Chapped Lips and Freshwater Diving

[do it easy]

When I've been diving lately, I've noticed that my lips get chapped. At first I thought it was the sun, but on the last trip I noticed that my chin was chapped as well, but only the part that is not covered by my mask and hood. Lately, the dives are in freshwater, with temperatures in the mid 40's (f).

Does any one know of a good way to avoid this, short of a full face mask? Is there any sort of waterproof lotion that will prevent this?

 

[Firebrand]

Try the Blistex medicated ointment in the little blue jar. That stuff has a menthol scent, and looks like vasiline, but isn't petrolium jelly. I've never used it while diving, but I put it on after each dive in cooler water.

 

[Doc Intrepid]

You generally want to use lots of sunblock, including a chapstick with high SPF in it. Remember that the sun reflects UP off the surface of the water, so put the stuff on in the morning before you leave to go to your dive site, and then reapply after each dive.

 

[DA Aquamaster]

A regular lip balm like blistex or chapstick works fine and one with a high SPF is an added bonus. Apply before the dive and then again after.