Why Do Surfers Wear Zinc?

It’s a hot summer day and you’re at the beach with your friends, ready to take on the waves. You look around and notice something strange — every surfer is wearing a thick layer of white spots on their nose.

What is this strange marking? Well, it’s not a fashion statement; it’s actually zinc oxide or just zinc, and it has been part of surfing culture for a very long time.

As a surfer, you know the importance of protecting your skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun and the irritants in the ocean, and that’s exactly what zinc does.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind zinc oxide, why surfers wear zinc, and how they apply it.

Zinc is a good start to protect your skin, but don’t forget your head.
Complete your sun defense with Surfcasual’s hats – designed to keep you cool, covered, and ready to conquer the surf.

Check out our trendy hat selection and top off your surf look here.

What Is Zinc?

Before we delve into the reasons why surfers wear zinc oxide, it’s essential to understand what it is and what it contains.

Zinc oxide is a natural mineral compound that is found in nature as the mineral zincite. It is a white powder that is insoluble in water and is commonly used as a sunscreen agent due to its ability to block both UVA and UVB rays.

In today’s market, most zinc products are made with either non-nano or nanoparticles. Non-nano particles are larger particles that sit on top of your skin while nanoparticles penetrate further into your skin due to their smaller size.

Zinc oxide is a vital ingredient in many sunscreens and skincare products because it is non-irritating, non-allergenic, and non-comedogenic.

It is also an essential nutrient for the human body and plays a critical role in the proper functioning of the immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.

Why Do Surfers Put Zinc on Their Face

Surfers are exposed to harsh sun rays and salty water for extended periods, which can cause severe skin damage.

They are also at a high risk of developing skin diseases due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful rays.

As a result, surfers need to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and the harsh effects of the ocean.

Zinc oxide is a natural ingredient that is preferred by surfers over synthetic sunscreens because it provides a physical barrier between the skin and the sun’s rays.

Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, zinc oxide reflects UV rays and prevents them from penetrating the skin.

Surfers like it because zinc oxide is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly sunscreen option than chemical sunscreens.

Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic ingredients that can harm marine life and damage coral reefs, making them a less eco-friendly option for surfers and beachgoers.

Also, it’s water-resistant material, which means it won’t easily wash off in the ocean which is perfect for long sessions.

How Do Surfers Apply Zinc?

Whether you are a surfer or just someone looking for extra sun protection, applying zinc is easy.

First, make sure your skin is clean and dry before application.

Then, squeeze a generous amount of sunscreen onto your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin, making sure to cover all exposed areas.

Pay particular attention to your nose, cheeks, and forehead, as these are the areas most prone to sunburn and skin damage.

Be sure to blend the sunscreen well to avoid leaving any white residue. If you’re using a tinted sunscreen, take care to ensure even coverage for a natural-looking finish.

Some surfers prefer to use creams or lotions that contain zinc oxide instead of applying it directly to their faces.

These products provide better coverage than traditional pastes or sticks because they are easier to spread evenly over large areas of skin.

Don’t forget to reapply every two hours between sets to maintain maximum protection.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your skin is well-protected and ready for a day of surfing.

Always Use Sunscreen

As a surfer, spending long hours in the sun and water is part of the game. However, this also means that you’re at risk of developing skin cancer and other skin diseases if you’re not adequately protected.

Melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, is one of the most significant risks for surfers who spend a lot of time outdoors.

But it’s not just melanoma that surfers need to worry about. Prolonged sun exposure can also cause premature aging, sunburns, and other forms of skin damage.

Therefore, you should ALWAYS make sure to use sunscreen, no matter how tanned you want to get, it’s not worth it and besides, you can still get tanned with sunscreen.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that zinc oxide is a surfer’s best friend when it comes to protecting their skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Its natural and effective properties make it a no-brainer for those who spend countless hours in the water and sun.

And let’s be real, nobody wants to look like a lobster or worse yet, develop melanoma or other skin diseases.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, always make sure to lather up with some good zinc-based sunscreen before hitting the waves.

Your skin will thank you, you’ll be able to keep shredding for years to come and be the surfer who rocks a healthy, sun-kissed glow, and who continues to catch waves well into their golden years.

Stay safe, stay sun-protected, and keep on surfing