Top 5 Questions (and Answers) on Sun Protection
It’s important, we spend a lot of time in it, and yet there’s still a lot of confusion about how to protect ourselves from it. We’re talking about the sun, of course! Our goal below is to highlight the top five questions regarding sun protection, and in doing so, hopefully clarify a few important sun safety tips. One thing that is clear? Rayward Apparel’s Sun Bound shirts and sun hoodie are your go-to sun protection apparel! Find out why while learning more about sun protection below:
1) What Causes Sunburn and Skin Damage?
Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrating your skin. UV damage comes from two forms of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are what cause wrinkling, early aging and, most critically, skin cancer. UVB rays damage the surface of the skin and are what cause sunburn and reddening. Too much exposure to either UVA or UVB rays will damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.
2) What Affects My Risk of Sun Damage?
Your risk of sun damage, whether permanent or temporary, depends on a few factors, including the amount of time for which you are exposed. The time, environment and weather also play a role in determining how much exposure is too much. The sun’s rays are most powerful between 10 AM - 4 PM, for example. Also, you’ll burn easier at higher altitudes or closer to the equator. Furthermore, consider your surroundings and any surfaces that could reflect UV rays, such as water, ice, sand and concrete, especially onto your face.
3) What Is the Best UPF Rating?
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures the amount of UV radiation that goes through a fabric and reaches the skin. In simple terms, the higher the UPF rating, the better. The best is UPF 50+, but anything above UPF 30 meets the recommendations of the Skin Cancer Foundation. To translate a UPF rating into practical application, a UPF-rated fabric lets a percent of UV rays through equal to one divided by the UPF rating (1 / UPF). For example, a UPF 50+ shirt lets through less than 1/50th, or less than 2%, of UV rays. Additionally, the UPF rating system, unlike the SPF system for sunscreens, measures protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
4) How Do Sun Shirts Block UV Rays?
UPF sun shirts and sun hoodies block UV rays by shielding your skin. This protection can be accomplished a few different ways. Dyeing with darker colors, for instance, will absorb more UV rays, therefore allowing less to reach your skin. Certain fibers, like the blend of viscose from bamboo and cotton used in our sun hoodie, have natural properties and a dense weave that absorbs UV. Other times, fabric treatments may be used to boost a lighter fabrics UPF rating.
5) What’s the Most Effective Sun Protection?
The most effective sun protection is the one that you wear when you need it. To us, that means the reliable, comfortable and always broad-spectrum UV protection provided by UPF apparel, like our sun hoodie. There are many reasons we like UPF clothing more than just sunscreen for effective sun protection. For starters, with properly worn UPF apparel, you can’t accidentally miss a spot, you don’t have to reapply and it’s easier to remember to put a shirt on! Plus, you’ll save money in the long run and your protection is always broad spectrum.
If you have additional questions about sun protection, leave us a comment below! To shop our UPF collections of sun shirts, including a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt and sun hoodie, CLICK HERE.
