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Experts Say Live Wisely

How to Prevent Sunburn at the Beach

how to prevent sunburn cover image

Avoiding sunburn may seem like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Even during the hot summer months, when your sun exposure level is high, you can take steps to ensure you are protected. 

How long does it take to get sunburned? Can you get sunburned through a window or water? These are important questions to know the answers to so that you can avoid sunburn in the future.

Sunburn is caused by harmful UVB rays from the sun. This type of light ray causes more damage than just sunburn and skin aging. It is often linked to skin cancers. When we talk about how to protect your skin from the sun, we are not only considering how to avoid sunburn but also how to limit your risk of developing skin cancer. 

Sunburn prevention is an important topic for people of all ages. Explore our blog for more sun safe tips and advice so that you can avoid getting sunburned again.

image of a person with sunburn

Is Sunburn Dangerous?

If you’re wondering how long it takes to get a sunburn, it depends on factors such as your skin type and the UV index. Sometimes it can occur in 15 minutes of exposure or less. So, how bad is sunburn for you? 

Sunburns cause more than just the visible damage you see to your skin. The UVB rays are responsible for sunburns that are more intense, causing damage to the actual DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this damage at the cellular level can lead to skin cancer. 

Can you get skin cancer from one sunburn? The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Any length of sun exposure could be causing damage, even if you don’t actually burn from it. Consistent over-exposure to the sun, especially at a young age, increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

can you go outside with sunburn

Is It Bad to Go Outside With a Sunburn?

If you have a sunburn, one of the worst things you can do for your skin is going back out into the sun. Skin that is burned or recently healed from sunburn is extremely sensitive, so it’s best to stay inside. If you can’t avoid the outdoors entirely, there are some safety precautions you can take. 

Drink plenty of water and avoid excess activity, as sweating does make a sunburn worse by irritating the skin that is trying to heal. You can stop a sunburn from burning by applying a sunburn moisturizer with aloe vera or taking a cold shower. 

Wearing UPF clothing and applying sunscreen on sunburn can help minimize further damage. It’s important to note that sunscreen only protects against sunburn if used correctly. Keep the following best practices for sunscreen use in mind:

  • Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 (50+ is preferred)
  • Apply enough sunscreen to cover your body (roughly 1 ounce)
  • Reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes at the minimum and every 40 minutes if swimming or sweating
  • Avoid using expired sunscreens
how to avoid sunburn

How to NOT Get Sunburn at the Beach: 6 Simple Solutions

Figuring out how to not get tan or sunburned at the beach may seem like an impossible task, but you can be prepared and protected with the following steps. 

Sun Protective Clothing

You may not realize that you can get sunburn through your clothing. One of the easiest ways to avoid getting tanned and sunburned is to start integrating sun protective clothing into your wardrobe. This option is great for the whole family, whether you’re spending the day at the beach or needing daily sun protection.

Coolibar’s UPF 50+ clothing incorporates sun protection into each and every fiber, and it never washes out. You can rest assured knowing that all of our clothing and accessories provide a minimum UPF rating of 50. We offer sun-safe solutions for men, women, and even kids & babies! Sun protective clothing is easy to use and gives you the peace of mind you need, with many benefits, including:

  • Sun protecting minerals embedded in every fiber
  • Tight weave construction offers maximum sunlight blockage (UPF 50+)
  • Permanent sun protection (no washing or wearing out)

Apply Sunscreen Often (and Thoroughly)

Applying sunscreen is another relatively easy and effective method for preventing sunburn, but only if used correctly. When buying sunscreen, look for one with at least SPF 30, and be sure to apply enough to cover your entire body. Sunscreens must be reapplied every 80 minutes. If you are actively swimming or sweating, you should aim to reapply every 40 minutes. 

Sunscreen is one of the most common methods for preventing sunburn, and for good reason. It can be used for the entire family and has advantages, such as:

  • Solution for exposed skin
  • Prevents sunburn and other skin damage
  • Easy to apply and readily available

Create Your Own Shade

Although you can get sunburn in the shade from light reflecting off other surfaces, it’s better than direct sun. Creating a shaded spot can also give you relief from the heat. If staying in the shade is possible, it’s an excellent solution for minimizing sun exposure. Coolibar makes it easy with sun umbrellas you can take with you on the go.

