Wearing a swimsuit is the perfect way to show off your summer body, but nothing ruins a good time like a sunscreen stain. No one wants to sport a tell-tale white mark on their swimsuit, so it’s important to choose a sunscreen that will protect you from the sun without damaging your swimsuit.
Here are six tips to help you make the best choice for both you and your swimsuit.
1. Avoid Oil-Based Sunscreens
Oil-based sunscreens are more likely to damage your swimsuit than their water-based counterparts.
They can leave behind an oily residue that can be difficult to remove, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
If you must use an oil-based sunscreen, apply it sparingly and evenly so there’s less of a chance of it transferring onto your swimsuit.
2. Look for Water-Resistant formulas
When you’re shopping for sunscreen, be sure to look for water-resistant formulas.
This will help ensure that your sunscreen won’t come off in the water, making it more likely to stay on your skin where it belongs.
Water-resistant sunscreens are usually labeled as such, so they shouldn’t be too hard to spot on the shelves.
3. Choose a Light Formula
Many sunscreens are heavy and thick, which can make them more likely to rub off onto your swimsuit.
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that won’t damage your suit, go for a light formula that can be easily applied and doesn’t leave behind a heavy residue.
Some light sunscreens come in spray form, making them even easier to apply evenly over large areas of skin.
4. Test It Out Beforehand
If you’re really worried about sunscreen damaging your swimsuit, it’s always best to test it out beforehand on a small area of fabric.
This will give you an idea of how well the sunscreen protects fabric without causing any damage.
To do this, simply apply a small amount of sunscreen to an inconspicuous area of your swimsuit and wait a few minutes to see if any staining or discoloration occurs.
If not, you should be good to go!
5. Apply Sunscreen Carefully
Once you’ve chosen the right sunscreen, it’s important to apply it carefully to avoid leaving any stains on your swimsuit.
Be sure to apply the sunscreen evenly over all exposed skin, including areas like the neck and chest that are often missed.
It’s also important not to forget about hard-to-reach places like the middle of your back – no one wants a nasty sunburn in that spot!
Once you’ve applied the sunscreen, give yourself enough time for it to sink in before putting on your swimsuit.
And there you have it – with these five tips in mind, you should be able to find the perfect sunscreen for both you and your swimsuit!
6. Use Lotion Sunscreen to Avoid Chafing
We all know the feeling of swimsuit chafing – when your sunscreen rubs off in the water, and you end up with a red, itchy rash.
But did you know that you can avoid this by using lotion sunscreen? Lotion swimsuits will avoid dry skin, thus reducing the risk of swimsuit chafing.
Besides, they’re less likely to blow away in the wind, making them ideal for use at the beach or pool.
Lotion sunscreens are also less likely to end up in your eyes, which can be painful and cause irritation.
And because they’re applied with your hands, you have more control over where the sunscreen goes and how much is used.
Conclusion
Summer is the perfect time to show off your beach body in a new flattering swimsuit—but no one wants their perfect moment ruined by an unsightly sunscreen stain on their new bikini top or board shorts.
In order not to cause any damage, follow these five tips next time you hit buy lotion at the store. Now you’re summer-ready with no worries about how carefree fun in the sun.
Happy soaking up those days!