Health & Life

Why You Should Always Apply Sunscreen Before Swimming

To protect our skin, we are often advised to apply sunscreen when spending time outdoors. But does this advice extend to swimming? Let's dive into the topic and explore whether sunscreen application is necessary when taking a dip in the pool or the ocean.

Administrator

14 July, 2024

Swimming, whether in a pool or outdoors, can be damaging to your skin. To maintain healthy skin, it is essential to apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

1. Why is it necessary to apply sunscreen before swimming?

According to ThS.BS. Nguyen Ngoc Oanh, Department of Dermatology, Bach Mai Hospital, swimming is an activity that offers numerous health benefits. However, without proper protection, your skin can become darker and develop other issues.

When swimming in outdoor pools, especially between 9 am and 4 pm, your skin is exposed to UVA rays, which account for 95% of UV radiation and can cause dark spots, freckles, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Additionally, you are exposed to UVB rays, making up 5% of UV radiation, which lead to sunburns, redness, skin peeling, irritation, and skin cancer. Indoor pools, on the other hand, contain chlorine, which can damage the epidermis, causing dryness and darkening of the skin.

Therefore, applying sunscreen before swimming is crucial to enjoying the health benefits of swimming while maintaining healthy and glowing skin.

Why is it necessary to apply sunscreen before swimming?

2. How to apply sunscreen when swimming

When swimming outdoors or at the beach, your skin is exposed to more intense UV radiation due to the lack of shade from trees or buildings. Additionally, sand reflects and absorbs UVB rays, increasing your skin’s exposure. Swimming also causes sweating, which washes away sunscreen more quickly.

To effectively protect your skin when swimming outdoors or at the beach, it is recommended to use water-resistant sunscreens. These sunscreens will help prevent the product from washing off when in contact with water, ensuring prolonged protection.

When applying sunscreen, ensure you cover all exposed areas of your skin, including your neck, legs, ears, and easily missed spots. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is water-resistant and offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

How to apply sunscreen when swimming

Apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen to create a thin, even layer on your skin. Applying too much sunscreen will not provide better protection and may lead to a greasy and uncomfortable feel.

If you are not swimming and only spending time outdoors, reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. If you are swimming or spending time in the sea, reapply sunscreen immediately after leaving the water. If you are wearing makeup, gently blot your face with a moisturizing wipe to remove any excess product, and then reapply your sunscreen.

3. Some things to keep in mind when swimming during the summer

Swimming is a beneficial form of exercise, but it can also be damaging to your skin if proper aftercare is not taken. Here are some tips to protect your skin after swimming and maintain its health and radiance:

Avoid swimming during the hottest part of the day: Refrain from swimming outdoors between 9 am and 4 pm when UV rays are at their strongest. If possible, opt for swimming pools with shade or areas protected by shadows.
Shower after swimming: After swimming, shower with clean water to remove chlorine, salt, and other impurities from your skin.
Moisturize your skin: Apply a moisturizer immediately after showering to replenish the moisture in your skin, keeping it soft and smooth.
Treat sunburn: If you experience sunburn, use cool water or aloe vera gel to soothe and calm the affected area. Avoid scratching or rubbing the skin, as it may worsen the condition.

Some things to keep in mind when swimming during the summer

Swimming is a beneficial activity for your health, but improper care can lead to skin damage, especially when swimming in outdoor pools or the sea.

Source: Health and Life Newspaper

Frequently asked questions

Applying sunscreen before swimming is crucial as it creates a protective barrier on your skin, shielding it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This prevents sunburns, reduces the risk of skin cancer, and slows down skin aging. Additionally, sunscreen can help maintain an even skin tone and protect against skin discoloration and pigmentation issues.

Sunscreen acts as a shield, reflecting or absorbing UV rays before they can penetrate your skin. It contains organic and inorganic compounds that scatter or absorb UV radiation, preventing it from causing damage to your skin.

Applying sunscreen before swimming ensures that it has time to bind to your skin and create an effective barrier. If you apply it after swimming, the sunscreen may not adhere properly due to wet skin, diluting its protective properties. Also, swimming can cause sweating, which can wash away sunscreen if not properly applied beforehand.

It is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or perspiring heavily. Reapplication is crucial to maintaining protection against UV rays and ensuring your skin stays healthy.

Water-resistant or sport-specific sunscreens are ideal for swimming as they are designed to withstand water and perspiration. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30, and ensure they are applied generously and evenly to all exposed areas of the skin.