You go for a swim at your local pool or beach on a bright, sunny day. You’ve heard more than a few times how important it is to apply sunscreen in this situation. However, you don’t have any available at the moment. Or maybe you have some but don’t like the way it feels when you put it on. So, you skip this recommended step and swim with your skin unprotected.

Unfortunately, thousands make this mistake every time the warm weather arrives. As it turns out, there are excellent reasons for the universal public health warnings to wear sunscreen. When properly applied, this skin protectant can keep you from looking old before your time.

Perhaps more importantly, sunscreen can help you prevent a future case of lethal or non-lethal skin cancer. Let’s take a closer look at why you should never skip sunscreen.

How Does Sunlight Damage Your Skin?

Before we explore the benefits of sunscreen, it helps to know what ordinary sunlight can do to your skin. All sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The invisible rays come in two separate forms: UVA and UVB.

When it strikes your skin, UVA radiation penetrates deep enough to affect pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. This is what causes your skin to tan. However, at the same time, UVA damages your skin. Specifically, it triggers signs of premature aging, such as age spots and wrinkles.

UVB radiation doesn’t penetrate your skin as far as UVA. Instead, these “burning” rays only affect your skin’s outer layer or epidermis. This is the form of radiation contact that causes sunburn.

UVA and UVB have one thing in common: They can damage your skin and increase your chances of developing a related form of cancer. UVA radiation is the weaker of the two but can still alter the DNA of individual cells. It can also suppress the normal function of your immune system.

Stronger UVB radiation is linked to even more forms of cancer than UVA. The two forms of radiation account for between 95% and 99% of all skin cancer cases, another reason you should never skip sunscreen.

What Does Sunscreen Do?

Sunscreen protects your skin by creating a barrier against the effects of UV radiation. It comes in various forms, including creams, ointments, lotions, sprays, gels, lipsticks, and lip balms. Some available products are chemical sunscreens, which function like sponges by soaking up UV rays. Others are physical sunscreens, which deflect radiation away from your skin.

What Type of Sunscreen Should You Use?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) provides comprehensive guidelines on the best uses of sunscreen. To begin with, the AAD recommends that you use only broad-spectrum products. These products get their name because they protect against UVA and UVB radiation.

Current guidelines also recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF stands for sun protection factor, which measures how well a product protects against UVB radiation. Crucially, the AAD also recommends that swimmers use only water-resistant sunscreens.

Regarding the form of sunscreen you apply, the American Academy of Dermatology has just one key recommendation. Whether it’s a cream, spray, or something else, find something you like and will use regularly. After all, sunscreen can’t do its job if you never put it on your skin, so you should never skip it.

How Much Should You Use, and How Often?

It takes about one ounce of sunscreen to fully protect an adult swimmer’s body. Unfortunately, most people only apply about ¼ to ½ that amount before hitting the water. The AAD recommends covering your dry skin a good 15 minutes before any sunlight exposure.

Cover all possible exposed areas, including your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. If you have a bare scalp, also apply sunscreen to the top of your head. Don’t forget to apply protective lipstick or balm to your lips.

Generally, anyone outdoors should reapply their sunscreen at two-hour intervals. However, swimmers should refresh their skin protection whenever they exit the water. The same holds for anyone who stays out of the water but sweats a lot.

Need more advice on how to protect your skin while swimming? Just ask your local swim teachers at Blue Buoy. We’ll have plenty of tips on how to have plenty of fun in the water, all while keeping your skin safe and healthy.

FAQs: Sunscreen & Swimming Outdoors

Q: Can I use sunscreen and still get a tan?

Yes, you can still get a tan while wearing sunscreen. However, the purpose of sunscreen is to protect your skin from UV radiation, which can cause premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer. So, if you want to minimize these risks, use sunscreen regularly.

Q: Is there an age limit for using sunscreen?

No, anyone at any age should wear sunscreen when going outdoors. Children over six months old can safely use sunscreen. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping younger infants out of direct sunlight.

Q: Do cloudy days require sunscreen?

Even on cloudy days, UV radiation can still reach your skin and cause damage. So, you should wear sunscreen regardless of the weather report.

Q: Can I use any type of sunscreen for swimming?

No, not all sunscreens are suitable for swimming. For maximum protection while swimming, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Q: Are there any other ways to protect my skin while swimming besides using sunscreen?

Yes, you can also wear protective clothing such as rash guards or long-sleeved swim shirts. These can provide additional protection against UV radiation. You can also minimize your time in direct sunlight by taking breaks under shade or using a swim cap to cover your scalp. However, sunscreen should always be your first line of defense against sun damage while swimming.

Q: Can I use expired sunscreen?

No, it may not provide the necessary protection against UV radiation. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen before using it, and replace any expired products with a new bottle.

Q: How long does sunscreen take to absorb into the skin?

Sunscreen typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes to fully absorb into the skin and start providing protection. That’s why you should apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors or swimming to ensure your skin is adequately protected right from the start.

Q: Can sunscreen prevent sunburns completely?

While sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of sunburns, it doesn’t offer 100% protection. Proper application and regular reapplication are crucial for effectiveness. Combining sunscreen with other protective measures, such as wearing hats and seeking shade, is a more comprehensive strategy for preventing sunburns.