How Do Swim Shirts and Sunscreen Compare?
Cases of melanoma continue to rise even as the cases of many other cancer types are in decline. If one is seeking safe and comfortable protection from the sun's rays, should they opt for a swim shirt or sunscreen as the better alternative?
From the simple freedom of movement standpoint, sunscreen comes closest to acting as a second skin. There are no clothing-drag issues while in the water, and no layers to trap heat or restrain movement while on land. It is possible to forget there is any substance on the skin at all.
Sunscreen provides the most thorough coverage of areas exposed to the sun. If applied liberally according to instructions, it can protect fingers, ears, and surfaces underneath clothing that may be exposed. Shirts do not cover hands and can pull up causing areas around the waist to receive direct sunlight.
The risks caused by the products themselves should be taken into account. Non-organic sunscreens have toxins that can cause skin irritations and even alter hormone levels, presenting potential health hazards for young users in particular. Though the majority of swim shirts have a sun-protective layer, sunscreen chemicals are not absorbed into the skin.
Though somewhat obvious, swim shirts do not wash off. Many sunscreens claim to be water resistant, but the durability of shirts is guaranteed. With children, lack of a shirt is easily identified while the presence of lotion can be undetectable.
As a sweltering summer day may make a shirt less inviting, likewise a cool day at the beach will make the extra insulation a welcome friend. Swim shirts are functional on land and in the water and dry very quickly. They can be worn all day and placed in the laundry like regular clothing.
Sunscreens can be blended with ingredients that help heal and renew the skin. There is thus a double benefit of being protected from the sun and having dry and damaged skin repaired at the same time. As an alternative, skin cream could be used under a swim shirt, though this would mean an additional step and product.
Given that sunscreen is designed to be applied "liberally" to skin surfaces, individuals and families can go through bottles rapidly. Swim shirts do not require a re-fill and can last months or even years with proper care. The need for a last minute trip to the store is thus eliminated.
UV-treated swim shirts are a safer and more reliable bet for sun protection. In turn, sunscreen can cover hard to reach areas like a true second skin and provide skin care at the same time. A combination of the two with slight overlap can provide a fast and effective solution with the smallest chance for gaps in coverage.
Robert Mann is a prolific writer and website designer residing in California. For healthy living, he has founded sites dedicated to organic food and organic gardening.