  • No direct UV radiation
  • Lowers risk of sun damage and sunburn
  • Easy solution

Know When the Sun is Strongest

Understanding when the sun is the strongest and what sun hours to avoid can make a big difference. The sun’s UV radiation is usually at its peak between 10 am and 4 pm. If possible, staying indoors during this time frame is a simple solution. 

  • Eliminate possibility of sunburns
  • Decrease risk of developing skin cancer
  • One way to prevent tanning of the skin 

Wear a Hat That Protects Your Neck

Shielding susceptible areas from the sun’s harmful rays is another simple way to stay safe when you want to be outdoors. The face and neck are sensitive areas that a hat can cover perfectly. 

Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s UV rays still break through, so wearing a hat will minimize UV exposure and skin damage. Coolibar offers a wide variety of sun hats with UPF 50+ protection so you can feel confident and protected from the sun.

  • Keeps your head and neck cool
  • No mess and easy to incorporate into your day
  • Range of style offerings for everyone

Wear Sunglasses With UV Protection

Your eyes are another critical area to protect from the sun, not only because the skin around your eyes is particularly thin and sensitive, but because UV damage in your eyes can affect your vision. Prolonged exposure to UV rays has been shown to increase the likelihood of developing vision issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration. When looking for sunglasses, check for 100% UVA/UVB protection.

  • Provide comfort from the bright sun for your eyes
  • Minimize UV damage to your eyes and vision issues
  • Simple sun-safe solution
can you get sunburned under water

Sunburn Prevention FAQs

Those are some simple solutions to reducing sun exposure and avoiding sunburns. Here are some commonly asked questions about sunburn prevention.

Can You Get a Sunburn Underwater?

Although water does partially block UV rays, most of those rays do travel below the water’s surface and can cause sunburn to your skin. Water is also an excellent reflector of light, so while you are swimming, you are likely getting more intense sun exposure than you would out of the water. 

Can You Get Sunburned in the Shade?

Sticking to the shade will significantly reduce sun exposure, but it depends on the quality of the shade. Due to light reflection from other nearby surfaces, it’s still possible to get a sunburn in the shade with long enough exposure. 

Should You Wear Sunscreen Even If You Don’t Burn?

Sunscreen doesn’t just prevent sunburn. It also deters the other damaging effects the sun can have on the skin. Wearing sunscreen will minimize the risk of developing skin cancer and slow skin aging, so it’s essential to wear sunscreen, even if you don’t burn. 

avoid sunburn

Shop Coolibar’s Sun Protection Solutions

The sun can cause severe damage to one of our body’s most vital organs, our skin. Learning how to prevent sun damage is key to a long and healthy life. 

Living sun-safely is important. That’s why we developed the most technical, elegant sun protection you wear so that you can enjoy life under the sun. Check out our blog for more sun safety tips, and shop our latest styles for men, women, and kids & babies.

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Live Wisely

16 Things to Keep in your Car: A Car Essentials List

When an emergency arises during your commute to work or long road trip, you will be glad you planned ahead with this list of things to keep in your car for safety. What to keep in your car varies slightly depending on your region, but there are several car essentials that apply regardless. 

Traveling by car is a convenient mode of transportation, but it’s important to have an emergency kit packed and ready in case something goes wrong. There’s always a chance of a flat tire, accident, or breakdown, and you’ll be glad you thought ahead if those situations arise. 

Aside from the everyday things to have in your car in case of emergency, there are special precautions to take during the summer and winter months if you get stranded. No matter the time of year, UV rays can reach you in the car and cause damage, so sun protection is key. Here are 16 car necessities for every driver to keep in mind when going out on the road.

Image of car essentials for an emergency, like jumper cables

Emergency Essentials

There are certain safety items to have in your car, no matter where you are going or for how long. These items are necessary and will help with some of the most common issues that occur when traveling by car. Whether your vehicle is used or new, these essentials are vital to keeping you safe in transit. 

Jumper Cables

One car essential for new and experienced drivers alike is a set of jumper cables. If your car is not starting, you do not want to be caught without jumper cables handy. A dead battery is an ordinary car problem, especially with older cars and during the wintertime. 

