Tis the season: If you’re going to be outside, you’re going to want to be cooling off in your pool. But that refreshing dip can be deceptive when it comes to skincare: Even though you feel relief from the sun’s rays, your skin is still getting hammered with maximum UV exposure. Fortunately, there are plenty of products and procedures to help you protect your skin while still getting the most out of your pool. Make sun safety part of your pool habits.
Avoid peak hours. Planning a pool party? Plan to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Hey, it’s lunchtime anyway, and it’s also the time of day when the sun’s UV rays are most intense.
Wear sunscreen. Here in southwest Florida, there’s really no excuse for going outside without sunscreen: SPF 30 or higher, applied at least 15 minutes before exposure, and plenty of it, all over. Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate absorbe the sun’s rays before it can damage the skin; physical sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide deflect the rays.
Wear sun-protective clothing. Today’s technology allows for cool, breathable, sun-blocking sleeves. And don’t forget your face, neck and ears. Get a wide-brimmed hat and make a habit of wearing it.
Invest in a solar screen. With the right screen material, your pool cage can block up to 80 percent of UV rays.
Shade, shade, shade. What’s better than a midsummer dip in the pool? Diving into a shaded pool—it’s the best of both worlds. Hopefully you’ve already got a nearby lanai for breaks from the sun, but you can also kit out your poolside with umbrellas, canopies, shade sails and even retractable shade solutions.
