The Best Sunscreens for Niue + Sun Protection Tips

Sunscreens to Use in Niue (That are Also Kind to the Environment)

Niue is a tropical island 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 Niue. Whether you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s child-friendly, water-resistant, high SPF, easy application or something else, we try to cover all bases in the guide below.

5 Sun Protection Tips for Niue

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 Niue, check out our Niue Safety Tips.

Natural Sunscreens for Niue

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 Niue 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 Niue, be sure to look out for “reef-safe” sunscreen. If you’re unsure, all of the recommendations in this article have been chosen because they are reef safe.

Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens

For more options and details on each sunscreen, see the 10 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Niue.

The Best Sunscreens for Niue + Sun Protection Tips

Children’s Sunscreens for Niue

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

For further details about each of these sunscreens, check out the 5 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Kids & Babies. Plus, you might also be interested in 10 Health & Safety Tips for Travelling Niue with Kids.

Water-Resistant Sunscreens for Niue

We’re no Sherlock, but we’re betting you’re going to be spending some time in the water in Niue. Because of the water’s magnifying effect with 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 (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 Niue

You see the SPF ratings on sunscreens but what does it all mean? For Niue, 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 Niue

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 Niue

That’s it for the best sunscreens for Niue but it’s by no means the end of our travel health tips! Just browse our other guides:

Finally, get more eco-tips in the 31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Niue and more tips for exploring the island in the 31 Tips for Travelling in Niue.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. He is also consulting regularly with Niue Tourism to ensure content accuracy. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

Contact Robin via our contact page