Summer is here, and with it, the promise of sunny days spent outdoors. As we slather on sunscreen, many of us reach for those bottles proudly proclaiming “waterproof” or “water resistant.” But have you ever stopped to wonder what those claims truly mean, and if your “waterproof” sunscreen is actually living up to its name? The truth, as scientific research reveals, might surprise you.
The term “waterproof” for sunscreen has actually been banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2011 because it was deemed misleading to consumers.1 Sunscreens can no longer claim to be “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Instead, you’ll now find labels stating “water resistant” for either 40 minutes or 80 minutes. This distinction is crucial and often misunderstood.
Understanding "Water Resistant": What the Science Says
A sunscreen labeled “water resistant (40 minutes)” means that the product maintains its stated SPF value after 40 minutes of water immersion or vigorous activity that causes sweating. Similarly, “water resistant (80 minutes)” indicates the SPF is retained for 80 minutes under the same conditions. After these specified times, the sunscreen’s effectiveness significantly reduces, requiring reapplication to maintain proper protection. This is not a suggestion, but a necessity backed by testing.
Multiple studies have investigated the efficacy of sunscreens under various conditions. Research published in journals like the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology consistently highlights the importance of reapplication, especially after swimming or sweating, regardless of a “water resistant” claim.2 Data from consumer surveys also indicates a common misconception among users that “water resistant” means they don’t need to reapply as frequently, leading to inadequate sun protection and increased risk of sun damage.3
The effectiveness of sunscreen can also be impacted by factors beyond water and sweat. Rubbing with a towel, friction from clothing, and even the natural exfoliation of skin cells can reduce the amount of sunscreen on your skin over time.4 This is why experts emphasize the need for generous application and frequent reapplication—every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating heavily—to ensure continuous protection.5
The "Water Resistant" Illusion and Your Skin & Hair Health
When we rely solely on a “water resistant” label without understanding its limitations, we put our skin and hair at risk. Prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection can lead to:
-
Sunburn: Acute skin damage causing redness, pain, and sometimes blistering.5
-
Premature Aging: UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots.5,6
-
Increased Skin Cancer Risk: Cumulative sun exposure is a primary risk factor for all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most serious form.5,6
- Hair Damage: UV rays can weaken hair proteins, leading to dryness, brittleness, and color fading.7
Expand Your Knowledge with NOWINCLUDED’s Hair and Skin Health Circle
Understanding the nuances of sun protection is a critical step in maintaining your hair and skin health.
Our hair and skin health circle is a vibrant community where you can dive deeper into topics like sunscreen efficacy, proper application techniques, and how to protect your skin and hair from environmental stressors. You can:
-
Ask Your Questions: Are you curious about specific sunscreen ingredients? Wondering if a particular “water resistant” product is truly effective for your active lifestyle? Post your questions in the app!
- Learn from Others: Community members share their experiences, insights, and even qualitative data from their own use of various sunscreens. You might find valuable tips from someone with a similar skin type or lifestyle.
- Share Your Insights: Have you found a particular sunscreen that works exceptionally well for you? Or perhaps you’ve discovered a trick for reapplying sunscreen while on the go? Share your knowledge and help others in the community make informed decisions.
Don’t let misleading labels compromise your sun safety. By understanding the science behind “water resistant” claims and actively engaging with resources, you can make smarter choices for your skin and hair health this summer and beyond.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers: FDA announces new requirements for over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreen products marketed in the U.S. Published June 14, 2011. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/questions-and-answers-fda-announces-new-requirements-over-counter-otc-sunscreen-products-marketed-us
- Lim HW, Naylor M, Hönigsmann H, et al. American Academy of Dermatology Consensus Conference on UVA protection of sunscreens: summary and recommendations. Washington, DC, Feb 4, 2000. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;44(3):505-508. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11209123/
- American Academy of Dermatology. Understand Sunscreen Labels. American Academy of Dermatology. Accessed July 3, 2025. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/understand-sunscreen-labels
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Updated 2024. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun
- American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs. Available at: https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen
- National Cancer Institute. Skin Cancer Prevention. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/sunlight
- Gavazzoni Dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
