1. Surf Early, Surf Late
Surfing is one of life's unique outdoor pleasures and is great exercise. But surfing can be hard on your skin. Ultraviolet light causes sunburns and sun damage; wind dries out your skin and chaps your lips; the salt and sand exfoliate your skin to the point of being raw; and even surf wax and wetsuits can cause skin irritations. So how can you enjoy surfing and still keep your skin happy?
Avoid peak sun exposure times
Of all the insults to your skin when surfing, ultraviolet light exposure is the most important. A good way to minimize sun exposure is to surf when the sun is not out. Often the best surfing is very early in the morning -- the beach is quiet and there is plenty of room to spread out. This is also the best time to minimize sun exposure. When the sun is low in the sky as it is during the early morning and in late evening, the ultraviolet light must pass though much more atmosphere before it gets to your skin, so the sun's rays are weaker and cause less harm.
2. Cover Up Before Heading Out
The best way to protect your skin is to cover it up. In cold weather, a wet suit made of neoprene will protect you from the sun for as long as you have it on. In warm weather, wear a lycra rash guard to protect you. Look for a rash guard that has UV protection built into it. Go for long sleeves, and consider the hooded variety, especially if you have fair skin and spend a considerable amount of time surfing. Over years wearing a suit can save your skin from severe sun damage and from countless visits to your dermatologist. Wetsuits and rash guards are better than wearing sunscreen because even the best sunscreens wear off when surfing. Sunscreens can also make your skin greasy, making it (more) difficult to stay on your board.
If you don't have a hooded suit, then consider donning a surf cap that covers your head and ears. The top of your head is particularly vulnerable to sun damage (especially if you're comb-over won't stay put in the surf).
For areas not covered by your suit or rash guard, apply a water resistant sunscreen. Non-water proof sunscreens are useless; they will have washed off by the time you ride your first wave. Choose a water resistant sport sunscreen designed for surfing -- they are often alcohol or gel based and won't make you slippery or interfere with your surf wax. If possible, choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These physical sunscreens provide excellent protection for both UVA and UVB light and are less irritating to your eyes and skin. Chemical sunscreens such as avobenzone or oxybenzone tend to degrade quickly over time and can burn if they run into your eyes. Don't forget your lips; wear a thick zinc oxide sunscreen, and re-apply often since this thin skin is so vulnerable.
3. Rinse, Moisturize, Repeat
Take your wetsuit or rash guard off as soon as possible after surfing. Leaving a damp wetsuit on for hours can irritate your skin. Also the salt and sand on your skin will act like sandpaper when you move around with your suit on. Wash your whole body with a mild cleanser such as Dove after surfing; the salts from the ocean can dry your skin and be irritating.
Apply a moisturizer as soon as possible after showering. You will have lost your skin's natural oils from hours in the surf and wind. It is important to replenish them with a good moisturizing cream every time you surf.
If you develop a rash from the seams of your wet suit or even from your rash guard, try wearing your rash guard under your wetsuit or purchase a rash guard gel to apply before putting your suit on.
Last, try to avoid the rocks. No gel will protect your skin from a rocky wipe-out.
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