You want to spend a fabulous day out on the beach in your beautiful swimwear, but you don't want to get burned. Do you get confused looking at all those products made to help protect you from the sun's harmful rays? Well, it's not easy and plenty confusing with all those choices out on the skincare aisle. I can go on and on about this subject such as the different ingredients, spray, lotion, UVA, UVB, etc..
Today, we begin the first part of a blog series to help you make sense of it all. Before we can even talk about SPF, we need to know what UVA/UVB is. UVA and UVB are the types of ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. UVA rays are the type that go deep into your skin and contribute to aging ("A" for aging!). UVB rays are the ones that give you a sunburn when you get too much ("B" for burn!).
You got it! Now let's move on to SPF and what number to pick. SPF is short for sun protection factor. This is a measurement of how well a sunscreen can protect you from a burn. Yes, this is ONLY a measurement of UVB ray protection, so that is why when selecting a product it is critical to make sure it says "UVA/UVB protection" OR "broad spectrum coverage" on there.
So what does the SPF measurement mean for you? Multiplying the SPF number by 10 will tell you how long you can be safe in the sun in an ideal or perfect situation before burning. "Ideal" means no sweating or water involved here, which is not realistic.
Example: SPF 20 x 10 = 200 minutes of sun protection
So how high of an SPF is necessary? The fairer or more sensitive your skin the higher the better. Everyone should use at least a minimum SPF of 30. I prefer higher because there is no perfect situation in real life and there is no reversal once the damage is done. I'd rather see everyone have fun for a greater span over the course of their lives. Sunscreen will still allow you to get color while out in the sun. Do not be mislead. Always reapply and use liberally.
I hope this has helped you understand SPF better and will help you stay safe in the sun especially on days that you venture out in your bikini.
Visit us on Pinterest to see what sun protection products we like and to get more information about sun protection.
You often find information out there referring to at least 5 different body shapes: pear, apple, hourglass, rectangle and cone. We all know that this is simply a generalization because we are not made from basic molds. Every body is going to have some variation.
Here at Deja Soleil Swimwear we think it is more helpful to recognize that women come in different combinations of these body shapes. We do use the term pear shaped, but we also recognize that women fall into the following categories as well: smaller bust, larger bust, larger belly, straight body, athletic body, and narrow hips/small behind.
With that in mind we think it is best to mix and match in most situations. An off the rack matching bikini set may not give a woman the perfect fit both on the top and the bottom. Customization is key in this type of situation.
So, the first thing you need to do, based on this body guide, is to decide what best describes your body shape. Be honest now. It's important to wear the appropriate cut for your body because in order to really "rock it", you have to be wearing the right swimsuit. There really is a swimsuit out there for every woman.
Women who have a smaller bust should consider a halter top because it will help lift or enhance what is there. Find one with a little extra padding or one that has a design that will help give extra support below the bust line like padding would. Similarly, if you have a larger bust, support is essential and a halter top is the best choice as well.
For someone with a larger belly, a well cut one piece can be very flattering to the curves that you want to accentuate while at the same time redirecting the focus from the mid area.
On the flip side, someone who has a straight body figure would want to try a string bikini. The more that is covered up, the straighter and less curvy the body is going to appear. Less is more in this case. A string bikini will show off the body shape and add curves. The bikini is also a great choice for a pear shaped woman for the same reasons it works for the straight body type. Excess coverage will only emphasize the body shape, but a string bikini will help add curves.
Athletic body typed women look great in detailed bikini tops because they help draw attention away from broad shoulders. Next pair it with a sexy bottom to add femininity to a boyish shape.
Finally, women who have narrow hips/small behind should focus on getting a bottom piece that will help give the illusion of fullness. Decorative side ties will add curves and look for bottom pieces with detail such as a ruched look in the back will make your bottom appear less flat as well.
Do not buy something that you are not comfortable in, but at the same time, be brave. You may not think you will look good in it, but you don't know that for sure until you try it on. Women do this to themselves all the time. You will be amazed!
Okay, now you have your swimwear. You look good in it. Let's hit the beach!
If you would like more tips and ideas on this topic come visit us on Pinterest.
Hello Fashion and Sunshine Enthusiasts,
Bookmark this page as we hope it will be a frequent site for you to visit! Not only will we be talking about swimwear topics, but we will reach out to topics that most modern women are interested in as well. We encourage everyone to also visit us on Pinterest to get a good look at our areas of interest and how they may relate to you. Besides our latest swimwear collection, we often post recipes, fitness ideas, great product finds, swimwear tips, and eye catching fashion finds. Our primary goal is to share our ideas on how to be fit and healthy and stay looking good, so you can look fabulous everyday in and out of the water. We are not experts in every field, but the one area we DO know is how to have fun in the sun and to do it in style. Be sure to join us weekly on our blog and for our daily thoughts come see us on Twitter.
Thanks for joining us!
