5 Sunscreen Tips for Poolside Sun Protection
As you enjoy your backyard swimming pool this year, make sure you also keep your skin healthy by applying sunscreen. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays decreases your risk of getting skin cancer. Follow these sunscreen tips whenever you’re swimming or exposed to the sunshine.
1. Don’t Be Skimpy with the Sunscreen!
Whether you slather on the lotion or spray it on yourself, remember that the sunscreen acts as a shield against the sun’s damaging rays. Wherever you have exposed skin, you should apply a liberal amount of sunscreen. If you’re in a swimsuit, you can estimate you’ll need a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover your body.
2. Choose an SPF that Works for You
SPF means “sun protection factor.” Theoretically, the higher the SPF, the more sun protection you’re getting. 30 SPF is usually good for most people, but if you have skin that sunburns easily, you may want to use a higher SPF. Anything above 50 SPF hasn’t been proven to provide additional protection. Talk to a dermatologist to determine the right SPF for you.
3. Apply and Reapply
It’s a good idea to apply for half an hour before going out in the sun. This gives the sunscreen time to soak into your skin, so it won’t wash away. Even if your sunscreen says it is waterproof, it’s still going to wear off eventually. Reapply your sunscreen every two hours.
4. Everyone Should Protect Their Skin
Make sure everyone in your family is using some type of skin protection. The sun’s rays hit all of us, young or old. It doesn’t matter what color your skin is, either. People with darker-colored skin are susceptible to skin cancer, too. Use sunscreen when you’re hanging around the pool, but also consider other ways to protect your skin. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, long sleeves, and sun-protective clothing are great ways to keep the UV rays off your skin and eyes. Check out these sun safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
5. Choose a Sunscreen Brand that is Reef-Friendly
Did you know that some sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that kill or damage coral reefs? The term “reef-friendly” is not regulated yet. So you have to actually look at the sunscreen ingredients to determine if you have a reef-friendly type. Look for sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients actually block the sun’s rays from your skin. Unsafe chemical ingredients don’t block the rays; they absorb them, turn them into heat, and then release them. Reef-friendly sunscreens contain only mineral UV-blocking ingredients.
At Saturn Pools, we love seeing families using their backyard pools. We also care about your overall health. Be conscious of how much time you’re spending in the sun. Avoid sunburns, so you can feel good and look good all year long.
Saturn Pools is a family-owned business, and our customers get treated like family, too. If you’re looking for a high-quality pool builder in the Phoenix Metro area, please contact us to schedule a one-hour appointment with our swimming pool expert, Nate Green. We are currently scheduling appointments in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Peoria, Wickenburg, Wittmann, Waddell, Anthem, New River, Carefree, as well as Cave Creek ONLY.
