A Guide To Sun Protection To Swim

Hi there. I'm Abi Cleeve from Ultrasun. I've been in the sun care industry for thirteen years, really helping people to make the right decisions on their sun care choices.

Today, I'm going to try and do the same for you. It's essential to protect the skin from the sun when swimming. Often, when you're in water, you can feel lovely and cool and not realize quite how powerful the sun's rays are on your shoulders and your face.

It's very important to choose a sun protection that will continue to protect you whilst you're in the water. Always look for high SPF, 30 or above, and a good UVA protection as well. But what's most important when you are looking for swimming products is to look for something that is totally water resistant.

You want to know that product continues to deliver that protection all the time you're swimming and when you come out of the water. Perhaps you enjoy water sports, wind surfing or diving, and you want to know you're protected when you're in the middle of the ocean. There are certain products that will claim all sorts of levels of water resistance but really investigate this and read them carefully.

Many will say that you still need to reapply after just 20 minutes of swimming. I would always use Ultrasun products for this case because I know they're delivering total waterproof solutions for sun protection. There are different levels of protection so I can choose what's right for me or my family but I know that the whole range will continue to protect me in the water.

It's also very important to choose a product that's not greasy. The last thing you want if you're manning a boat, crewing a yacht or maybe you're diving and you're involved in ecosystems, is to take any grease or residue with you. When we're enjoying the water, we are so vulnerable especially if you're snorkelling or swimming around with your back exposed.

It's a great idea to put kids in t-shirts or sun-safe clothing, and adults too, we're very vulnerable in those areas as well. All the time you feel cool, you don't feel inclined to add that extra protection but it is very important. When you're swimming, always think, “Am I adequately protected? Have I got my high SPF, my UVA protection, and how long will it protect me in the water?” and if in doubt, look at the product and read thoroughly to make sure you continue to be protected, not only during your swim but afterwards as well. .