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Whether it’s a dip at the beach, a few laps at the local outdoor pool or, if you’re lucky enough, a few bombs with the kids in your own backyard oasis, as soon as the mercury climbs, Aussies all turn into water babies!

But in a country boasting the highest cancer rates in the world, we also know that swimming and sun awareness need to go hand in hand. And if you’re a little confused about how to stay sun aware while swimming, you’re not alone! How much sunscreen do you need? When should you reapply? Does it have to be dry before you hit the water?

Here’s what you need to know about swimming and sun awareness.

1. Choosing a sunscreen

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It’s important to know that not all sunscreens are water resistant. You need to specifically look for a water resistant sunscreen to make sure it’ll be suitable while you and your family are swimming. Also look for a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30.

The new look SunSense Performance SPF 50+ is designed to help keep the sun’s UV rays at bay while you’re swimming. Its light, non-greasy formula is suitable for the family (face and body!) and it’s water resistant for up to four hours.

Just remember that sunscreen is water resistant, not waterproof

2. Wait before hitting the waves

As tempting as it is to just jump into the water straight after slopping on your sunscreen (and just try to keep the kids from running off!). It is really important to give the sunscreen 20 minutes to properly absorb before sun exposure or swimming.

The best tip for kids is to apply the sunscreen before the temptation of swimming is present! So apply the sunscreen at home if you’re less than 20 minutes from the beach or pool, or pull over on your way and apply it. Then they’re ready to hit the water as soon as they arrive!

3. Apply sunscreen liberally

You may be worried that applying a generous amount of sunscreen before swimming is going to leave you feeling greasy in the water – but sunscreens have come a long way! SunSense Performance SPF 50+ is non-greasy and light, so you can apply the correct amount, without worrying about it coming off or being slippery in the water.

For adults, you should be using seven teaspoons of sunscreen over your whole body – that’s one teaspoon on each limb, then one for the front of your torso, one for your back and one for your face and neck – don’t forget your ears!

4. Reapply sunscreen each hour or more!

The general rule for reapplying sunscreen is every two hours. However, if you’re swimming or sweating, you need to be reapplying more often. Also keep an eye on when towelling dry, sunscreen will need to be reapplied – the kids as well!

5. Don’t just rely on sunscreen!

As incredible as sunscreen is, we also need to make sure we’re protecting ourselves in other ways when swimming. Long-sleeved, UV protective rashies, waterproof hats and sunglasses or swimming goggles with UV protection will all help in protecting your skin from harmful rays directly from the sun, or bouncing off the water.

Basically try and cover as much skin as possible, and make sure you cover up when you get out of the water.

And here’s a bonus tip – make sure you try and stay out of the water at peak UV times. Go for a dip early in the morning or later in the day when the UV rays aren’t as intense. Or seek out shady swimming spots if possible, or hit your local indoor pool in the middle of the day.

SunSense just makes sense for Aussie families

SunSense

Australian owned and made, SunSense strives to provide Australian families with expert sun protection care that’s backed by science and exclusive to pharmacies.

SunSense is a proud supporter of the Melanoma Institute of Australia  which has a goal of zero deaths from melanoma.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear to further reduce risk. Frequent re-application is required.

Mouths of Mums is proudly partnering with SunSense to bring you this article. The SunSense range is specifically formulated using quality ingredients to provide specialised choices for you and your family. 

  • Last summer I unfortunately got very sick and my family and I halted all our normal activities. This year my final surgery to remove my ileostomy is Dec 2nd. This means we plan on getting back into our camping and boating and with 4 kids aswell as an extremely easy to burn me it means we use SO much sunscreen. This would mean I’m using a great Aussie made brand on my babes!

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  • My daughter would definitely make use of the face cream. She is always asking me for a 50plus face cream as she is learning the importance of good sun protection at a young age.

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  • I definitely have to get better with sunscreen. I am European and never used to use sunscreen rather the opposite. I struggle with remembering about sunscreen. I do ensure my kids wear sunscreen most of the times.

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  • We have ensured we are instilling great sun safety into our toddler from the get go, regular sunscreen use, hat, sunglasses and collared shirts in the sun! It is so important in Australia to ensure sun safety. I know myself I can get too relaxed with myself and have suffered horrid burns because of it.

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  • You learn as you get older how important sunscreen is. I use 50 plus and realise you can still get a tan.

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  • Will be trying this sunscreen you’ve recommended. My sons skin doesn’t seem to like the one we are using. It’s like you’ve read my mind with this article. Thankyou

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  • Great reminder!
    I often set a 2 hour timer on my phone to remind me to reapply.
    Because my mum brain easily forgets ????

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  • great tips for the hot summer sun

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  • Some good reminders here. So important to look after our skin!

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  • Fantastic reminders, thank you so much! Brilliant sunscreen brand!

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  • Thanks for the reminder about the 20 minutes before water.

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  • FTM here, it’s important to me to buy Aussie made and owned sunscreen as I feel like that means they understand our sun the best! Didn’t realise you need to re apply after an hour of swimming so that’s great to know 🙂

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  • Some great tips for warmer weather

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  • Good tips in there for the warmer weather

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  • Like others have said, I too didn’t realise that we need to wait 20 minutes before swimming after applying sunscreen. I’m glad to have read this.

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  • I didn’t realise that you had to wait 20 minutes after applying sunscreen to hoo in water!! Interesting! Also is it 1 year or 6 months you can start putting sunscreen on bubs?

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  • We go through so much sunscreen during summer. But the kids are on board because we’ve done it since they were born.

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  • Thanks I did not no you should wait for sunscreen to soak in before swimming I’ve always applied and jumped in good to learn

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  • Aussie sun can be so harsh, great to there are products out there to help and the article has great tips. I reapply sunscreen to my kids every hr or again once they are out of the pool.

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  • Some great summer tips/reminders. So looking forward to summer

    Reply

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