Here is an interesting article about garments and detergents that claim to shield your skin from the sun. An interesting addition to sun protection beyond protection in a bottle Sun Protection: Beyond the Bottle Dr. Leslie Baumann Sun protection should be a year-round affair; but during summer, we need all the coverage we can get. Although SPF is an absolute must, these days you can amp up your sun protection with a variety of garments and detergents that claim to shield your skin from the sun. Or can you? Clothing that offers UPF protection, similar to SPF, but rated in terms of “Ultraviolet Protection Factor,” is nothing new. Sun-protective clothing can provide protection in two ways. It can be constructed of a tightly-weaved fabric that prevents UV rays from penetrating, or contain chemical additives that absorb UV rays, such as titanium dioxide and Tinosorb. Until recently, this apparel was functional but not worthy of any fashion runway. One amazing piece that comes in gorgeous prints is the Bloxsun UPF 50 scarf. It’s perfect for wrapping around your shoulders when you’re sitting outside having a bite to eat or at a sporting event. It’s also large enough to cover most of your body when at the beach. Thanks to new lines like Cabana Life and Mott 50, and popular retailers like Gap, Uniqlo, and Land’s End, sun-protective clothing has gotten more stylish. But buyer beware… While this fashion-forwardness sounds great in theory—“I get protection and compliments, too!” some of these items have low-cut necklines and a lack of sleeves, which defeats the purpose. So be careful when choosing your UPF garments. Additionally, laundry additives like Sun Guard can be great because they infuse light-colored fabrics like cotton and linen with chemicals that prevent UV rays from reaching the skin. You don’t necessarily have to buy clothes specifically labeled with UPF offerings because any dark, tightly woven fabric offers some level of sun protection, but please use caution as chemical additives can be a concern for sensitive skin. While UPF clothing offers us that extra level of protection, I want everyone to know that this apparel is not a replacement for traditional sunscreen. If you’re an avid golfer or spend a lot of time outdoors, this clothing definitely can’t hurt. But be smart, and make sure that you give your entire body a good coat of at least SPF 30 before getting dressed and heading out the door.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 01:14:14 +0000
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