What makes clothing sun protective

Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Related Articles. Lupus and Vacation: Tips to Prevent Flares. Make sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming, drying off with a towel, or sweating.

UV light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging. People who tan have a higher risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Learn more about protecting your skin.

Share Your Story. See All. Related Searches. Care Providers. New look. Same high-quality care. Learn More. Make an Appointment. Refer a Patient. Find a Doctor. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to skin ageing and is the main cause of skin cancer. Sun protection methods are extremely important in preventing these damaging effects.

One method is to wear sun protective clothing. Sun protective clothing is clothing that is manufactured from ultraviolet UV protective fabric. The definition of a sun protective fabric is a fabric that must achieve a minimum UV Protection Factor UPF rating of at least UPF15 after the equivalent of 2 years of normal wear and tear. UPF ratings are shown in the table below. Clothing that has met this standard will carry a label stating one of the UPF ratings as shown in the table above.

Much research is going into producing sun protective fabrics. Construction : Densely woven cloth, like denim, canvas, wool or synthetic fibers, are more protective than sheer, thin or loosely woven cloth.

If you can see through, UV radiation can easily penetrate the fabric and reach your skin. Content : The composition of your fabric really matters. Unbleached cotton contains natural lignins that act as UV absorbers. Shiny polyesters and even lightweight satiny silks can be highly protective because they reflect radiation. High-tech fabrics treated with chemical UV absorbers or dyes prevent some penetration from UV rays.

Fit : Loose-fitting apparel is preferable. Tight clothing can stretch and reduce the level of protection offered, as the fibers pull away from each other and allow more UV light to pass through. Look for our Seal of Recommendation whenever you shop. Coverage : The more skin your outfit covers, the better your protection.

Whenever possible, choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts.