This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Disclosure Policy for more information.
Many people enjoy a day at the beach, lounging by the pool, or a trip to the amusement park (hello, Disneyland!) with family and friends. For those with sun sensitivity, however, the thought of being in the sun that long can definitely put a damper on participating in outdoor activities. I have only lived in Southern California and Arizona, so I’ve lived my life in the sun. Almost a decade ago, however, I developed an allergy to the sun, and it has remained with me. You can read more about my story here: Sun Sensitive in SoCal: A Survival Guide.
How can one survive participating in outdoor activities with sun sensitivity?
It’s one thing to cover up from the sun. It’s still another thing to cover up from the sun when you want to swim or go to the beach. Thus, I’ve developed this Sun Sensitivity Survival Guide for Swimwear. These tips help me to be able to enjoy time outdoors with family and friends, and I hope they can help you as well!
Sun Sensitivity Survival Guide: Swimwear Tip #1 – Swim Hat
My favorite brand of sun protection clothing is Coolibar, whose tagline is “Sun Protection You Wear.” It just so happens that Coolibar is my favorite brand of sun protection swimwear as well. The swim hat that I wear is the Coolibar Chlorine-Resistant Bucket Hat. It is made of swimsuit material, so it wears & dries like all the other components.
Sun Sensitivity Survival Guide: Swimwear Tip #2 – Long-Sleeved Rashguard & Gloves
“Rash guard” is such a funny term to me. Basically, for our purposes here, it’s referring to a swim top. It is important to get one with long sleeves & as high a neckline as possible. Again, my go-to brand is Coolibar. The exact style I have is no longer made, but this Coolibar Long-Sleeve Rash Guard is very similar. Something “supportive” needs to be worn under the rash guard. This could be a swim top, such as a tankini or bikini top (or even a bra, since you’ll be covered up anyway). Whatever is most comfortable is what works best.
I’ve also recently become aware of a company called Mott50 (which now seems to be owned by Coolibar!). They also make sun protective apparel, including swimwear. I purchased a couple of their “Sonja” swim dresses, but I haven’t had a chance to wear them yet.
For swim gloves, I wear Solfingers SolFingerless Gloves. They are made out of a swimsuit-like material, so they work well in the water.
Sun Sensitivity Survival Guide: Swimwear Tip #3 – Swim Leggings
I love the way that Capri-length swim leggings look and have worn them for many years. As I mentioned in this post about sun sensitivity, however, wearing Capri pants (or Capri-length swim leggings) doesn’t really work for me, as my ankles will bear the brunt of my sun allergy. So, I did a bunch of research and finally found swim leggings that are long enough to cover my ankles. In order to keep the ankles covered 100% at all times, these swim leggings have stirrups. Yes, stirrups! Sounds crazy (& very 80s/90s), but it works!
I also choose to wear a Coolibar swim skort over the leggings at times.
Sun Sensitivity Survival Guide: Swimwear Tip #4 – Swim Socks
The newest component to my swimwear outfit is swim socks. As I mentioned above, wearing Capri-length swim leggings doesn’t work anymore, as it leaves my ankles susceptible to sun exposure (& thus the effects of the sun allergy). The same goes for my feet. I realized that my feet were also not immune to the severe itch that occurs when my skin is exposed to the sun, so I found these swim socks. When worn with the swim leggings con stirrups that I mentioned above, the sun will not shine on your ankles or feet!
Sun Sensitivity Survival Guide: Swimwear Tip #5 – Sunscreen for Exposed Skin
After utilizing all of the items above, the only areas of skin that are still exposed are my face, neck, & ears. Thankfully, these areas can be somewhat exposed to the sun & not have the allergic reaction. However, they still need to be protected from the sun.
Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Facial Sunscreen is what I use on my face, neck, and ears. It is very easy to apply & has a very good rating on EWG’s Cosmetics Database.
For lips, I use AloeSense Lip Balm.
Sun Sensitivity Survival Guide: Swimwear Tip #6 – Shade
If the beach or pool area will allow it, consider bringing your own shade.
We have an E-Z Up Dome II canopy. The newer version can be seen HERE. It has served us well in many different situations…beach days, pool parties, and the list goes on.
For even more sun protection under the canopy, we have this Canopy Sidewall as well.
At times when the E-Z Up isn’t practical for the given situation, I’ve used a Golf Umbrella for additional shade, even at the beach!
I hope you are encouraged that, even with sun sensitivity, you can still enjoy time with family and friends in the outdoors…and even in the water! Also, read about how I managed my sun sensitivity for two weeks in Hawaii.
What are your sun sensitivity survival tips? Please share in the comments below!
STARTS WITH
A GREAT BUDGET!
ALL GREAT SEMI-BUDGET TRAVEL
It's easy! I will show you how with a FREE trip planning tool.
