Let’s face it, golf is an outdoor sport. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional golfer, the time you spend on the course under the harsh sun can take a toll on your skin. In fact, being exposed to the sun for extended periods, especially during the midday hours, increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. However, many golfers underestimate the importance of sun protection, shrugging it off as a mere accessory to their game.
What you need to understand is that while perfecting your swing and lowering your handicap are indeed important, so is taking care of your skin. As Heather Rogers, a leading dermatologist and skin care specialist, notes, “Sun protection is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. It’s particularly important for outdoor sports enthusiasts to safeguard their skin.”
A common problem golfers face when it comes to sun protection is the greasy feeling that most sun creams leave behind. This can cause discomfort, distraction, and even affect your game by making your golf club slip out of your grip. That’s why non-greasy sun cream is a game-changer. It allows you to protect your skin without compromising your performance on the course.
Moreover, a non-greasy formula also allows for easy reapplication. This is essential as sun creams need to be reapplied every two hours, or immediately after sweating or wiping it off. After all, what good is sun protection if it can’t stay with you throughout your 18-hole journey? So, let’s dive into the world of sun protection and explore the best non-greasy sun creams that are not just skin-friendly, but also golf-friendly.
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ – £15.49 Amazon
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50+ stands tall in the realm of sun creams. Known for its lightweight and non-greasy formula, it offers high sun protection without leaving any residue. Moreover, the product is water-resistant, ensuring your sun protection game remains strong even with sweat or light rain.
Not only does it provide broad-spectrum protection, but it’s also packed with antioxidants for additional skin benefits. Plus, its ultra-light texture makes reapplication a breeze, and you won’t have to worry about your hands feeling slick or your club slipping from your grip.
In a market dominated by products that promise much but deliver little, the Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid keeps its promise of high protection and maximum comfort, making it a golfer’s best ally under the sun.
2. Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ – £16.48 Amazon
When it comes to sun protection that lasts, Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ certainly takes the lead. It’s specially designed for active people, making it perfect for golfers who spend hours on the course.
Its key features include a broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and a formulation rich in Avene Thermal Spring Water known for its soothing properties. More importantly, it’s non-greasy, leaving your skin feeling smooth and your grip firm.
The Avene SPF 50+ is a testament to how sport-specific products can make a difference. For golfers seeking high-performance sun protection, this product is a hole-in-one.
3. LifeJacket Sun Protection Gel SPF 50 UVA – £17.99 Amazon
Keeping your skin hydrated while protecting it from the sun is a tough balancing act. Enter LifeJacket Sun Protection Gel SPF 50 UVA – a sun cream that does both with flair. The product is known for its unique water-gel formula, which quenches your skin and locks in moisture, leaving it refreshed and smooth.
The LifeJacket protection SPF 50 sun protection, shielding your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s lightweight and has a non-greasy finish, ensuring a comfortable round of golf without any distractions. Plus, its water-resistant feature makes it reliable even in the sweatiest situations.
So, whether it’s a sunny day on the greens or a windy day in the bunker, LifeJacket Sun Protection has got you covered. It’s the ace up your sleeve in skin protection that golfers will certainly appreciate.
4. Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand SPF 50 Spray – £26.99 Amazon
Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand SPF 50 is not your regular sun cream spray. It offers high sun protection, sure, but it goes the extra mile with its unique anti-sand technology. This means you won’t have to worry about sand sticking to your skin if you’re playing on a coastal golf course.
The product is enriched with soothing Vichy Thermal Spa Water, offering a calming effect on your skin while ensuring broad-spectrum UV protection. Its non-greasy, quick-absorbing formula allows for easy reapplication without leaving a residue that could interfere with your grip.
In short, Vichy Ideal Soleil Anti-Sand spray is a multi-faceted shield against the sun, offering a beach-friendly, golf-ready solution that is a real game-changer.
5. Ultrasun Sports Gel SPF 50 – £20.16 Amazon
Meeting the unique demands of sport enthusiasts, Ultrasun Sports Gel SPF 50 is a non-greasy, easy-to-apply sun protection gel. It provides fast-absorbing, high protection against UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant, making it suitable for long days on the golf course.
Its transparent gel formula feels light on the skin, ensuring you don’t feel greasy or sticky after application. Also, it’s enriched with antioxidants to help reduce the potential sun-induced damage to your skin.
Ultrasun Sports Gel is an excellent choice for golfers who want reliable sun protection without a heavy or greasy feel. It’s akin to a trusty caddie – always by your side, helping you perform your best under the sun.
6. P20 Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 – £23.99 Amazon
Spray sunscreens are popular for their convenience, and P20 Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 is a leading player in this arena. It provides broad-spectrum protection in a formula that’s easy to apply and, importantly for golfers, non-greasy.
One application offers up to 10 hours of protection, and the product is also highly water-resistant. This long-lasting protection, coupled with the ease of spray application, makes P20 a superb option for golfers planning an extended round.
In the competitive field of sun protection, P20 Sunscreen Spray is like a well-executed golf swing – swift, precise, and delivering excellent results with minimal effort.
7. Garnier Ambre Solaire Clear Protect Sun Cream Protection Spray, SPF30 – £8.00 Amazon
Garnier Ambre Solaire Clear Protect Sun Cream Protection Spray, SPF30 is a blessing for golfers with sensitive skin. It offers broad-spectrum sun protection and is specially formulated to minimise allergic reactions, letting you focus on your game without skin worries.
Despite its sensitive skin formula, it doesn’t compromise on texture. It’s lightweight and non-greasy, ensuring your hands remain club-ready after application. Additionally, the lotion is water-resistant, providing reliable protection even as the game heats up.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Clear Protect is the quiet hero of sun creams, unassuming yet effective, just like an underdog golfer rising to the challenge.
8. Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50+ – £12.00 Amazon
Rounding off our list is the Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50+. Offering top-notch sun protection and deep hydration in one package, this product is a reliable partner for golfers who need comprehensive skincare under the sun.
Despite its moisturising properties, the product does not feel greasy. It absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. And of course, it’s water-resistant – a must-have feature for sporty activities.
In the landscape of sun protection, Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture stands as a testament to how traditional sun cream can evolve to suit the needs of active individuals. It’s a well-rounded product that every golfer should consider having in their golf bag.
When it comes to golf, the perfect swing isn’t the only essential component. Adequate sun protection plays a vital role in ensuring a good game and healthy skin. The eight non-greasy sun creams listed above, all available in the UK, are perfect for golfers who want to keep their skin shielded from harmful rays without sacrificing performance. Remember, your golf game might not always be perfect, but your sun protection can be!
