Spending time on the beach is so much fun. You get to don your favorite swimwear, sink your toes in the sand, and swim in the cool, blue water. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, you can end up with an unwanted consequence: sunburn. Even if you do not suffer an outright burn, you may end up with sun damage that accumulates over time, increasing your risk of skin cancer, moles, and discoloration. Wearing sunscreen can go a long way towards protecting your body, but you should also choose your swimwear carefully.

Here are a few tips for choosing swimwear that will help protect your skin.

1. Opt for more coverage.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, the trend in bathing suits was to go as skimpy as possible. The smaller the better! While small bathing suits are still trendy, especially in some circles, it has become more acceptable to wear bathing suits that offer more coverage. This is definitely good news for your skin. No, you don't have to go out there in long pants and a long-sleeve t-shirt, but a one-piece bathing suit definitely protects more of your skin than a bikini. A one piece with a little more fabric in the buttocks is better than a cheeky one.

2. Look for UV-resistant fabric.

Manufacturers of bathing suits have begun using more technical fabric to make their items. Many of these fabrics are resistant to UV rays; they repel more of the UV instead of letting it pass through to your skin. You can find fabrics that are rated UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) 50 or greater; these are your best bet. Make sure you read the care instructions on these bathing suits carefully. If you wash your sun protection swimwear in hot water or dry them on too high a setting, you may ruin the UV-resistant coating.

3. Opt for lighter colors.

You've probably heard how dark colors absorb more sunlight and heat than lighter ones. This is why it is always recommended that you choose lighter-colored shirts to stay cool on hot days. Do the same when selecting a bathing suit. Steer clear of black and dark brown, and instead choose lighter-colored materials. They will reflect more sunlight so your skin suffers less damage overall.

These days, there are more bathing suit styles available than ever before. Choose carefully. A well-covering suit made with light-colored, UV-resistant material will take better care of you and your skin. 

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