Updated on November 19th, 2022 at 08:00 pm
It makes no sense to spend hours on the golf course without applying proper sunscreen. Luckily, nowadays, UV protection awareness is high among golfers, and the only dilemma is which sunscreen is best for golfers.
The market is flooded with a myriad of sunscreens. While each brand claims ultimate protection, two broad categories clearly distinguish them based on their ingredients.
Chemical (traditional) sunscreens are those that you’ve already been using, and they absorb the UV rays as they penetrate the deep layers of the skin.
Mineral (physical) sunscreens form a protective layer that reflects the harmful UV rays before penetrating your skin.
One type or another, the decision which one to use will be solely yours. The most important thing is to make sure that you apply at least twice during the round of golf a quality sunscreen that features broad-spectrum SPF50+ that is waterproof and non-greasy.
The task of determining which is the best sun blocker was rather daunting. Still, after scrutinizing their formulas, reading experts’ opinions, and trying them personally, we are confident that we have found the best sunscreens that guarantee optimal protection against skin damage.
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Best sunscreen for golf
Neutrogena Age Shield
Neutrogena has made outstanding breakthroughs when it comes to UV protection. I bet you rarely see Broad Spectrum SPF 110, and this rather new rating makes Neutrogena Age Shield pretty much unique.
If you are an avid golfer who spends hours on the course, you might be concerned about the harmful UV radiation on your skin. No need to mention that fine lines and that are caused by the sun, right? And, this is precisely the reason why Neutrogena Age Shield is our first choice.
You might not be into technology, but Heliplex is worth mentioning as it is responsible for the ultimate skin protection. It shields your surface from the dangerous UVA and UVB rays up to six skin layers, which means less skin damage and aging.
This moisturizing sunscreen features a non-greasy and non-comedogenic formula that is easily absorbed and won’t clog your pores. It is water-resistant for about an hour and a half minutes, so even if you sweat heavily during your game, you can rest assured that your sunscreen is working.
Pros
- Total SPF 110 UV protection
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic formula
- Fights against sun-induced free radicals
- Protects your skin up to six skin layers
- Moisturizing effect
- Anti-aging effect
Cons
- Might cause allergic reaction or acne
La Roche Posay Anthelios
The stringent safety standards applied in La Roche manufacturing facilities, make this brand one of the most dermatologically recommended. Plus, the company’s been working very hard to prevent melanoma and various skin conditions caused by the harmful UV rays.
Anthelios 60 is an award-winning sunscreen that delivers SPF60 UVA and UVB protection thanks to the company’s Cell-Ox Shield Technology. This technology is responsible for its antioxidant formula that prevents you from free radicals and aging. It is water-resistant for eighty minutes and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients such as oxybenzone, parabens, or allergens.
If you feel awkward when you need to reapply your sunscreen while playing because of the whitish cast, some of them leave, this is the product for you. Its velvet texture makes it incredibly easy to use. The lotion melts into your skin once you put it on, making it the most invisible sunscreen as it leaves no white residue.
Pros
- Total UV SPF 60 protection
- Dermatologist tested/allergy-tested
- It is grease-free and doesn’t clog pores
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- It doesn’t contain parabens, oxybenzone, or fragrances
- Sweat-resistant for 80 minutes
Cons
- A few users reported allergic reactions.
Heliocare 360°
Oily skin and sunscreens? Many people with such issues would rather not use them as they create even more problems! But luckily, we’ve got Heliocare 360° to give us some ray of hope.
The gel formula is enriched with sebum controlling technology that boasts a double antiglare system and delivers quick matte looks. And, it works! At least until you start sweating, but even then, the sunscreen will remain on your face for about an hour and a half.
The oil-free, dry touch texture has shielding filters that provide UVA, UVB, IR-A SPF 50 protection. The formula contains Fernblock FC, a powerful antioxidant that prevents sun damage and melanoma.
