Sun Protection: Understanding the Distinction Between UPF and SPF, and Why a Combined Approach Could Benefit You
When it comes to protecting ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun, understanding the differences between SPF and UPF is crucial.
What is SPF?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a rating used to measure how well a sunscreen protects skin from UVB rays, which primarily cause sunburn. The SPF range typically goes from SPF 15 up to SPF 50, with some brands offering SPF 100. SPF 30 allows about 1/30th of UVB radiation to reach the skin.
What is UPF?
UPF, on the other hand, measures how much both UVA and UVB rays are blocked by fabrics used in clothing. UPF protection can degrade if the fabric becomes stretched or worn out. A shirt with a UPF rating of 50 blocks 98% of UV radiation. High UPF (e.g., 50+) fabrics block more than 97.5% of UV radiation, similar in protection level to SPF 50 sunscreen but more durable.
The Importance of Using Both SPF and UPF
Using both SPF and UPF together is the best approach for serious sun safety. SPF sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin areas to prevent UVB sunburn, while UPF-rated clothing offers continuous protection without reapplication, making it ideal for extended outdoor exposure, especially when covering large body areas. This joint approach is beneficial for extended outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, or walking on a sunny day.
Choosing the Right Options
When it comes to sunscreens, look for products labeled "broad-spectrum" to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Opting for mineral sunscreen, sensitive skin formulas, kid-friendly products, or long-sleeved UPF shirts are important steps to guard skin from the sun's harmful effects.
Maintaining Protection
It's important to note that SPF effectiveness can be degraded by profuse sweating, swimming in water, and after 120 minutes of normal wear, whereas UPF protection is passive and steady. This means that while reapplying sunscreen is necessary throughout the day, UPF-rated clothing adds an extra layer of protection without the need for constant reapplication.
Staying Sun-Safe
In summary, using SPF sunscreen on exposed skin areas and wearing UPF-rated clothing for persistent protection is the key to staying safe in the sun. By combining the two, we can ensure that we are well-protected against both UVA and UVB rays, especially during prolonged sun exposure.
Science confirms that maintaining health-and-wellness involves not just protecting our skin from the sun with SPF sunscreen, but also with UPF-rated clothing for extended outdoor activities like fitness-and-exercise or swimming. Skincare routines should include using broad-spectrum sunscreens, choosing mineral options for sensitive skin, and wearing UPF clothing to ensure continuous protection, even during sweating or swimming.
