It’s summer and it can only mean one thing – the sun will be brighter these days. That means you should set in motion your summer skin regimen that includes sunscreen for protection. But is this really enough? Should you look for other kinds of skin protection from the blistering heat of the sun?
It seems like some people found an answer to this question. Why just settle with sunscreen when you can literally wear sun protection? We have always used our clothes as a means of protection from the elements. So why not create a specific kind of clothing that will protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays?
Wearing Sunscreen
Ask any expert and they will say that most people don’t use enough sunscreen even on the hottest days. Sometimes, people don’t even wear sunscreen for various personal reasons (allergies, “it feels weird”, I don’t like the smell). So various groups found a way to make sun protection less tedious and effortless.
Sun protection clothing is a new trend that is gaining popularity these days. Simply put, sun protection clothing is like wearing sunscreen. No more greasy applications or bothersome re-applications. Just wear it and you will get reduced damage from sun exposure. But the real question is, is it really effective or is it just another fad?
Putting Sun Protection Clothing to the Test
Now, the people backing up sun protective clothing say that the science behind sun-safe clothing is simple. If you are wearing something that can serve as a barrier preventing the UV-rays from ever reaching your skin then you will be protected. Any kind of clothing can prevent some of the UV-rays but not all of them. They measure this penetrability factor by UPF – the higher the UPF the better.
Sun-proof clothing have very high UPF compared to your everyday clothes – well, at least according to the ones selling them. They say that although your clothes cover your skin, that doesn’t mean it will save you from the UV-rays.
Consumer reports did a simple comparison between a well-known sun protective clothing brand and regular clothing. According to consumer reports, the $36 Rash guard did provide good UPF and will surely protect you from the sun. The shocking discovery was not that they were effective. Instead, consumer reports found out that a thicker than regular T-shirt costing almost a third of the rash guard had almost the same UPF as the sun protection clothing. Another polyester-spandex long sleeve compression crew showed 3 times as much UPF as the $36 rash guard for half the price.
To wear or not to wear
Ultimately, sun protective clothing is indeed effective but you can get the same kind of protection with cheaper clothing. Find cheaper but better alternatives to the ones being sold as UV-proof clothing. If you really want to ensure that you will not have damaged skin this summer, double up on your sunscreen and follow a strict summer skin regimen. Sun protection clothing should only be an addition to your summer sun protection program.
If you need more information on how you can keep your skin healthy this summer, don’t hesitate to contact Arsenault Dermatology. We can take care of all your dermatology needs so you can enjoy the summer without having to worry about damaging your skin.
