A wetsuit gives you partial UV protection by covering large areas of skin with opaque neoprene. A full-coverage blueseventy suit such as the Reaction or Fusion shades your torso, arms to the wrists, and legs to the ankles while you swim. That reduces direct sun exposure on those covered areas. It does not cover your face, neck, hands, or feet, and it does not replace water-resistant sunscreen on exposed skin.
What the neoprene does
Neoprene is a closed-cell foam. The panels in a blueseventy wetsuit are dense enough to block direct sunlight from reaching the skin underneath. On a long open-water swim, that shading matters because you cannot easily reapply sunscreen while you are moving through the water. The suit is a physical barrier, not a rated sun-protection product. Apply sunscreen to every part of you that remains outside the suit.
Where you still need sunscreen
The areas outside the suit burn first: face, ears, back of the neck, hands, and feet. If you wear a sleeveless model such as the Reaction Sleeveless, your shoulders and arms are also exposed. Water reflects UV, so you can burn under your chin and along the backs of your arms even when you are face-down in the water. Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen on all exposed skin before you zip up. Check the product label for reapplication guidance after long swims.
How UV affects your wetsuit
UV light degrades neoprene over time. Chlorine and salt add their own wear, and the outer fabric can fade with repeated sun exposure. Rinse your blueseventy wetsuit inside and out with fresh water after every swim. Dry it in the shade or indoors, not in direct sun. Store it away from windows and heat sources. That keeps the neoprene supple and extends the life of the suit.
Sunny-day swim checklist
- Choose full sleeves when the water is cool and the sun is strong; covered skin gets the most shade.
- Apply water-resistant sunscreen to all exposed skin before you put on the suit.
- Wear goggles to reduce glare and protect your eyes from water.
- Rinse the suit with fresh water after the swim and dry it out of direct sun.
Match the suit to the water temperature first, then add sunscreen to whatever skin remains exposed. If you need help choosing between a full-sleeve and sleeveless suit, the sizing tool at blueseventy.com takes about 30 seconds.
