Sunscreens to Use in Wallis and Futuna (That are Also Kind on the Environment)
Wallis and Futuna LINK#TT064Â is made up of tropical islands in the South Pacific, so we donât need to tell you that packing sunscreen for your holiday here is absolutely essential. But with more and more research showing the damage that mainstream sunscreens are having on the oceanâs coral reefs, sunscreen choices are more than just about protecting your own skin.
Luckily, you donât have to think too hard about it, as weâve compiled a list of recommendations for the best sunscreens for Wallis and Futuna.
Whether youâre looking for a sunscreen thatâs child-friendly, water-resistant, high SPF, easy to apply or something else, we try to cover all bases in the guide below.
Table of Contents
5 Sun Protection Tips for Wallis and Futuna
Sunscreen is only as good as the method and frequency you apply it. Here are five tips for applying sunscreen effectively, as well as more ways to protect yourself from the sun.
- Lather sunscreen thickly over all exposed skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every three hours and as soon as you dry off from being in the water.
- Go extra heavy on sun protection for children, especially those under five years old: use sunhats and sunscreen, stay in the shade when possible, and stay out of the midday sun.
- Wear a sunhat to protect the top of your head from being burnt.
- Use extra protection when out on or in the water, such as Sharkskin's UV-protective shirts and rash vests.
What to Do if You Get Sunburnt
If you feel your skin burning or notice skin going red, avoid staying in the sun any longer. Keep drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, and use soothing aloe vera lotion on the affected skin.
If you have a strong headache and/or start vomiting, then itâs likely that you have heatstroke. Alternate between drinking electrolytes and water. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
For more ways to protect yourself from common illnesses or injuries in Wallis and Futuna, check out our Wallis & Futuna Safety Tips.
Natural Sunscreens for Wallis and Futuna
As youâll see from all of our sunscreen listings, the sunscreens chosen are natural sunscreens containing no oxybenzone. This is because oxybenzone found in standard sunscreens has a toxic effect on young coral, causing endocrine disruption, DNA damage, exacerbated coral bleaching and death.
With Wallis and Futuna being an amazing place to see coral and marine life, needless to say, weâd rather admire it than harm it. Whatâs more, natural sunscreen is better for your skin too. So when packing for Wallis and Futuna, be sure to look out for âreef-safeâ sunscreen.
If youâre unsure, all of the recommendations in this entire article have been chosen in part because they are reef-safe.
The Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens
Childrenâs Sunscreens for Wallis and Futuna
Young skins not only need more protection from the sun, but they are more sensitive to skin products. With that in mind, itâs essential to get your little ones lathered up in sunscreen that has been specially formulated for young sensitive skin.
These natural sunscreens, using natural active ingredients, are ideal for sensitive skin. Always read the labels to see the recommended ages to use the sunscreen on.
The Best Sunscreens for Kids and Babies
You might also be interested in the 20 Tips for Your Family Wallis & Futuna Vacation with Kids.
Water-Resistant Sunscreens for Wallis and Futuna
Weâre no Sherlock, but weâre betting youâre going to be spending some time in the water in Wallis and Futuna. Because of the waterâs magnifying effect on UV rays, itâs essential to keep yourself protected from the sun while youâre in the water.
Although wearing a UV-protection rash vest (we like Sharkskin) is an easy option, youâre going to want to also apply water-resistant sunscreen for any exposed skin.
Note that natural sunscreens typically have water resistance for up to 80 minutes.
The Best Water-Resistant Sunscreens
High SPF Sunscreens for Wallis and Futuna
You see the SPF ratings on sunscreens but what does it all mean? For Wallis and Futuna, SPF 30 is recommended as a minimum, which offers around 97% protection from UVB rays if applied correctly.
Upping the ante to SPF 45 or 50 (50 is typically the highest you can go with natural sunscreen) and youâll only add an extra 1% of protection. Because of this minimal difference, we recommend not getting too hung up on getting the highest SPF possible. But if that extra 1% is what youâre looking for, here are some recommendations.
The Best High-Factor Sunscreens
Easy Application and Easy-to-Carry Sunscreens for Wallis and Futuna
Swap bulky bottles and lotion running all over your hands and staining your clothes with some easy-application sunscreens in travel-friendly containers.
From bottles and tins that can fit in your pocket to face sticks where you donât even need to get the lotion all over your hands, there are quite a few clever designs available.
The Best Easy-to-Apply Sunscreens
More Sunscreen and Health Tips for Wallis and Futuna
That's it for our lists of the best sunscreens for Wallis and Futuna but it's by no means the end of our travel health tips! Just browse our other guides:
- 10 Best Insect Repellents for Wallis & Futuna (That Don't Harm You or the Planet)
- Is the Water Safe to Drink in Wallis & Futuna?
- What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Wallis & Futuna
Finally, get more eco-tips in the 30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Wallis & Futuna and more tips for exploring the islands in the 20 Tips for Travelling in Wallis & Futuna.
