Drysuit seals affected by sunscreen??

[kmurray719]

The neck seal on my drysuit degrades much faster than anyone else's I know, and I've now ripped two neck seals in the past year just putting them on normally. The only guess anyone has been able to come up with is that it may be due to getting sunscreen on them regularly. Has anyone else had this experience? Does anyone know of a way to avoid this? I'm of Irish and Scottish descent with a family history of skin cancer, so not wearing sunscreen just isn't an option!

 

[underH2Oman]

Things that will increase the deterioration of latex seals include;
- contact with Mineral oil and petroleum products
-direct sunlight or artificial UV light such as florescent light.
-Heat, storage in a hot garage during the summer can accelerate deterioration.
-Be cognizant of your home heating system. If the heat in your home from a coal or oil burning source, the oils produced can affect your seals.
-Perspiration and skin oils can cause deterioration

I recommend you clean your seals with soap and water and use a seal conditioner to help prevent deterioration.