It's easy to spot which is which at a glance, but can you really tell the difference between zinc and regular sunscreen?
If you spend hours in the water, you're also subjecting yourself to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Simultaneously, saltwater, sweat, wind, and repeated wiping can quickly turn a good layer of sunscreen into virtually nothing.
So, should surfers use zinc sunscreen or regular sunscreen?
The answer depends on what you value most, from water resistance and skin coverage to how often you want to reapply.
Although both types can provide effective UV protection, they work in different ways and behave differently in the water.
Shall we take a look at what separates them?
What is zinc sunscreen?
Zinc sunscreen typically uses zinc oxide as its active UV-filtering ingredient.
Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Rather than relying primarily on organic UV filters that absorb UV radiation, zinc oxide acts as a mineral UV filter that absorbs and scatters UV radiation at the skin's surface.
Its most obvious characteristic is its appearance.
Traditional zinc products can leave a noticeable white layer on the skin, which is why surfers have long been associated with white noses and cheeks.
Or in some other fancier versions of this product, colored faces.
Modern mineral sunscreens can use finely dispersed zinc oxide particles and may be much less visible, although the trade-off is often less of that classic thick zinc appearance.
In other words, it's like a physical barrier that protects your skin from UV radiation.
What is regular sunscreen?
"Regular sunscreen" usually refers to sunscreen based primarily on organic UV filters, sometimes called chemical filters.
We're talking about ingredients that absorb UV radiation and convert it into lower-energy forms before it can damage the skin.
They can offer excellent broad-spectrum protection and tend to spread more easily than traditional zinc products.
They are also generally less visible on the skin. And for surfers, that can be an advantage.
A sunscreen that feels light and disappears into the skin is less likely to interfere with wearing a wetsuit, rubbing against a surfboard, or simply walking around town after a session.
But the label matters more than whether a sunscreen is mineral or organic.
A surfer should look for broad-spectrum protection and strong water resistance, regardless of the type of UV filters used.
We've picked our favorite surfer skin protection shields already here on SurferToday.com.
Because whatever they'll tell you, not even tanning is healthy, let alone a sunburn.
Which lasts longer in the water?
Now, here's where things get more complicated.
Neither zinc nor regular sunscreen should be considered permanently waterproof.
Water-resistant sunscreen eventually loses effectiveness, particularly after prolonged time in the ocean, heavy sweating, towel drying, or repeated contact with a surfboard.
Some zinc-based formulas are thick and adhere well to the skin, which can make them feel particularly suited to surfing. But a thick layer does not automatically mean better or longer-lasting protection.
If you're a surfer, the most important factor is the product's stated water-resistance time and how consistently it is reapplied.
If you're paddling out for a long session, don't assume that one application before leaving home will protect you for the entire morning.
It won't. So take care.
Zinc has one major advantage for surfers
Zinc oxide can be particularly useful when you want targeted, high-visibility protection.
Think of the areas that receive the most punishment: the nose, cheekbones, lips and tops of the ears.
Applying a thicker layer of zinc to these high-exposure areas makes it easier to see where you've applied protection and where the layer has worn away.
That visibility can be useful in the ocean.
A surfer may not notice that a transparent sunscreen has disappeared from the nose until the skin starts turning red.
With traditional zinc, the protective layer is much easier to see.
Regular sunscreen has its own advantages
For everyday surfing, a modern regular sunscreen can be more convenient.
It generally spreads easily, leaves less visible residue, and can be more comfortable when applied over larger areas of the face, neck, and exposed body.
And this is something that matters because the best sunscreen is ultimately the one you will apply generously and reapply when necessary.
And we cannot stress this enough: please, do reapply.
A sunscreen that feels unpleasant, leaves an unwanted residue, or makes your eyes sting may encourage you to use less of it.
That defeats the purpose of choosing a theoretically excellent product.
What about sensitive skin?
But there is another area where individual skin response matters.
Some people find mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide more comfortable, while others prefer organic-filter formulas.
Neither category is automatically suitable for every sensitive skin type.
If a sunscreen causes irritation, burning, or persistent discomfort, switch products rather than simply applying less.
And remember that the eyes are particularly vulnerable during surfing.
Sunscreen running into your eyes while duck-diving under a wave is not only uncomfortable; it can temporarily affect your vision when you need it most.
So, which should surfers choose?
There is no universal winner.
Choose zinc if you want highly visible protection on vulnerable areas, prefer a mineral UV filter, or like a thicker formula for the nose, cheeks, and other high-exposure spots.
Choose regular sunscreen if you prefer a lighter, less visible formula that spreads easily over larger areas and feels comfortable during everyday use.
Actually, for many surfers, the smartest approach may be using both: a comfortable broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen over larger exposed areas, combined with zinc on the nose, cheekbones, lips, or other areas that need extra attention.
Whatever formula you choose, application matters more than the label.
Apply it before paddling out, use enough to adequately cover exposed skin, and reapply according to the product's instructions, especially after prolonged water exposure or towel drying.
The best sunscreen for surfing isn't necessarily the thickest, most expensive, or whitest one.
It's the sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, stays on reasonably well in the water, and that you'll actually use properly every time you surf.
Please consider that. You're doing your skin and yourself a huge favor.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
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