Sun-Protective Clothing Adds a Layer of Protection
With summer finally here, now is a great time to stock up on the basics for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Sunscreen is a given
We’re sure you already know that daily use of sunscreen or moisturizer with a minimum of SPF 30+ is recommended for your face and other exposed skin. For outdoor activities, we recommend using an SPF of 50+, especially if you plan to be outside for more than 15 minutes.
Reapplication of your sunblock every ninety minutes to two hours is a must if you are outside for a long time. Reapplication is even more important at the beach, pool, or anywhere your skin will get wet since your sunblock will wash off more readily. Water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is best for water-based activities.
This is how we do it!
Sun-protective clothing can help
Sun-protective clothing is an ever-growing trend in the fight against sunburns, chronic sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Many companies now provide clothing made with fabric that has a measurable UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). A UPF factor of 30+ gives good protection from the sun; a UPF of 50+ provides great protection.
The wide variety of UPF clothing on the market spans beautiful brimmed hats in vibrant or neutral colors, sun shirts, jackets, dresses, and slacks to specialty clothing for swimming and other outdoor sports such as golfing and boating. Available for children and adults, stylish UPF options meet the needs of the most discerning and fashion-conscious individuals.
Some of the more popular brands for UPF clothing include Coolibar, Solumbra, Solbari, Cabana Life, and Kuhl. Great options are widely available at many athletic and sporting goods stores, including L.L.Bean, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Athleta, Lululemon, and more. It’s easy to find UPF clothing that works for you.
Look for Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation
You might think, “I’ll just wear a T-shirt while swimming.” However, regular fabrics don’t effectively block out ultraviolet light. Without the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, your T-shirt may provide only slight protection from UVA and UVB rays—especially if you’re not wearing sunscreen under that tee.
Look for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal as you shop for your UPF clothing and give your skin an added layer of protection.
Any questions? Consult one of our board-certified dermatologists. Please contact SSDP to schedule an appointment with any of our physicians.
