What You Need to Know About Sunscreen and Swimming
Think you don’t need sunscreen while you’re swimming? Think again. Many people who enjoy swimming at the beach, lake, and their backyard swimming pool may mistakenly assume that they only need sunscreen near water when they’re lounging on the pool deck or tanning on the beach—if at all. They may think that being near or in the water somehow “protects” them from the sun’s harsh rays, which is not true. In fact, lathering up with sunscreen at and in your pool or the lake is probably one of the best times to use it.
The sun’s rays love to reflect off water from the ground to your skin, and if you’re in or near the water, you have a higher chance of getting sunburned and harming your skin if you’re not wearing sunscreen. Even if most of your body is submerged in the pool, your face, neck, upper back, and chest will be exposed much of the time, and if these areas are not protected by sunscreen, you could end up getting hit big time, which can cause painful burns, damage your skin cells, cause your skin to age prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Pool “loungers” are at particular risk for burns because of their proximity to the water coupled with more skin exposure.
But whether you’re lounging on an air mattress in your pool, soaking up the rays on the beach, splashing around in the water with your kids or friends, or just out in the sun at work or play (whether or not you’re near water), there are a few things you need to know about sunscreen in general, particularly as it relates to swimming in your pool.
First, consider sunscreen as your second skin. In warm or hot weather (be it sunny or cloudy) when you’re less than fully clothed, never leave the inside of your house without sunscreen, even if you’re just going to “relax by the pool for only half an hour.” Half an hour in the sun—especially near a body of water, which will reflect the sun’s rays—can do a lot of damage.
Next, choose the right sunscreen. Not all sunscreens are created equal, and you want to make sure that yours is doing its job. Look for sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, in a high-enough SPF (sun protection factor), which depends on how long you’re going to be exposed to direct sunlight and how long it usually takes for you to start turning pink. While a good rule of thumb is the longer you plan to be in the sun, the higher your SPF should be, to err on the side of caution, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Swimmers should select a sunscreen that is water-resistant. Although some products claim to be “waterproof,” there really is no such thing, but do look for a sunscreen that is water/sweat-resistant. However, keep in mind that even water-resistant sunscreen won’t last you through hours of lounging near and splashing in your backyard pool. They tend to last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes while swimming. Always reapply sunscreen after swimming and regularly while you’re out lounging by the pool or tanning on the beach, especially if you’re sweating.
It’s also important to ensure you slather sunscreen over all of your exposed body—not just the parts that tend to burn easily. However, remember that sunscreen is not enough for sun protection. Avoiding the sun during peak sunlight hours and wearing protective sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are other essential precautionary measures.
