When the Shirt Comes Off...
Before entering the water, the shirt comes off.
When the day is done, the shirt goes back on.
What happens in between depends a lot on your sunscreen.
For surfers and outdoor enthusiasts, sun exposure is part of the lifestyle. Hours spent in direct sunlight, combined with the reflection off the water, can be incredibly harsh on skin. Whether you’re surfing, paddle-boarding, fishing, hiking, or simply spending the day outside, reliable sun protection matters.
I surf several times a week for hours at a time, and 3rd Rock SunBlock® has become part of my routine every time I head into the ocean. Over the years, I’ve tried countless sunscreens. Some felt greasy. Some washed off quickly in the waves. Others contained ingredients I wasn’t comfortable putting on my skin regularly.
What immediately stood out about 3rd Rock SunBlock® was how easy it applies and how well it performs in the water.
The formula goes on smoothly and evenly without feeling overly heavy. There’s a light white tint when first applied, which is actually helpful because it makes it easier to see where coverage has been applied before heading out into the sun. After a few minutes, the tint fades significantly while the protection remains.
That matters because surfing is one of the toughest environments for sunscreen. Just ask this surfer! Saltwater, paddling, wipeouts, and hours of direct UV exposure can quickly break down many conventional products. There’s nothing worse than finishing a great session only to realize your shoulders, face, or back are badly burned.
3rd Rock SunBlock® stays on impressively well, even during long sessions in the water. It provides the kind of dependable coverage you want when you’re outdoors for extended periods of time.
Another reason I originally switched to this sunscreen was because of the ingredients.
More people today are paying closer attention to what they put on their skin, especially products used daily and repeatedly. Many conventional sunscreens contain synthetic chemical UV filters, artificial fragrances, petroleum-derived ingredients, and additives that some consumers intentionally try to avoid. I am a conscious surfer, I care!
3rd Rock SunBlock® uses a mineral-based approach with toxin-conscious ingredients, which was important to me from the beginning. It feels good knowing the sunscreen I’m using is designed with both personal wellness and environmental responsibility in mind.
That environmental connection becomes even more important when you spend a lot of time in the ocean. Surfers and beachgoers see firsthand how important clean water and healthy marine ecosystems are. Choosing products that support reef-conscious and environmentally aware practices simply makes sense.
Of course, this sunscreen isn’t just for surfers.
Anyone who spends time outdoors can benefit from dependable sun protection that feels comfortable, stays on, and uses thoughtfully selected ingredients. Whether you’re swimming, gardening, coaching sports, boating, hiking, or spending a weekend at the beach, sun exposure adds up quickly.
For me, 3rd Rock SunBlock® has become more than just sunscreen. It’s part of the routine before every outdoor session — apply, paddle out, enjoy the day, and know my skin is protected.
Because when the day is over and the shirt goes back on, healthy skin feels a whole lot better than a painful sunburn.
