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We all know how important it is to shield our skin from the sun’s rays. Sunscreen is a key player, but it’s not the only tool in your arsenal. This guide covers other ways to protect your skin, including clothing, hats, and seeking shade.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s like SPF, but for fabrics. UPF measures how much UV radiation can pass through the fabric and reach your skin.
UPF ratings tell you how well a fabric protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen SPF values only measure UVB protection, so UPF clothing has advantages.
Several things determine a garment’s UPF rating:
Important Note: When buying UPF-rated clothing, look for a UPF label. This ensures the item has been tested and meets the expected protection level.
A UPF rating of 50 means the fabric blocks 98% of UV radiation. Only 1/50th of the UV radiation reaches your skin.
Always follow the care instructions on the label. If your garment has a chemical treatment for UV protection, the label will tell you how many washes it lasts.
You don’t need a full wardrobe of UPF-rated clothing. You likely have items that offer some sun protection.
Here’s how to evaluate them:
Here are some great UPF clothing options:
Don’t Forget Hand Protection!
Protecting the skin on your hands is important. Consider these options:
Other Helpful Items:
Hats are another essential part of sun protection. But not all hats are created equal. Look for hats with a wide brim that provides 360-degree coverage. A wide brim is anything 3 1/2 inches or bigger.
Baseball caps don’t offer enough protection because they leave the sides and bottom of your face exposed.
Here are some hat recommendations:
Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use awnings when available.
Bring Your Own Shade:
Keep in mind that you’re not 100% protected from UV rays when in the shade.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV radiation.
This protection is non-negotiable because UV rays—even on cloudy or overcast days—can penetrate the eyes and cause long-term damage. UVA rays, which account for 95% of UV radiation reaching Earth, penetrate deep into the eye’s tissues, contributing to age-related macular degeneration and cataracts over time. UVB rays, though less prevalent, are more intense and can burn the cornea (a condition called photokeratitis, often nicknamed “snow blindness” when caused by sun reflecting off snow). Overexposure can also weaken the skin around the eyes, leading to premature wrinkles or even eyelid cancer.
Check that your sunglasses offer UVA and UVB protection.
Not all sunglasses are created equal—dark lenses alone don’t guarantee UV defense. Look for labels that explicitly state “100% UVA/UVB protection” or “UV 400,” which means they block all rays up to 400 nanometers (the range that includes both UVA and UVB). Some brands also carry certifications from organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which vet their protective claims. Avoid knockoff or unlabeled styles, even if they look similar to designer pairs—they may lack proper UV filters, leaving your eyes vulnerable despite the tint.
Larger or wraparound styles offer the best coverage.
Why? Because UV rays don’t just come from the front—they bounce off surfaces like water, sand, or concrete, sneaking in from the sides, top, or bottom of your sunglasses. Larger frames (think oversized cat-eyes or square styles) extend beyond the eye socket, shielding more of the surrounding skin and blocking peripheral light. Wraparound designs take this a step further, hugging the sides of your face to seal out stray rays—ideal for activities like hiking, driving, or spending time on the water, where reflections are intense. Even trendy styles like aviators, with their extended temples, offer better side coverage than tiny, narrow frames. The goal is to create a “barrier” that leaves little room for UV rays to slip through—proof that function and fashion can absolutely go hand in hand.
Sun protection is more than just sunscreen. Using UPF clothing, hats, seeking shade, and wearing sunglasses can greatly reduce your sun exposure. Combine these methods for the best protection.
Take action today! What steps will you take to improve your sun protection routine?
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Aveline Lux is a visionary writer and digital storyteller, using her blog on CitiWell Shop as a platform to explore the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
Traveling extensively across continents, Aveline draws inspiration from different cultures and global trends, infusing her articles with unique perspectives and practical insights.
Aveline enjoys photography, hiking through nature trails, and curating playlists that fuel her creative process.
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