Dead batteries can be caused by simply forgetting to turn off the interior lights in your car. Jumper cables allow you to jumpstart your battery by connecting with another vehicle’s battery. Most cars will have a hidden spot in the trunk that is perfect for storing jumper cables. When shopping for jumper cables, look for the following features:

  • Cables of 10-20 feet in length 
  • Heavy duty clamps so they properly secure to the battery, with rubber handles for safety
  • Lower wire gauge number (4 is preferred) for faster jump speed
  • Clear instruction manual

Tire Kit

A flat tire is a major disruptor of travel, so being prepared with tire gear will go a long way to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Some cars will come with a spare tire in the trunk, but it’s worth it to double-check that you have both the spare tire and the tools needed to change the tire. When preparing your tire kit, be sure to include the following items to address any issues with tire pressure, tire leaks, and flat tires:

  • Tire gauge
  • Tire sealant 
  • Spare tire
  • Tire jack
  • Lug wrench
  • Work gloves

First Aid Kit

Another basic item on the list of things you need in your car is a first aid kit. A medical issue could happen at any moment, so having a first aid kit packed is crucial. 

It’s a good idea to keep your first aid kit in the glove compartment because it’s a secure and cool spot that children won’t be able to access, but you can. Many stores will sell first aid kits already assembled with everything you need. Be sure that your kit includes these items:

  • Adhesive bandages and bandage wrap in multiple sizes
  • Gauze pads and tape
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Burn gel or aloe vera
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Tylenol or Ibuprofen
  • Eye drops
  • Tweezers and small scissors

Flashlight

Last on the emergency necessities list is a flashlight. Having a flashlight in your car can help if you need to jump your car late at night or need to alert other drivers if you are stranded on the side of the road. These key features will ensure your flashlight is ready to help during any emergency:

  • Long battery life
  • High brightness level (500-Lumens or above)
  • Convenient size for storing in your center console
a photo of a wallet as a smart thing to keep in your car

Personal Essentials

In addition to the necessary emergency essentials, it’s also a good idea to keep some personal items stocked in your car. These are convenient things to have in your car, not just for emergencies but also for everyday use. 

Water and Snacks

When hunger and thirst strike, it’s good to have a small stash of food and water in your car. Snacks are best stored in the glove compartment or center console to keep cool. Keeping a water bottle in the front with you and maybe even an extra gallon of water in your trunk can be a lifesaver in an emergency. When stocking your car with food, look for those items with a longer shelf life, such as: 

  • Nuts and seeds
  • Protein bars
  • Dried fruits

Multi-Tool 

Multi-tool devices such as a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife are versatile items to keep in the car and will come in handy more often than you may realize. They combine many functions into one tool and have many practical applications. Some even have things like a bottle opener or nail file. When shopping for a multi-tool device, look for it to have these standard components:

  • Knife
  • Pliers
  • Wire cutter
  • Screwdriver
  • Scissors

Emergency Cash

Cash is often overlooked nowadays, but it’s wise to keep it in your car, especially if you are traveling in remote areas. You never know when you might find yourself in need of cash. 

Maybe you are running low on gas, and the only gas station nearby does not accept credit cards. Or your car broke down, and you need some cash to pay someone for a ride into the nearest town. When getting money ready for your car, keep in mind the following:

  • Make sure to have a variety of smaller bills like fives and tens
  • Store the cash in a hidden place like the center console or glove compartment
  • Avoid large quantities of cash (nothing more than $100)

Phone Charger

Running out of phone battery on the road can make an emergency situation even worse. Stay prepared by always having a backup phone charger in your car. While phone chargers that plug into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or USB port are great when your car is running, choose one that does not depend on your car, like the options below.

  • Battery pack that charges via USB (select one that holds many hours of charge)
  • Charger with a removable battery (be sure to keep a spare battery on hand)
  • Solar power phone charger
car essentials header image of a person scraping snow off their car

Winter Essentials

The list of essential items for a car grows longer if you live in a colder climate. Winter storms can wreak havoc on your car and travel plans. Get your car ready for winter with these things to have in your car trunk.

Snow Shovel

Whether you’ve hit ice and veered off the road or left your car outside during a snowstorm, a snow shovel is a major winter essential, and it’s easy to store. If you are stuck and having to remove lots of snow, you’ll want a winter shovel that will hold up to the wear and tear, so consider the following when shopping:

  • Comfortable grip
  • Durable material like aluminum or carbon steel
  • Collapsible to save room in your car

Traction Aid

Getting your car stuck in the snow can be a nightmare if you aren’t prepared. Having a snow shovel to dig yourself out is great, but you might also need a traction aid for your tires. This will help give your tires some grip so you can more easily accelerate out of the snow. 

