This Is How Often To Apply SPF When Swimming

When it comes to protecting your skin from the summer sun, you can never be too careful. You have to be weary of even the “water-resistant” types of sunscreen, because yes, those can fail you if not applied correctly. How often should you apply sunscreen if you’re swimming? You better find out before all of that poolside lounging you’re going to be doing this season.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should be reapplying your sunscreen every two hours if you’re not going to be getting in the water. And if you’re taking a dip in the pool to cool down, you should reapply right after you get out. Then, you can start counting your two hours down from there (unless you get in the water again before your time is up).

Yes, applying sunscreen can be a tedious process and often feels like the worst part of summer, but it’s crucial to protect your skin. You know the saying, “beauty is pain?” Well, when it comes to applying sunscreen, beauty is work. But, I assure you, it’s well worth your efforts. So, lather up in that SPF. Your glowing summer skin will thank you for it!

Not only should you be reapplying once you're done in the water for a while, but you should also make sure you allow the sunscreen to soak in fully before getting back in. "And be sure to let the reapplied sunscreen soak into the skin for a few minutes before diving back into the water, otherwise it’ll wash right off," dermatologist Lisa Garner recommended to Huffington Post.

Coming in contact with "water" of any kind can cause your sunscreen to wear off. So, if you're staying outdoors after a sweat sesh, be sure to reapply once you're done working out, too.

Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen, $25, Sephora

A no-drip kind of stick sunscreen is great for applying sunscreen to your face anytime you're going to be sweating or swimming this summer.

Neutrogena Wet Skin Broad Spectrum Sunblock, $12, Amazon

A sunscreen that's made to stick to wet skin instead of simply running off of it is just the kind of thing you're going to need in your beach bag.

Grab that SPF and get ready because no matter how often you'll have to reapply, you know that pool is calling your name!

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