Sweatshirts Protect Skin from Summer sun

Wednesday 20th of July 2011 01:38:49 PM

Sweatshirts Protect Skin from Summer sun

When you need to be out in the sun for any length of time, sunscreen is often seen as the line of first defense against skin cancer. Though many countries with long winters, or summers not marked by intense sunlight, make people believe they can expose their skin to the sun, the fact is the thinning of the ozone layer has increased ultraviolet ray exposure everywhere.

The use of sunscreen is always recommended when skin is exposed to the sun, but clothing such as long sleeved t-shirts and sweatshirts also provide important protection. But even with clothing, there is still the risk of exposure. Now there is innovative material named UPF 50+ that only allows 1/50th of the ultraviolet rays from the sun to pass through the material.

UPF 50+ was developed to reduce the chances of developing skin cancer while enabling people to continue their activities. Different fabrics are regularly tested by various groups including the the Australian Government’s Radiation Protection & Nuclear Safety Authority (ARPANSA). Certification by ARPANSA is considered to be one of the best available. The fabric is designed so that only 2 percent of the ultraviolet rays can pass through the material.

In the USA skin cancer is a growing problem. Currently the statistics show that 1/5th of all Americans will eventually develop skin cancer. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, deaths doubled in the USA between 1950 and 2004. Wearing clothes with ultraviolet protection built-in only makes sense.

The fabric is used currently used in a variety of clothing including beachwear and cover-ups. It is also used in sports clothing for those activities requiring prolonged exposure to the sun. It is expected there will be increased use of this type of fabric as additional colours and fabric weights are manufactured.