founded by two friends that wanted to create a product dedicated to protecting lifeguards, surfers, and the like, Headhunter Suncare is credited with designing the world’s first sunscreen specifically for surfers. Their products feature “Heavy Water Technology” that holds the formula on your skin until you are ready to wash it off. 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: Headhunter, Hansen Surfboards, & Amazon 

PRODUCTS TO TRY: 

4. Neutrogena

WHY WE LOVE IT: A known and trusted brand among the world of skincare, Neutrogena provides a variety of reliable, affordable sunscreen products for all of your needs! 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: Neutrogena, Ulta, Walmart, & Target 

PRODUCTS TO TRY:

5. Thinksport 

WHY WE LOVE IT: With a background in biotechnology and health, Thinksport aims to create alternative products that are biodegradable and safe for consumers. At the forefront of their values are all-around safety, functionality, and sustainability. As a bonus, Thinksport has a program called Thinksocial that chooses non-profits to partner with annually, then gives customers the option to pick one of those partners to donate a portion of their purchase to at checkout! 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: Thinksport, REI, & Target

PRODUCTS TO TRY: 

  • Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
    A mineral-based, daily use sunscreen created with outdoor enthusiasts in mind. This product features an organic, biodegradable, and reef-safe formula that can be used on any skin type. 

6. CoreTex

WHY WE LOVE IT: The focus of CoreTex is to provide quality, industrial skin care to protect workers in the outdoors. It began with their Sun X sunscreen products and has expanded to include everything from poison ivy protection to insect repellent. 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: CoreTex & Forestry Suppliers 

PRODUCTS TO TRY: 

  • Sun X SPF 30+ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
    A broad spectrum sunscreen that offers water resistant protection for working in the field. It is formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E for a soothing effect. to This product comes in a variety of packaging options that are made to be easily accessible for your entire crew, so everyone can stay protected! 

7. CeraVe 

WHY WE LOVE IT: Another favorite of dermatologists, CeraVe skincare products aim to address skin conditions – acne, eczema, and psoriasis to name a few – by repairing the skin’s natural barrier. Sensitive skin, oily skin, or combination skin? No problem – they have a range of product lines for each skin type! 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: CeraVe, Ulta, Amazon, & Walmart  

PRODUCTS TO TRY:

  • AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
    This facial moisturizer and SPF 30 sunscreen combo will become a staple in your morning routine. It’s formulated with ceramides and beneficial acids that maintain your skin’s natural barrier and provide all day moisture. All skin types can use this oil-free, non-comedogenic formula for sun protection! 
  • Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50 
    Designed for convenience, this sunscreen stick offers a mineral formula for protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays. It’s water resistant, oil-free, and contains CeraVe’s notorious restorative ceramides. 

8. Blue Lizard

WHY WE LOVE IT: This Australian-based company has been making waves in the USA. Their mineral and mineral-based formulas are reef-friendly and provide dermatologist-approved broad spectrum protection. Just like the chameleon that inspired the company name, Blue Lizard packaging changes color in harmful sun rays to remind you to apply – so clever! 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: Blue Lizard, Amazon, Walmart, & Target  

PRODUCTS TO TRY:

  • Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ 
    A head-to-toe sunscreen that was designed with sensitive skin in mind. The fragrance-free, mineral formula provides broad spectrum protection that will keep your skin safe while in the field. The color-changing cap will be your reminder to reapply!
  • Face Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 30+ 
    This daily use, facial sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants – green tea, caffeine, and vitamin E – to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Its non-comedogenic, so you won’t have to worry over clogged pores. Mineral-based protection and color-changing cap? Both included!

9. CoTZ 

WHY WE LOVE IT: Founded by a plastic surgeon who wanted to create healthy mineral sunscreens, the name CoTZ comes from the key ingredients, Titanium and Zinc. These products boast a reef-friendly and preservative free formula that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. 

WHERE TO PURCHASE: CoTZ, Ulta, & Amazon  

PRODUCTS TO TRY:

  • Sensitive SPF 40 Non-tinted 
    A translucent, moisturizing sunscreen that is gentle on sensitive or easily irritated skin. If you prefer mineral formulas with the same great broad spectrum protection, this one is for you!

10. Variety Packs

Want to sample different brands? Here’s some variety packs to try!

Do you have a favorite product that you would like to see added to the list? Let us know in the comments!