Let's Talk About Sun Protection

 
Sun protection swimwear, sun protection clothing, sun protection hats, UPF50+, SPF30+, SPF 50+. So many things to think about when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. What level of protection do I need? What does SPF and UPF mean? What does UVB and UVA mean?
 
Well, let me run through a few things I have learnt along my sun protection journey. Sharing is caring!
 

CLOTHING – when going on the hunt for sun protective clothing, it is important to pay attention to the sun protection features such as fabric, sleeve length, high neck, low neck etc. For sun protective swimwear, choosing a swimsuit, rash guard, long or short sleeve swim top that is made form quality fabric with a high UV Protection Factor will help keep the sunburn at bay. All our swimwear is made from fabrics with a high UV protection.

WHAT DOES UPF, SPF, UVB & UVA MEAN?  

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it is used to describe the level of sun protection for fabric. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the amount of protection sunscreen gives you. The 30 or 50 that follows the SPF is the measurement used to determine the level of protection the sunscreen gives you compared to unprotected skin. For example, with SPF30 it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you were not wearing any form of sunscreen or protection.

UVB, UVA are the different levels of radiation from the sun that you really need to worry about. Most sun beds (also known as solariums) use both UVA and UVB, hence why it is recommended you do not use them.  These rays affect your skin in different ways. Here is a brief explanation:-

UVA stands for Ultraviolet A Rays. UVA reaches 95% of the earth’s surface and can penetrate through clouds and glass. UVA is the main cause of photoaging, wrinkles, pigmentation and the development of skin cancers. It is a silent little beast and can penetrate quite deep into the skin without you even knowing, as it is painless.

UVB stands for Ultraviolet B. UVB reaches 5% of the earth’s surface. It is the UV gremlin that causes the ‘burn’ in ‘sunburn’. Although UVB does not penetrate through clouds or glass it does have higher energy levels than UVA, it damages the outer most layers of your skin which causes your skin to burn and become red. It also increases melanin production and causes delayed tanning.  

Both UVA and UVB are harmful which means you should be looking for sun protection that gives both UVB and UVA protection.

For me, I have found the best method to protect my skin is to use a combination of sun protection clothing (which physically covers your skin) and a high SPF50+ sunscreen.

 
Chat soon!
Anita xx
February 09, 2022
Tags: sun protection swimwear UPF50+
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