When stored in the trunk of your car, large bags can also improve overall traction when driving by adding extra weight to rear- and four-wheel drive vehicles. Some examples of traction aids are:

  • Sand
  • Salt
  • Kitty Litter

Ice Scraper

Even if you aren’t stuck in the snow, you’ll want a tool to remove snow and ice from your windows and windshield during or after a snowstorm. An ice scraper will come in handy during the wintertime and should be on your car necessities list. Look for an ice scraper with the following features:

  • Comfortable grip
  • Scraper for ice removal
  • Brush for snow removal

Winter Gear

Other items to always keep in your car during the winter include extra winter gear. If you happen to get stranded, you may have to wait multiple hours for help, especially during a severe storm. Be prepared with extra equipment to keep you warm, including:

  • Winter boots
  • Extra winter jacket
  • Hat and mittens
  • Blanket
things you need in your car during the summer time

Summer Essentials

During the summer months, when the sun’s UV rays are powerful, there are a few simple items you can keep in your car to minimize sun damage to your skin. 

Sunscreen

The windshield and windows in your car offer some limited protection from the sun, but there’s a reason that most skin cancers occur on the left side of the face and body. If you drive often, you get consistent UV exposure and damage from the driver’s side window. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen daily and keeping extra in the car. When shopping for sunscreens, look for these qualities: 

  • Mineral-based
  • SPF 30 or above
  • Water resistance

Driving Gloves

Wearing gloves when you drive can actually significantly impact skin health on your hands, especially if you drive frequently. UV damage to the delicate skin on your hands can cause aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. There are many options out there, but here are some important features to look for in driving gloves:

  • UPF 50+
  • Tech gloves or fingerless gloves
  • Coverage for your wrists and arms 

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a good thing to keep in your car, and most cars have storage explicitly made for them with easy access for the driver. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV damage that can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration. They can also reduce glare when driving. A few things to look for when shopping for sunglasses: 

  • 100% UVA and UVB protection
  • Polarized lenses for the best protection
  • Large enough in size to protect the sensitive skin around the eyes

UPF Clothing

Last but certainly not least on the list of car needs is UPF clothing. This is especially important in the summer when the sun is the strongest and during long road trips. Even though you are in the car, your skin can be damaged if left unprotected. Here are some UPF 50+ clothing and accessory items to consider: 

Shop Coolibar to Stay Protected From the Sun in your Car

Preparing your car for emergencies is important for all drivers, regardless of age and experience. In addition to emergency and personal essentials, items for sun protection can help you avoid skin damage and stay safe in the car. Read more sun safety tips on our blog, and check out Coolibar’s UPF 50+ clothing for you and your family.

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Experts Say

Can You Get Sunburned Through Clothing? The Definitive Answer

Have you ever wondered if you can get sunburned through clothing? The answer comes down to a number of factors surrounding the type of fabric the clothing is made out of and the properties of that fabric. Not all clothing is treated equally.

For extended periods of time in the sun, it’s important to wear SPF on any skin exposed to the elements and consider the type of clothing you are wearing. There’s a misconception that you don’t get sunburned through clothing. 

Can You Get Sunburn Through Clothing?

So, can you get sunburned through clothes? The answer comes down to whether your clothes allow light to pass through. At a glance, your clothing may look like a physical barrier against the sun’s rays, but it really depends on the type of fabric you are wearing. 

As a general rule of thumb, if you can see light through your clothing, then sunlight can get through and cause sunburn. Below are some factors that determine the amount of sun protection your clothing offers.

  • Fabric type: synthetic fabrics such as polyester or nylon can reflect the sun’s radiation due to their sheen. 
  • Weight: the density of thicker materials reduces the ability of the UV light to pass through.
  • Weave: fabrics with a tighter weave have a better physical block to the sun compared to fabrics with a lighter weave.
  • Color: darker or brighter colors soak up more of the UV rays than lighter colors, allowing less sunlight to pass through to your skin.

The Solution: Clothes That Protect From the Sun

Clothes that protect from the sun are a great solution when it comes to avoiding skin damage and keeping cool. When searching for clothes to wear in the sun, you will likely notice UPF ratings. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s a rating system used for sun protective clothing, telling us how much of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays actually pass through. 

