Not All Sun-Protective Apparel is Created Equal
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again! Not all apparel, especially sun-protective apparel, is created equal. Today, we are teaming up with Lesli Mace (@skinandspf), a Board Certified Dermatology PA with 15 years of clinical experience. Lesli splits her time between Allergy/Immunology and Dermatology in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She was kind enough to join us to share why not all sun-protective apparel is created equal.
What should consumers keep in mind when looking for sun-protective apparel?
The most important piece of information is the UPF rating, a system created specifically for sun-protective fabrics. The UPF rating indirectly indicates the absorption percentage of the sun’s UV radiation that can be absorbed by the fabric. Areas completely covered by UPF 50+ clothing will have a 98% blockage of UVA and UVB. I recommend that my patients look for apparel that is UPF rated 50 or higher and has The Skin Cancer Seal of Recommendation. This is a voluntary, independent evaluation of product quality by an independent third-party committee. The Seal of Recommendation is awarded to individual sun-protection products, not to brands.
How important is the breathability and weave of the garments?
Just as with sunscreen, my favorite products are the ones that my patients will actually use. Your clothing should feel comfortable and be items that you want to incorporate into your activities and lifestyle. I find that patients are hesitant to try some items, especially swim shirts because they perceive them to be bulky and uncomfortable. Once they actually try them, usually people can embrace them, especially men!
Why is it important to purchase from a dependable source?
I have purchased UPF items in the past that I later realized were not high quality. My daughter has previously received a tan through a generic, but UPF rated, piece of clothing. This is why it is important to buy your sun-protective garments from a reputable manufacturer. Again, look for The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.
Why is all apparel not created equal?
Clothing, especially sun-protective clothing, is not created equal. There was a research study that proved that a solid, white t-shirt was equivalent to UPF 5 when wet. That is crazy! Manufacturing, product testing, and quality ratings are all crucial, and things like the quality of the fibers and weave of the fabric also contribute to the UPF rating. There is a misnomer that the color of the fabric affects the UPF rating. The color of the fabric does not affect the sun rating.
What are some of your favorite sun-protective products?
The most important sun-protective item to use daily is sunscreen. Sunscreen comes in many forms (lotions, serums, sprays, sticks) and can provide a physical (mineral SPF) or chemical filter on top of the skin to protect from photodamage. I encourage my patients to spend time trying different types. of sunscreen to find one they enjoy.
Additionally, I recommend applying the first layer of sunscreen with a rub-on lotion before putting on your swimsuit. That way, if your swimsuit shifts, you are still protected. I’ve found that sunscreen sticks and sprays are excellent for touchups. Remember, sunscreen should be reapplied every 40-80 minutes)! Both sticks and sprays must be rubbed in after application to make them effective.
What about your favorite sun-protective apparel?
Wide-brimmed Hats: The nose and ears tend to have the most exposure and are usually the first sites to burn. For this reason, the most common location for skin cancer is on the face. The extra face protection from a brim of at least 3 inches wide is important.
Swim Shirts: Especially for kids! If you are wearing a high-quality swim shirt, you do not have to worry about the constant reapplication of sunscreen. There is nothing worse than chasing kiddos down the beach to rub sunscreen on sandy skin!
Swim Leggings: Swim leggings have been another game changer for my daughter.
Neck Gaiters: Versatile items like neck gaiters that can be worn down to protect the neck or as a headband to protect your forehead and scalp are great too!
Sun-Protective Gloves: Sun-protective gloves are great for water sports, especially kayaking.
Sun Wraps: The L.U.V. Sun Wrap is a fun and dynamic sun-protective choice. It can be worn as a skirt, a shawl, and draped in so many ways to block the sun.
What is one skin cancer myth you hear often and want to debunk?
One very common skin cancer myth is that skin cancer only happens to “old people.”
I have personally removed melanoma from patients in their twenties
I have removed basal cell carcinoma from people in their late teens
I have patients who had their first melanoma in their mid-teens
I have taken atypical moles off patience of all ages.
Skin cancer under the age of thirty is uncommon, but it does happen. It is important for people of all ages and skin types to have a total-body skin cancer screening once a year. The earlier a cancer is detected, the better the outcome.
Want to read posts from other Board Certified Dermatology professionals?
Read about Incidential Sun Exposure in collaboration with Lauren Guren.