Does UPF Clothing Actually Protect Your Skin from the Sun?
Summer is here, and most of us here in the Richmond area spend more time outside as well as sneak in a few beach getaways. With all the sun and fun, it’s easy to forget the potential damage being exposed to the sun can cause. UPF clothing claims to be the next level of sun protection, but does UPF clothing actually protect your skin from the sun?
Here, Richmond board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos weighs in on the effectiveness of UPF clothing and how you incorporate it into your sun protection strategy to more fully enjoy summer activities.
What is UPF clothing?
UPF clothing is specifically designed to absorb or shield your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UPF stands for “Ultraviolet Protection Factor” and measures the level of UV protection the fabric provides. You’re probably familiar with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in sunscreen, and the UPF rating follows the same premise of SPF—the higher the rating, the greater the level of protection.
How does UPF clothing work?
UPF clothing is made from tightly woven fabrics or treated with UV-absorbing chemicals to provide a physical barrier against the sun’s rays. A garment with a UPF rating of 50, for example, allows only 1/50th (or about 2%) of the sun’s UV radiation to reach your skin.
Is UPF clothing better than sunscreen?
It may indeed be better for certain parts of your body that can be comfortably covered while you’re out and about—plus there are a few unique advantages to UPF clothing:
No maintenance is required for consistent sun protection with UPF clothing; in contrast, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
UPF clothing makes it easy to see where you are covered, thus eliminating the “you missed a spot” problem most of us have experienced when applying sunscreen.
If you are sensitive to topical sunscreens, you can avoid irritating your skin by choosing a physical barrier like UPF clothing.
It’s best to see UPF clothing as complementary to sunscreen rather than a complete replacement. Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is your first line of defense against damaging UV rays for areas of the body exposed to direct sunlight that cannot be covered with UPF clothing. You can double down on keeping the rays at bay by combining other sun protection strategies with UV clothing and sunscreen, including seeking shade and wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Can regular clothes protect you from the sun?
Regular clothing does provide some sun protection, but its effectiveness varies. The protection level depends on the type of fabric, its color, weight, and weave, and how much of your skin it covers. Regular clothing doesn’t typically provide as high or consistent protection as UPF clothing. For example, a white cotton T-shirt offers only a UPF of 3-7 and thus you would be better protected by swapping the shirt for your favorite sunscreen!
How to choose UPF clothing
Look for items with a UPF of 30 or higher, and consider the coverage the garment provides—long-sleeved tops and long pants or skirts offer the most protection. A darker color, tighter weave, and heavier fabric increase UV protection.
Choose UPF clothing that’s comfortable
so you’re more likely to wear it consistently.
Should I wear UPF clothing even if I don’t burn easily?
Yes. People with lighter skin tones are more susceptible to sunburn and skin cancer, however; harmful UV rays can damage all skin types. Over time, this damage can lead to premature aging and increase your risk of developing skin cancer—90% of visible skin changes are caused by the sun exposure you’ve experienced over your lifetime. UPF clothing provides an added layer of protection for everyone, regardless of skin type or sensitivity to the sun.
Can I reverse sun-damaged skin?
Yes! There are several proven treatments that can reverse visible signs of aging and skin changes caused by sun exposure:
VirtureRF microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-punctures in the skin which trigger the body’s natural healing response and stimulate collagen and elastin production. The radiofrequency (RF) energy delivered during the treatments amplifies skin tightening and rejuvenation; the dual methods employed in this treatment ultimately help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, wrinkles, and fine lines associated with prolonged sun exposure.
CO2RE laser is a fractional CO2 laser to remove the dull, damaged outer layers of skin and stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells. Richmond CO2 laser treatment can precisely target and treat both superficial and deeper levels of the skin, making it particularly effective at correcting signs of sun damage such as age spots, discoloration, rough texture, and wrinkles.
UltraClear laser skin rejuvenation is a gentler laser treatment that uses cold fiber technology to vaporize damaged skin cells at controlled depths for optimal results. UltraClear is safe for all skin types and treats common skin concerns exacerbated by direct sun exposure, including redness, scars, age spots, discoloration, and minor lines and wrinkles.
Physician-only skincare is formulated with more potent active ingredients and the efficacy of these professional products is backed by clinical studies. Using superior skincare products will help to reverse sun damage, complement skin treatments, improve existing skin concerns, and prevent new ones from forming.
Dr. Aboutanos also offers skin cancer treatment to surgically remove skin cancer. If you do experience skin cancer and require corrective surgery, Dr. Aboutanos specializes in reconstructive surgeries to restore your appearance and help you feel like yourself again after skin cancer.
Schedule your consultation with the female plastic surgeon Richmond patients trust when it comes to healthier skin
Dr. Sharline Aboutanos is here to provide professional advice on skin health and treatments to address existing sun damage and skin cancer. Call Dr. Aboutanos at (804) 355-3410 or contact her online to learn more about how you can care for your skin at any stage of life.