This may be of interest to the general group and that's why I didn't PM it...
In your experience, what sunscreen(s) last the longest in water? Are there any sunscreens that the international competitors use that are better than what we get in the US?
Thanks,
LBJ
Former Member
Yes, the foreign open water swimmers, especially the Australians, tend to use different sunscreens than the Americans. From my observations, many foreign open water swimmers use sunscreens with zinc, which causes a bit of whitening of the skin (unless you buy the kind with color). After a day at a competition, the foreigners just tend to look a little less sunburned, although that may be a scientifically inaccurate statement.
Over the years, I tested the different sunscreens by applying one arm with one sunscreen and the other arm with another sunscreen. A visual observation at the end of the day, combined with how long it lasted and if it burned my eyes or felt sticky, were the criteria that I personally used.
When most people travel around the world, they buy local souvenirs. I purchase sunscreens...
Some of the sunscreens came in packaging that I could not read, so I unfortunately cannot tell you of the names. I used to use La Roche-Posay's Anthelios for years in the formulation that was not sold in the US (I used to purchase it in France and then online from Canadian suppliers, but it is available from American online suppliers now).
After years of experimenting with all kinds of sunscreens that I have purchased in the US, Australia, Mexico, Canada, throughout the Middle East and Europe, I now tend to use Watermans Applied Science because it stays on longest and it doesn't burn my eyes. I just came across Watermans through another open water swimming friend of mine and it is fortunately sold in the US.
NOTE: this is not a paid advertisement, although Watermans wrote an article about me when I contacted them to find out where I could purchase their product in Southern California.
I am sure other individuals have their own favorites for various reasons, but since I travel the world coaching at, observing and reporting on open water swims throughout the year, I know what works best for me under humid conditions, in an escort boat, on a paddleboard and in the water (both pool and open water).
www.10kswimmer.com/.../abcs-of-sunscreens.html
It would be interesting to hear from others what sunscreens they use and why.
