How outdoor sportspeople can protect themselves from sun damage

Siri Schubert

16.6.2023

Translation: Megan Cornish

The sun beats down on your skin during mountaineering, paddling, skiing and other outdoor sports. Conventional sunscreens often fail in harsh conditions. The Spanish brand Extreme Nomad Face has now developed sun protection that also works on outdoor adventures.

Some products make me think: «Yes! I’ve been looking for something like this for a long time without knowing it». The Extreme Nomad Face sunscreen is one of them. When I saw it in the Innovation Corner at the OutDoor by ISPO trade show, I really wanted to try it.

First up, a confession: I’ve always been pretty careless when it comes to sun protection. You can tell by looking at me. But there are a number of reasons why I haven’t really been able to get on with sunscreen, especially when it comes to water sports. Many sunscreens, even if they claim to be waterproof, mix with sweat and run into the eyes, creating a burning sensation. Besides the fact that it makes me half blind temporarily, it’s just really unpleasant.

Heavier sunscreens tend to clog my pores, and who wants to be transported back to their teenage years with a spotty face? Not me, that’s for sure. It’s not easy to apply sunscreen after being out on the water for a while either. In addition to the fiddly nature of opening and closing the bag and tube, the greasy film on my hands after applying it is really annoying. Stand-up paddlers and more sporty kayakers in particular will know what I’m talking about. A slippery paddle in your hands affects your balance. If things go wrong, you’ll slip and fall land gracefully in the water.

Extreme Nomad Face has developed a system consisting of a plastic case – the Bunker – and a capsule with a sunscreen stick. The sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 50+ and has been tested in the Himalayas at an altitude of more than 8,000 metres. According to the manufacturer, you can use it with one hand and even with gloves on.

I didn’t test it with gloves on in these summer temperatures, but a stand-up paddle (SUP) tour on the lake was enough to convince me.

The system works. I was able to open and close the bunker – which I’d hooked onto my life jacket with the built-in carabiner – at the touch of a button with one hand. And my hands stayed dry.

The sunscreen in the stick is light, smells nice and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy at all. And nothing runs into your eyes. According to the manufacturer, it’s been dermatologically tested and is suitable for sensitive skin. My own test confirms no clogged pores, redness or any other unwanted side effects.

As I was able to attach the sunscreen to my life jacket and keep it within easy reach, I reapplied it several times during my time on the water. I certainly wouldn’t have done that with a conventional product.

Sunscreen that withstands both heat and cold

The sunscreen has a water-free formula, so it doesn’t melt or freeze and maintains its consistency in extreme conditions. According to the manufacturer, the system is suitable for temperatures from -40°C to +60°C – but I didn’t test it in these conditions.

Another plus in my opinion is that the plastic bunker is a one-time purchase – the stick capsules can be bought individually. This reduces plastic consumption compared to other sunscreens in plastic bottles or tubes.

After my test, one thing’s for sure: I’ll definitely take the Extreme Nomad Face sunscreen with me on outdoor trips in the future. My skin can now feel protected.

As Extreme Nomad Face is a new product that has only just been presented at the OutDoor trade fair, the sunscreen isn’t available from Galaxus yet. You’ll find out here when it’s in stock.

Siri Schubert

Senior Editor

Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.ch

Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.

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