Gone, for many, are the days of covering yourself with baby oil and baking in the sunshine. Golden tanned skin is now considered unhealthy by most and many people protect their skin when out of doors. How to protect your skin from the Arizona sun is something anyone who spends time around a swimming pool needs to consider.
The swimming pool service contractors from SwimRight Pool Service & Repair in Scottsdale, Arizona understand the importance of “shading” around the pool to make swimming more comfortable and to protect your skin and the skin of everyone who uses the pool from the harmful rays of the sun.
How to protect your skin from the Arizona sun
Sunscreen is your first line of defense from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. When shopping for sun protection you will want to look for a product that protects from ultraviolet (UV) as well as UVB rays. If you don’t protect your skin you could suffer from:
- Sunburn
- Wrinkled skin
- Sun poisoning
- Skin cancer
Shop for a sunscreen that you will use: gel, lotion or stick. Look for products specific to the face, body and for children.
Here is a primer on sunblock/sunscreen
- Look for a product that offers broad or full UV spectrum protection. A sunburn, especially one you get in childhood, can set the stage for long-term skin damage and susceptibility to skin cancer.
- SPF matters. The SPF is the sun protection factor of the sunblock or sunscreen you’re buying. SPF will measure how long your skin will be protected from the UV rays when you use it. The higher the SPF, the longer you can be outside in the sun without burning — remember, this is a theory and you should check yourself regularly to assure you’re not burning.
- If you’re going to be swimming, look for a water-resistant product. When you buy this type sunblock you can swim without worry about your protection washing off. HOWEVER, the lotion will get into the pool water and could upset the water chemistry. Even if the protect is water resistant, you should still reapply regularly.
- Buy a different product to protect your face and your body. Faces are typically more sensitive than your skin and that means you should buy a product that will protect it without causing any type of skin irritation to the delicate skin on your face.
- If you have children in and around the swimming pool, look for products specially designed for children. Their skin is more delicate and prone to burns and needs to be protected at all times. Kid-friendly products truly do make a difference.
When you’re sitting poolside, even on an overcast day, slather yourself with sunblock or sunscreen and enjoy the pool safely.
