The Truth About Sunscreen: What You Put On Your Skin Affects More Than Just You
- paddlengo
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
By Paddle’n’Go
Spending time on the water means spending time in the sun—and while sun protection is essential, how you protect yourself matters more than ever. At Paddle’n’Go Watersports, we care about your health, the environment, and the gear we use together. That’s why we want to talk about sunscreen—the good, the bad, and the conscious choices we can all make.
The Sun: Friend or Foe?
Let’s be clear—the sun is not your enemy. In fact, a little sunlight every day does your body a world of good. Just 10–30 minutes of direct sun exposure (without sunscreen) helps your body produce vitamin D, which plays a vital role in:
Boosting mood and mental clarity
Strengthening bones and immune function
Supporting cardiovascular health
The sun also helps regulate your circadian rhythm, supporting better sleep and hormonal balance. For many, just a few hours outdoors can lift anxiety, reduce depression symptoms, and bring calmness that’s hard to find indoors.
But Sunscreens? Not All Are Created Equal
While sunburns and long-term skin damage are real concerns, many commercial sunscreens contain chemical ingredientsthat are harmful to both people and the planet. Ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and homosalatehave been shown to:
Disrupt human hormones
Cause allergic skin reactions
Damage coral reefs and marine ecosystems
Accumulate in water bodies and affect wildlife health
Even "water-resistant" formulas often wash off into lakes, rivers, and oceans—leaving a toxic trail behind.
Sunscreens & Your Gear
Here’s something many people don’t realize: sunscreen doesn’t just affect you and the environment—it affects our gear too.
Chemical sunscreens break down the materials in paddleboards, life vests, and wetsuits. Over time, the residue:
Degrades neoprene and foam
Weakens seams and stitching
Leaves greasy stains that are hard to clean
Shortens the usable life of shared equipment
At Paddle’n’Go, we’ve noticed a direct link between heavy sunscreen use and how often we have to replace gear. That affects our sustainability and your rental experience.
What You Can Do Instead
We’re not saying skip sunscreen altogether. But choose smarter:
Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Look for labels like reef-safe, eco-friendly, and biodegradable
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before entering the water to reduce wash-off
Wear UV-protective clothing, rash guards, and hats to minimize the need for lotion
Be mindful when applying sunscreen—keep it off shared gear like boards, seats, and handles
Paddle With Awareness
Protecting yourself from sun damage should never come at the cost of the planet—or your paddling community. With a little awareness and better choices, we can all enjoy the benefits of the sun and protect what we love.
Let’s paddle with care, for ourselves, for the water, and for the wild places we visit.
— The Paddle’n’Go Watersports Team
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