Pros
- Complete SPF 50 protection
- Double antiglare system for sebum control and matte looks
- Antioxidant formula for an active cancer protection
- Free of parabens, oil, and alcohol
- Suitable for oily, combination, and sensitive skin
- Non-Comedogenic and water-resistant
Cons
- Might cause rash
Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen
Coppertone SPORT is not only athlete-friendly, but it is also a budget-friendly sunscreen. It is a high-performance sun blocker that is formulated to stay on steady even when you profoundly sweat. It delivers SPF 70 UVA/UVB protection, which translates into 97% shielding from the harmful rays.
Its water-resistant formula stays active for eighty minutes, so you can enjoy half a round of golf before you apply again. Plus, unlike many sunscreens on the market, it doesn’t run down your face and into your eyes to make them sting and cause blurry your vision.
Since long sun exposure can permanently damage your skin, cause fine lines and wrinkles, this sunscreen comes enriched with moisturizers and vitamin E (antioxidant) that soothe and protect your surface. For complete protection, make sure you reapply every two hours.
Pros
- Broad Spektrum SPF 70 protection
- Water-resistant formula
- Contains moisturizers and Vitamin E
- It stays on even if you sweat, keeping you protected
Cons
- A bit greasy
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen
If chemical blockers are not what you are looking for, then this mineral-based sunscreen offers almost identical protection as the chemical ones. Australian Gold doesn’t contain any chemicals as its active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; the two approved minerals that can protect you from the harmful rays.
In addition to these two minerals, it contains eucalyptus, red algae, and Kakadu plum, a combination of botanicals proven to be powerful antioxidants. The lotion delivers a powder-like, matte finish so that your skin never turns greasy. However, bear in mind that mineral sun blockers leave a whitish residue because of the zinc. Yet, their natural content and the absence of chemicals make them safe to use.
Like the rest of the products on our list, it is water-resistant for up to eighty minutes, so in case of sweating, make sure you reapply.
Pros
- 100% mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- No artificial ingredients
- Powder-like, matte finish
- Contains a blend of antioxidants
- Fragrance-free and suitable for any skin type, including sensitive
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
Cons
- It leaves a white residue.
Thinksport Sunscreen
Thinksport is another mineral-based sunscreen that provides about 97% of sun protection most naturally. EWG has been rating it as No1 since 2010 for delivering in-depth skin protection, and it is the first sunscreen that has passed Whole Foods Premium Care requirements.
It delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sun protection with eighty minutes of water resistance. The formula excludes all harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, phthalate, or UV chemical absorbers.
The sunscreen is easy to apply since it features non-nano zinc oxide without containing large particles. It doesn’t contain any oil, so you won’t feel it greasy, and it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances either.
Pros
- Mineral-based formula with zinc oxide as an active ingredient
- Total SPF 50+ UV protection
- Water-resistant and non-greasy formula
- Without harmful chemicals
- No artificial fragrances
Cons
- It is thicker than traditional sun blockers.
And the Winner is…Neutrogena Age Shield
The number one dermatologist recommended sunscreen in the USA is Neutrogena. But it is not the sole reason why it is the best sunscreen.
Let’s first start with the SPF 110. That is unrivaled protection, which can penetrate six layers deep into the skin and provide cellular protection. This means the harmful rays cannot modify the skin to become aged or wrinkled. Its formula contains antioxidants that fight against free radicals and prevent cancer.
Plus, its non-oily and non-comedogenic formula, is easy to apply, won’t clog your pores, and your face is not going to shine all over the place. It has a moisturizing effect when applied and offers 80 minutes of sweat resistance.
What kind of sunscreen do professional golfers use?
Professional golfers spend hours on the course regardless of the weather conditions, so knowing what helps them stay protected can also help you.
All Tour players make sure that the best sunscreen has a non-greasy formula that is water-resistant to up to eighty minutes and delivers the highest possible UV protection. Many experts recommend SPF 50+, since it offers 97% UV blocking, while the SPF 100 provides 99% protection.
Regardless of the type of sunscreens, it is significant that they are safe, easy to apply, and dermatologists tested to minimize the risk of allergies and rashes.
When should golfers apply the sunscreen?
As with every occasion, golfers should apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after 80 minutes in case of profound perspiration.