Plus Size Women's Swimwear
and Suncare

Many of today's new fabrics have a degree of sunblock built into the fabrics but that doesn't cover the legs, arms, neck, face and any other exposed parts!  Protecting the skin from the UV rays of the sun is important for several reasons - not the least of which is reducing the risk of skin cancer over the lifetime of the individual.

Researchers are now able to pinpoint and identify the cellular changes from the UV rays that lead to skin cancers years after exposure.   During the past decade doctors have become aware of both the risk of cancer and the premature aging (such as wrinkles and sun spots) which the sun will cause.  Other medical conditions can also be made much worse and those taking drugs (such as antibiotics) can make them more sensitive to the sun.

Doctors everywhere agree that education is critical to the epidemic of sun related conditions BUT also that the sun also has other health benefits, such as absorption of Vitamin D.

CDC recommends easy options for sun protection(1):

    * Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
    * Wear clothing to protect exposed skin.
    * Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.
    * Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
    * Seek shade, especially during midday hours.

Sunscreen for Plus Size Women's Swimwear

The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Put on sunscreen before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don't forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.

How sunscreen works. Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering sunlight. They contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.

SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.

Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours, and after you swim or do things that make you sweat.

Expiration date. Check the sunscreen's expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures.

Cosmetics. Some make-up and lip balms contain some of the same chemicals used in sunscreens. If they do not have at least SPF 15, don't use them by themselves.
Clothing

Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection from the sun's UV rays. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors.

If wearing this type of clothing isn't practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well.

Wearing Hats for Plus Size Women's Swimwear

For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.

If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, or by staying in the shade.
Sunglasses

Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.
Shade

You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you're outside-even when you're in the shade.
References

1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Guidelines for school programs to prevent skin cancer. MMWR 2002;51(No. RR-4):1-16.

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