However, overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, as well as frequent and severe sunburns, increases the risk of skin cancer. People with fair complexions, freckles, or moles are even more at risk, and children are more likely than adults to suffer long-term damage from their thin and sensitive skin.
It's not about snuggling up - nothing is nicer than spending your day outside on a beautiful day - but (UV) rays can be dangerous.
You should take precaution to protect yourself properly, including wearing clothing that provides sun protection, applying sunscreen gel, and knowing the times when solar radiation is most harmful.
In This Article
- Clothing offering sun protection
- Sunscreen Gel and SPF
- UV rays: what you need to know
- UVA and UVB rays
Clothing offering sun protection
Wearing a bikini made of sun-resistant materials won't protect you much since it only covers part of your body. When it comes to sun protection, covering the body is essential.
Wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and long shorts are all effective ways to minimize your sun exposure. However, keep in mind that not all materials are created equal.
FPRUV clothing
To know if a garment offers good sun protection, you need to check the FPRUV (UV protection factor).
FPRUV Classification for protection against UV rays
Real UV ray penetration ≤ (in %)
15 Minimum protections 6.7
30 Good protections 3.3
50, 50+ Excellent protection 2
The FPRUV ranges from 15 to 50+ depending on the percentage of UV rays blocked.
- For example, if a long-sleeved sweater has a factor of 30 that means it lets one-thirtieth of the UV rays (3.3%) pass through to your skin.
- Simple white cotton t-shirt has an FPRUV of about 5 when dry; this means that it lets through 20% of UV rays.
- In general, clothing that provides more skin coverage and has a tighter weave or knit will provide better protection against UV rays.
- Damaged, worn, wet, or stretched clothing is less effective in protecting you from the sun.
Due to their polymer structure, synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, spandex, spandex, and acrylic protect better against UV rays than natural fibers like wool, cotton, and linen.
Some garments that provide UV protection are also treated with various compounds, brighteners, or resins that absorb or reflect UV rays.
Wear full sleeve cloth including hats, glasses, and other products like an umbrella.
Recommended to read: Why Sun Protection is Important in Winter
Sunscreen Gel and SPF
You may have noticed that the sun protection ratings of clothing resemble those of Sunscreen Gel. However, the two systems are different.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the time it takes for a person's skin to redden when exposed to the sun. This system is therefore focused on the superficial effects of UVB rays.
Currently, there is no standard for testing the ability of sunscreens to block UVA rays which are more penetrating, although some brands claim to offer “broad spectrum” protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Many professionals still recommend the use of a broad spectrum product as a preventative measure.
Recommended to read: What SPF Sunscreen Should You Choose For Your Skin?
It is also interesting to note that the SPF of clothing remains relatively constant over time, despite normal wear and tear.
However, the effectiveness of sunscreens is compromised by things like sweating, swimming, and wiping off with a towel. We must therefore apply it regularly.
Other important points about sunscreens gel SPF:
- Most people benefit from a gel sunscreen with an SPF of 50.
- Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, while an SPF of 50 blocks about 98%.
- Sunscreens gel should never be applied to the skin of a baby under 12 months; you should instead keep young children in the shade, with a hat and clothing.
- Sunscreen should be applied about half an hour before sun exposure or applying insect repellent.
- Gel sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, regardless of label directions. For climbers or endurance athletes who cannot stop every two hours, we recommend that they use a product with an SPF of 45 or 60, offering a greater initial chemical load and thus a degree of protection. Slightly higher.
UV rays: what you need to know
Visible and invisible radiations from the sun have different wavelengths; the shorter the wavelength, the more intense the radiation, the ultraviolet radiation being the more intense.
Three types of ultraviolet radiation: UVC, UVA, and UVB. Because UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere before reaching the earth, our main concern is UVA and UVB rays.
UVA and UVB rays
UVA rays make up the majority of ultraviolet radiation (about 95%). They penetrate the deep layer of the skin, amaging its structures and causing it to age prematurely.
They also contribute to the development of certain skin cancers, which are the most common types of cancer. UVA rays are relatively constant throughout the year, during the hours of sunlight.
UVB rays are about 1000 times stronger than UVA rays. They damage the outer layer of the skin. They are responsible for sunburn and the external aging of the skin, as well as being closely linked to the development of cancer and cataracts.
Unlike UVA radiation, UVB radiation varies depending on the season, location, and time of day. It is strongest at midday, or late morning and early afternoon, when the angle of solar radiation with the earth's surface is most direct. That's why it is recommended to wear sunscreen gel SPF 50 daily
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