Hi all,
I’m all for sun protection, what with the ever increasing rates of melanoma in the world. But I was wondering, if I apply sunscreen prior to putting on my wetsuit will the ingredients in the sunscreen damage the neoprene of the suit?
And if so which ingredients should be watched out for and avoided?
Cheers
I’m fanatical with the sunscreen. I’ve had my wetsuit since 2005 and it’s in great shape.
While I rinse it out after races, I’ve never washed it.
I haven’t noticed any damage to the inside.
It won’t damage your wetsuit but I think wearing a wetsuit reduces the protection of your sunscreen as it gets absorbed into the lining.
It won’t damage your wetsuit but I think wearing a wetsuit reduces the protection of your sunscreen as it gets absorbed into the lining.
True - the trick is the proper application of sunscreen, which should be immediately after a shower with soap and water, towel dry, then right away later on sunscreen of appropriate SPF. Let it soak fully into your skin.
Back to the OP’s concern. We have seen the occasional claim of suncream damaging wetsuits - typically at the neck line, but it’s a rare occurrence and based on more detailed investigations of these incidents, something else has been involved ( use of petroleum based lubrication such as Vaseline petroleum jelly) If you are applying sunscreen properly (as above) there should be very little residual sunscreen on the skin, when you go to put your wetsuit on. It will have been completely absorbed into and bonded with your skin - which is what you want.
If you want to use an anti-chafe product and want additional sun protection, then I would recommend BodyGlide SPF25
If using sunscreens while swimming in your wetsuit, I would doubly recommend a very thorough rinse with fresh water after usage and periodically a wash with a mild soap solution.
Hope this helps.
Hi Steve
Good tips. Seeing as you mentioned BodyGlide, what’s the best way to get rid of BodyGlide residue from around the neck line on the outside of the suit?
Thanks for the feedback…to all responders! Much appreciated!
Good tips. Seeing as you mentioned BodyGlide, what’s the best way to get rid of BodyGlide residue from around the neck line on the outside of the suit?
Indeed. BodygGide can leave a chalky film on the suit. To clean that up I would suggest a mild soap solution and a soft non-abrasive wash cloth and give it a but of a scrub and it should come off. Be sure to rinse thoroughly in fresh water afterward to get all soap residue off.
I suspect the inner lining should not be affected by sunscreen as it seems to be pretty hard wearing and abrasion resistant.
Sweet, thanks.