Did you know that there is a distinction between UPF and SPF? While both have a role in protecting your skin from the sun, they are two very different terms. The sun’s ultraviolet radiation (UV) can cause skin cancer, skin damage and sunburn. Sun protection clothing, and sunscreen provide the main forms of UV protection. However, they are rated in two different ways with UPF and SPF.
UPF refers to the standard that measures the effectiveness for sun protection fabrics. UPF stands to indicate how much UV radiation is absorbed by a fabric. UPF refers to fabric. Products that claim they are sun-protective will have a UPF rating between 15 and 50. A fabric with a UPF rating of 50 will only allow 1/50th the sun’s UV radiation to pass through. Because only 2 percent UV rays can pass through the fabric, this will significantly reduce the skin’s exposure to UV radiation. It blocks both UVA rays and UVB rays, while SPF only considers UVB.
SPF refers to a standard that measures the effectiveness of sunscreen. SPF stands to indicate “Sun Protection Factor”. SPF is the time taken for sun-exposed skin’s reddening to occur. UPF, on the other hand, measures the UV radiation that penetrates fabric and reaches skin. Except for broad-spectrum sunscreens, SPF does not account for UVB radiation.
It is crucial to understand the various rating systems when protecting your skin. Experts in skin care believe that clothing protects skin better from the sun than sunscreen. We apply sunscreen lotions to thinly, which gives our skin less protection than the available SPF rating. Additionally, we don’t reapply sunscreen as directed by the manufacturer.
To be eligible for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation sun-protective fabrics should have a minimum UPF of 30, A UPF rating of 30 to 49 is considered very good protection, and 50 or more excellent protection. Coolibar is the first clothing brand to be awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. Our clothing is UPF 50+ and will not wash out.
Whether it’s hats, sunset hoodies, sun and water tops or just everyday tops, Boat Bitch Apparel will keep you looking great while on your boating excursion. Featuring UPF 50+ / SPF 50+ sun protection, moisture wicking technology, pastel colors and reinforced seams Boat Bitch apparel is the perfect fit when it comes to boat clothes for woman. Check out our clothing and accessories today!
