I have not always been smart about sun protection. My ignorance is displayed on my skin with spots from too much sun. As I get older I am getting smarter. I used to try out many different sunblocks but was always left with more sun than I wanted after two hours or so in the water. I tried wearing hats, which sort of worked, but every time I would catch a wave I ripped off the hat because it affected my peripheral vision. Then I discovered the foundation style sunblock by Vertra.

Vertra Sun Resistant Foundation

This sunblock comes in a foundation stick that is easily applied to the skin. Colours include Kona Gold, Tinted and Translucent; I prefer the Translucent. Simply remove the cover, slide across the skin and then rub to blend in. It goes on white but blends into your skin when rubbed in. When I get in the water it does not bleed into my eyes or mouth like some other sunblocks do. In fact, I can still feel it on my skin when I get out of the water. It is very water resistant and requires soap to remove it completely. If I leave it on my skin all day without washing it off with soap I will break out slightly.

I put it to the test one day. I usually surf in the early morning hours to avoid crowds, the sun, and to start my day off right. One day, we decided to surf out in Ewa Beach at Haubush at 2pm. The hot afternoon sun beat down on me from above and reflected off of the blue ocean and my white board straight up to my face. Prior to paddling out I put the Vertra Sun Resistant Foundation on my face. Admittedly I put more on than I normally do for a morning session. After 2 hours in the water, I paddled in. I was not burnt, not even red or pink from the sun. I washed off the sunblock with soap and my face was the same colour it was before I paddled out. From that point on I was a believer in Vertra!

Vertra Elemental Resistance was created in 2004 and their primary goal is to raise awareness about skincare by creating a product that possessed quality, innovation and style. To aide in accomplishing this goal Vertra turned to the Skincare Foundation who has the highest criteria for sun and skincare products. Vertra also has the endorsement of the Skincare Foundation and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association.

If you would like to try Vertra it can be purchased online through their website or at many local surf shops throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Vertra is not cheap like some of the other brands available at your local Longs, however if you are seriously concerned about your skin, it is worth every penny! As someone who has not always taken care of their skin, I can only say, I wish I had found this earlier! If any of you use this product let us know what you think too!