Sunscreens to Use in American Samoa (That are Also Kind on the Environment)
American Samoa is made up of tropical islands in the South Pacific, so we don’t 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 ocean’s coral reefs, sunscreen choices are more than just about protecting your own skin.
Luckily, you don’t have to think too hard about it, as we’ve compiled a list of recommendations for the best sunscreens for American Samoa.
Whether you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s 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 American Samoa
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 it’s 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 American Samoa, check out our American Samoa Safety Tips.
Natural Sunscreens for American Samoa
As you’ll 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 American Samoa being an amazing place to see coral and marine life, needless to say, we’d rather admire it than harm it. What’s more, natural sunscreen is better for your skin too. So when packing for American Samoa, be sure to look out for “reef-safe” sunscreen.
If you’re unsure, all of the recommendations in this entire article have been chosen in part because they are reef-safe.
The Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens
Children’s Sunscreens for American Samoa
Young skins not only need more protection from the sun, but they are more sensitive to skin products. With that in mind, it’s 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 15 Tips for Your Family American Samoa Vacation with Kids.
Water-Resistant Sunscreens for American Samoa
We’re no Sherlock, but we’re betting you’re going to be spending some time in the water in American Samoa. Because of the water’s magnifying effect on UV rays, it’s essential to keep yourself protected from the sun while you’re in the water.
Although wearing a UV-protection rash vest (we like Sharkskin) is an easy option, you’re 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 American Samoa
You see the SPF ratings on sunscreens but what does it all mean? For American Samoa, 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 you’ll 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 you’re looking for, here are some recommendations.
The Best High-Factor Sunscreens
Easy Application and Easy-to-Carry Sunscreens for American Samoa
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 don’t 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 American Samoa
That's it for our lists of the best sunscreens for American Samoa but it's by no means the end of our travel health tips! Just browse our other guides:
- 10 Best Insect Repellents for American Samoa (That Don't Harm You or the Planet)
- Is the Water Safe to Drink in American Samoa?
- What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for American Samoa
Finally, get more eco-tips in the 30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in American Samoa and more tips for exploring the islands in the 30 Tips for Travelling in American Samoa.
