Diving and the Sun
Since scuba diving takes place in the water, people often think that they don’t have to worry about being exposed to the sun’s damaging rays. The complete opposite is true. The places where scuba diving is typically enjoyed are generally associated with extremely warm temperatures. Since you will spend a significant amount of time in the water, your exposure is intensified. So what can you do to limit your exposure to the sun while still enjoying scuba diving? Quite simply, you will need to protect your skin from UV rays.
Your wetsuit will provide a significant amount of protection from ultra violet rays. While maximum coverage is ideal, you don’t have to resort to a fullbody wetsuit. With an SPF of 50 and made of soft and lightweight neoprene and nylon, the Camaro Neoprene Wetsuit UV 50+ Shorty Mono Heat is designed to provide both comfort and protection from the sun. Although this wetsuit provides heavy duty sun protection, you will still need to wear a sunscreen on those areas of your body not covered by the wetsuit.
At the very minimum you should wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Sport Xtreme Sunblock spray has an SPF of 30 and is formulated to provide extra protection from ultra violet rays for people who participate in outdoor activities such as scuba diving. This sunscreen is also formulated to stay in place when you are in the water and when you sweat. In addition, this sunscreen is in the form of a spray so that you are able to obtain more even coverage. Most sunscreen products are formulated for the body. You will also need to purchase a sunscreen to protect your lips. Mentholatum Natural Ice is a lip balm with an SPF of 30. This sunscreen for you lips is water resistant and contains vitamins that will keep your lips moist.