Are you getting ready for a sunny summer? Are you looking for the best sun protection available?
Many of us look for sunscreen or moisturizers with an SPF. Also known as Sun Protection Factor, it lets you know how you can protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Yet the benefits of SPF extend far beyond avoiding a sunburn.
Recent years have also seen the popularity of Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF?) What is the difference between SPF vs UPF, and how can both benefit you?
Let's take a look.
What Is SPF?
SPF is a measure of how much solar energy is required to produce sunburn on skin with sunscreen. As it increases, so does your sunburn protection.
The amount of solar energy that you're exposed to will vary based on the time of day you're in the sun, as well as your skin type. Other factors influencing your exposure include the amount of sunscreen you apply and how often you reapply it. The higher the SPF number on your product, the more protection you'll get.
SPF can lower your risk of skin precancers, as well as prevent skin aging that's caused by sun damage. This includes wrinkles, age spots, and sagging. SPF can also help keep your complexion even.
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion can also result from too much sun exposure. This can lead to nausea or even brain damage if left untreated. The right SPF can protect you from all of these threats.
There are many options for sun protection today. Sprays, sticks, and lotions can all get applied topically. Mineral sunscreens are also available for those with sensitive skin.
Sweat-resistant options can help you stay safe even if you're quite active, or if while you're going in and out of the water.
There are also a number of SPF's that are built into other skincare products, so looking for them can help save your skin and your time. These include moisturizers, lipsticks, and foundations. Built-in options work well for everyday protection. In addition, here are some insights into invisicrepe ingredients for your healthy beauty tips.
What Is UPF?
UPF is used to measure sunburn protection. It was created specifically for sun-protective fabrics, such as sun shirts.
UPF measures how much of the sun's UV radiation will penetrate fabrics and reach your skin. It's influenced by a number of factors.
UPF will be influenced by how tightly fabric fibers are bound together, as well as the color of the fabric. Moisture content and the condition of the fabric are also important factors.
There are fabrics that offer more sun protection than others. These include polyesters, which reflect UV rays. Unbleached cotton is good at absorbing them.
Some synthetic factors get treated with UV absorbers. Loose-fitting clothing will protect you best from the sun when it isn't stretched. Long sleeves can also give you more protection.
Both bright and dark colors can also give you more protection. Those with more densely woven fabric also offer additional protection.
UPF clothing can enhance your skin protection, but it's especially helpful for those with sensitive skin. You'll also need it more if you have fair or more sensitive skin. It's especially popular with children.
UPF clothing offers an advantage in that there's no need to reapply it. It also has no expiration date. Many modern styles are quite attractive and easy to wear.
UPF clothing won't wash off after swimming and also offers greater coverage.
What's the Difference Between SPF vs UPF?
The main difference between SPF vs UPF is the type of UV protection they measure. While SPF measures against more harmful UVB rays, UPF measures against both SPF vs UVB rays.
While an SPF can prolong your protection, UPF clothing can protect you from up to 98% of the sun's rays the entire time you wear it.
How Do I Know If I Need an SPF or UPF?
If you're going about your daily activities, such as work and shopping, a product that contains an SPF should work fine. However, if you're going to be swimming or spending time outdoors, especially in the summer, you'll want to make sure you're prepared.
Dermatologists recommend that folks use an SPF of at least 30. This will block out 97% of the sun's UVB rays.
It's important to remember that SPFs with high numbers last just as long as those with lower numbers. Using a higher SPF means you'll still have to re-apply regularly. This is especially true after swimming or sweating.
Your SPF will lose its original strength after three years. Make sure you check the expiration date and consistency to make sure it's ready for wear.
Children over six months of age should be wearing sunscreen in the sun on any skin that isn't covered by UPF clothing. Kids are particularly good candidates for this type of clothing because their skin is more sensitive. It's also a good idea if your skin is thinner.
If your skin is prone to burning, you can wear UPF clothing along with an SPF for great protection. You'll need to remember to apply your sunscreen at least eight minutes before putting your clothes on so you won't decrease the effectiveness of the SPF.
Shining On
UPF clothing is a great idea for those who want super sun protection. While there is a bit of a difference between SPF vs UPF., they can work together to provide you with maximum protection against the sun's rays. And you can enjoy your fun in the sun in safety!
Don't stop getting smart about your health and beauty now. For more great advice, read the rest of our blog today.
