Dermatologists agree that specialist sun protective clothing is the first line of defence in preventing sun burn, skin ageing and skin cancer. It is accepted that up to 90% of all skin ageing is due to UV exposure.
Dr Levin, a certified Dermatologist told Readers’ Digest that "protective clothing and broad brim hats are one of the most important steps when it comes to sun safe practices in my opinion”.
Sunscreen is an important part of any sun protection routine, but the drawback of sunscreen is that you have to apply it to your skin. The other practical challenge is that we often don’t apply enough in the first instance and are all guilty of not reapplying every two hours. Whereas, UPF clothing consistently protects the areas of your skin that it covers. UPF clothing that is rated UPF50+ is equivalent to wearing SPF50+ sunscreen and blocks at least 98% of UV rays.
Dr Levin agreed with this assertion about sunscreen when she said “Heavy perspiration, water activities and incomplete application of sunscreen causes sunscreen products rubbing off and losing their effectiveness, resulting in incomplete sun protection”.
Specialist sun protective clothing incorporates function design to minimise areas of your body exposed to direct sunlight and it utilises fabrics which have a UPF rating of at least 30. UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is the sun protective rating for fabrics. The Australian Government tests and rates fabrics with a UPF rating.
Dr Levin urged people to take advantage of clothing labelled with a UPF rating, which she believes does the most effective job, she recommends a UPF rating of 50+.
Dermatologist, Dr Jacquelyn Dosal also notes on her personal online blog, “After battling with unpleasant sunscreens, I have finally come around to the notion that sun protective clothing is much more convenient and more effective and protecting from UV damage"
Solbari is a specialist Australian sun protective clothing brand with customers in over 75 countries. All of Solbari’s fabrics have been tested and rated UPF 50+ by the Australian Government.
You can find out more about Solbari's certified UPF50+ sun protective range by clicking the blue links below:
Women UPF 50+
Men UPF 50+
Sun Hats UPF 50+
Accessories UPF50+
