The right sports sunscreen for the right protection!
Anyone who trains outdoors a lot knows the problem: sweating, the sun is burning – and the sunscreen doesn't do what it promises. Whether running, cycling, hiking, playing soccer or tennis – your skin is constantly exposed to UV radiation. This is where special sun protection for sports comes into play.
Requirements for water and sweat-resistant products
If you're wondering which sunscreen is suitable for sweating, you should look for two terms: waterproof and sweat-resistant . These formulations are crucial when it comes to reliably protecting your skin even under intense stress. But be careful: These products also need to be reapplied regularly – especially after drying. For optimal protection, we recommend applying sunscreen about 30 minutes before training so it can be fully absorbed.
What sun protection do athletes use?
When exercising, your skin needs more than just basic UV protection. The demands on sunscreen are significantly higher. A good sports sunscreen should:
– Be sweat-resistant
– Quick absorption
– Do not sting your eyes
– Provide a high sun protection factor (SPF) Specially developed formulas meet precisely these criteria. Many of these products are also available as sprays – ideal for on-the-go use and easy to apply. Conventional sunscreens, on the other hand, quickly lose their effectiveness during physical activity.
If you want comprehensive protection while working out, newkee Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a reliable companion. This vegan, waterproof, and sweat-resistant sunscreen was specifically developed for active skin – without compromising on protection or skin feel.
The most important properties of a good sports sunscreen
What really makes a sports sunscreen special? Some properties are particularly important for effectively protecting the skin even under stress:
Breathable and fast-absorbing textures
A good sports sunscreen should protect, but not feel like a layer on the skin. Modern textures are therefore breathable , lightweight , and absorb quickly without leaving any residue. Sun sprays are particularly pleasant – they are easy to apply, even when you are on the go, and ensure a fresh skin feeling, even when exposed to intense stress.
No irritating ingredients – suitable for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin often reacts sensitively to fragrances or preservatives. Especially during exercise, it's important not to further irritate the skin. Therefore, the following applies:
– Avoid fragrances
– Prefer low-irritant, hypoallergenic formulations
– Choose products specifically developed for sensitive skin
It's worth taking a look at the ingredients – this way you can protect your skin without putting unnecessary strain on it.
Application and correct use in everyday sports
When and how often should you reapply cream?
Applying it once isn't enough during exercise. Sweat, clothing, and water reduce the protection. To effectively protect your skin, we recommend:
– Apply 30 minutes before exercise – this allows the cream to be fully absorbed
– Reapply after swimming or drying
– Reapply cream every two hours , especially during longer activities
A practical tip: Set an alarm so you don't forget to reapply moisturizer. It's better to overapply than underapply.
Combination with sportswear and equipment
Sportswear can complement sun protection—but it shouldn't replace it. For comprehensive protection, the combination is worthwhile:
– UV protective clothing : Provides additional protection, sunscreen should also be applied underneath
– Headgear : Protects scalp, face and ears
– Sunglasses : Protects the eyes and the sensitive skin around them
– Lip care with UV protection : Often forgotten, but indispensable
And don't forget: Even in the shade you are not completely protected from UV rays - reflections ensure that they are effective almost everywhere.
Sports with a particular UV risk
Some sports involve particularly high levels of UV exposure—whether due to prolonged exposure to the sun or reflective surfaces like water or snow. Special protection is required here:
Running, cycling, climbing, football, tennis – what needs to be considered?
– Running & cycling : Avoid midday, apply sufficient sunscreen
– Climbing : At altitude, radiation is more intense – adjust protection accordingly
– Football & Tennis : Regular re-application of cream, even when cloudy
– Even when the sky is overcast , UV radiation penetrates – applying sunscreen remains mandatory
Winter sports: Should you wear sunscreen in winter too?
Absolutely. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, which is higher than in summer. At the same time, the air in the mountains is drier, which puts additional strain on the skin. If you're out on the slopes, you should not only take sunscreen with you, but also lip balm with UV protection and well-fitting sunglasses .
Sports sunscreen for the face – special care for high stress
The face is particularly vulnerable during sports—it's usually uncovered and directly exposed to the sun. Regular sunscreens are often insufficient.
What makes a good sports sunscreen for the face?
– Sweat resistance : So nothing runs into the eyes
– High sun protection factor (at least SPF 30, better 50+)
– Light, quickly absorbed texture
– No irritating ingredients
The same applies to your face: don’t forget to apply cream – especially after drying with a towel.
Dermatologically recommended – What do dermatologists and experts say?
From a dermatological perspective, anyone who regularly participates in outdoor sports should not go without appropriate UV protection. Products with a high SPF, broad-spectrum protection, and a sweat-resistant formulation are particularly recommended – as non-irritating as possible and suitable for sensitive skin. For areas subject to heavy wear, such as the face or shoulders, many experts recommend special sports products that are precisely tailored to these needs.
The right ingredients in sports sunscreens
When it comes to sun protection for active people, it's not just the protection factor that counts, but also its compatibility with skin and the environment. newkee deliberately avoids controversial UV filters such as oxybenzone or octinoxate, which are considered potentially harmful to coral reefs. Instead, newkee relies on modern, well-tolerated UV filters that provide reliable protection – even when swimming in the ocean. Those who value environmental compatibility should not rely solely on terms like "reef-safe," as these are not legally protected. It's worth checking the ingredients list carefully. By the way, fresh tattoos require special care. Freshly inked tattoos are like open wounds and require special protection from sun, dirt, and bacteria. Here are some tips on how to properly care for your new tattoo .
Conclusion – How to find the best sports sunscreen for your needs
There's a wide selection of sun protection products available – the key is to ensure they fit your daily routine. A good sports sunscreen stays on even when you're working hard, is easy to apply, and feels good on your skin. Those with sensitive skin should look for non-irritating formulations. And the more active you are outdoors, the more important a high sun protection factor is – and not just in summer. In the end, the best sunscreen is the one you enjoy using – regularly and reliably. With newkee , your skin stays in top shape even during your workout. Apply moisturizer, get going—and enjoy the sun. Safely.
