It is that time of year where retailers are starting to stock the shelves with the dreaded BATHING SUIT From the trendy vintage one piece to the tiny bikini they can make even those with the fittest bodies feel uncomfortable. Other than hiding your less favorable features what do you look for in swimwear?

Most women (and men) do not know that most swimwear material is not UV Protected. When we head to the pool or the beach and do our duties of lathering on sun block to all the ‘exposed’ areas we are leaving out some of the most delicate and, actually, exposed parts of our skin- those under the suits!

In general bathing suits and clothing alike aren’t protection from UV Rays. When buying swim wear or beach attire look for those with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) as high as 50. If you can’t find clothes with UPF, we recommend wearing tightly woven, dark-colored fabrics. You’ll be surprised when inspecting the tags of your favorite bikinis or cover-ups that they offer little to no protection from the sun.

In addition to looking for sun protected clothing/swimwear we suggest applying sun block to your ENTIRE body before dressing for a day in the sun. You’re most sensitive areas deserve as much TLC from damaging rays as the rest. Also, when planning your summer fun make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunglasses, hats to protected your face and scalp and stay near shaded areas to retire to in the hottest times of the day (10am-4pm).

Even with all the awareness of skin cancer and sun damage the numbers are increasing- take your first steps in not becoming a statistic.
Fun Facts: Technology and Swimwear?
Some designers are also on the brink of developing a ‘Smart Bikini’. A new swimsuit was developed in Canada to provide protection from “post-tan” problems by warning of excess UV light. The suits look like regular bikinis decorated with beads of plastic that can change their color depending on the intensity of UV emission. Exposed to low or medium emission, the beads are of white or lavender color. Abnormal rate of UV emission makes the beads glow deep violet, alarmingly indicating that tanning should be ceased. This swimsuit is available this month! Check it out at Solestrom. There is also one already on the market by Solestrom that has a LED UV meter built into the belt, which also shows if it’s time to stop sunbathing. The LED UV meter is solar powered. What will we see next?!
As always the best preventative measure is abstinence. Staying out of the most harmful rays of the sun, wearing sunscreen each day and getting checked regularly. If you know you will be exposed to the sun we want you to be protected the best you can!

Marguerite Germain