Sunscreens to Use in Tonga (That are Also Kind on the Environment)
We don’t need to tell you that sunscreen is essential for a trip to Tonga. However, you may need help choosing a sunscreen that’s right for you and that’s right to use in Tonga. Due to its fragile marine ecosystem, it’s always recommended to wear reef-safe sunscreen. In this guide to sunscreens for Tonga, we list a whole range of sunscreens made for different people, environments and levels of sun protection. The UV index in Tonga can be 5 to as high as 12+, so lather up and slap on the sunscreens that we recommend in the guide below!
5 Sun Protection Tips for Tonga
While sunscreen is a must for sun protection in Tonga, here are a few ways to make sure your sunscreen is effective, as well as more ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun.
- Lather sunscreen thickly all over exposed skin
- Reapply sunscreen every three hours and soon after getting out of the water
- Wear a sunhat to protect your head from getting burnt
- Go extra heavy on the sun protection on children, especially those under five years old – use sunhats and sunscreen, stay in the shade when possible and don’t expose them to the midday sun
- Use extra protection out on 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 Tonga, check out our Tonga Safety Tips.
© TongaPocketGuide.comNatural Sunscreens for Tonga
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 Tonga 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 Tonga, 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
- Raw Elements Plastic-Free Sunscreen SPF 30
- All Good Sunscreen Butter SPF 50
- Beauty by Earth Sunscreen SPF 25
- Ethical Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Reef Repair Sunscreen SPF 30
For more options and details on each sunscreen, see the 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Tonga.
© PexelsChildren’s Sunscreens for Tonga
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.
The Best Sunscreens for Kids and Babies
- All Good Kid’s Sunscreen SPF 50
- Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen SPF 30
- Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen for Kids SPF 50
- Thinkbaby Baby & Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
- Blue Lizard Baby Sunscreen SPF 50
For further details about each of these sunscreens, check out the 5 Best Kids & Babies Sunscreens for Tonga. Plus, you might also be interested in the 25 Tips for Your Family Tonga Vacation with Kids.
© TongaPocketGuide.comHigh SPF Sunscreens for Tonga
You see the SPF ratings on sunscreens but what does it all mean? For Tonga, 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
© PexelsEasy Application and Easy-to-Carry Sunscreens for Tonga
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
© TongaPocketGuide.comWater-Resistant Sunscreens for Tonga
We’re no Sherlock, but we’re betting you’re going to be spending some time in the water in Tonga. 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
More About Health and Sunscreens for Tonga
That’s it for our lists of the best sunscreens for Tonga but it’s by no means the end of our travel health tips! Just browse our other guides:
- 10 Best Natural Mosquito Repellents for Tonga
- Do You Need Vaccines to Travel to Tonga?
- Is the Water Safe to Drink in Tonga?
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Tonga Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Tonga?
