Can you get a tan underwater?

According to Dr Punjabi, people may not feel the immediate burning sensation as they are in the water but effects can be seen "within 24 hours".

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | May 15, 2023 05:30 PM IST

3 min read

Do you feel tanned post a swim? (Source: Pixabay)

Spending time outdoors may not be the only reason you get a tan. According to experts, swimming may also contribute to some tanning. Wver wondered why? Dermatologist Dr Jushya Bhatia Sarin took to Instagram to share a few reasons why one is prone to getting a tan even under pool water.

“You are correct in feeling that way. Here are three reasons why this happens,” she wrote on Instagram, listing the same:

*The pool floor or the salt in seawater can reflect the light back on your skin (which can lead to a tan)
*The cool water makes it easy for you to forget that you are being exposed to the sun for too long and it’s burning your skin
*Water increases your uninhibited exposure to UV rays

She further stressed that as water resistance lasts for about 40-80 minutes, one must re-apply sunscreen.

Dr Vandana Punjabi, consultant dermatologist and trichologist, practising in Khar and Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital said that if one swims when the sun is at its peak — between 10am-4 pm — it may lead to tanning and other skin issues.

“The water reflects the UVA, which causes tanning, and the UVB rays that are responsible for burning of the skin. UVA rays penetrate below the surface of water as well,” Dr Punjabi added.

Also Read | How to get a perfectly-natural tan without harming your skin

According to Dr Punjabi, people may not feel the immediate burning sensation as they are in water, but the effects can be seen “within 24 hours”.

Here’s how sunscreen helps your skin (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

What can help?

Dr Punjabi suggested the following measures

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*Using a water-resistant sunblock will definitely help. However, this should be applied 20 minutes before going into water — something people often forget to do.
*Also, it should be freely slathered on all exposed areas and repeat applications should be done after 40 minutes, another step which is often missed.
*Preferably, avoid swimming in outdoor pools when the sun is at its peak.
*Use a gentle body wash after swimming and avoid harsh soaps and scrubbing.
*Use a moisturising lotion on the full body to hydrate the skin post-swimming.

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