What SPF does clothing provide? Non-UPF clothing has an average UPF of only 5 to 10, and that number lowers to a UPF of roughly 3 when that clothing gets wet. At Coolibar, we set the standard with all of our clothing, hats, and accessories rating at a UPF 50+. This means that less than 1/50th of the sun’s rays will be allowed through the fabric. Our fabrics are guaranteed to block 98% of UVA/UVB rays, so you can live sun-safely in sun protection you wear. 

Does UPF Clothing Really Work?

How does UPF clothing work, exactly? Coolibar’s proprietary fabrics achieve sun protection starting at the most basic level: each tiny fiber.

  • Zinc Oxide: a main ingredient in sunscreen; this is permanently embedded into every fiber.
  • Titanium Dioxide: another mineral found in sunscreen and permanently embedded into every fiber, so it never washes or wears out.
  • Construction: a tight weave for maximum sunlight blockage.
Tip: Long Sleeves Are Actually Cooler

It may seem counterintuitive, but long sleeves are actually cooler in the sun. Long sleeves have a secret advantage on especially hot days. Particularly long sleeve shirts that are looser fitting on the body and have sweat wicking properties. This is true even for shirts that block the sun with a high UPF.

One reason behind this has to do with our sweat. Sweat is a natural bodily cooling mechanism, and long sleeves in a sweat-wicking fabric keep your skin drier than a short sleeve shirt. Long sleeves provide airflow between the fabric and your skin, almost like a wind tunnel keeping you even cooler. Additionally, the fabric on the sleeve provides a bit of shade to your skin that short sleeves do not. 

Clothing and Sun Protection FAQs

There are many misconceptions out there surrounding clothing and SPF protection. Since you can get a sunburn through clothes, it’s a good idea to educate yourself on the best protection methods. A combination of UPF clothing and sunscreen will safeguard you from sun damage. Here are some commonly asked questions surrounding clothing and sun protection.

Can UV Rays Go Through Clothes and Damage Skin?

UV light can go through clothes and cause damage to your skin, including sunburn. The best clothes to wear in the sun are those with a high sun protection rating. UPF shirts do work and will help prevent skin damage.

Can You Absorb Vitamin D Through Clothes?

If sun rays can go through clothes, vitamin D can be absorbed through them as well. There is a limit when it comes to a healthy amount of vitamin D, so protect yourself with proper UPF clothing and sunscreen. 

Does Denim Block UV Rays?

Due to the fabric qualities of denim, it provides more sun protection than other materials. The general thickness of denim helps to block UV rays, as well as its tight weave construction and generally darker color.

Does Linen Provide Sun Protection?

On the other end of the spectrum, linen does not provide much sun protection due to the nature of the fabric. The weave is much looser, and the overall weight of the fabric means that there is not much blockage from the sun. 

Explore More Sun Safety Tips in Coolibar’s Blog

Taking sun protection seriously means wearing sunscreen and incorporating UPF clothing into your wardrobe. Coolibar is the world leader in UPF 50+ fabric technology, so you can feel confident that your skin is protected. 

Living sun-safely is important. That’s why we developed the most technical, elegant sun protection you wear, so you can enjoy life under the sun. Check out our blog for more sun safety tips, and shop our latest styles for men, women, and kids & babies.

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Experts Say

What’s the Difference Between SPF and UPF?

Did you know there’s a difference between SPF and UPF? Both have something to do with keeping your skin protected from the sun but mean very different things. Sunlight includes rays of invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation; overexposure to UV rays can lead to sunburn, accelerated skin aging and skin cancer. Sun protective clothing and sunscreen offer your main forms of UV protection but are rated two different ways with SPF and UPF.

UPF is the standard used to measure the effectiveness of sun protective fabrics. UPF stands for “Ultraviolet Protection Factor” and indicates how much of the sun’s UV radiation penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. UPF is associated with fabric and you will see a UPF rating from 15-50 associated with products that claim that they are sun protective. A fabric with a rating of 50 will allow only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays to pass through. This means the fabric will reduce your skin’s UV radiation exposure significantly because only 2 percent of the UV rays will get through. This also means that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays while SPF only takes the UVB rays into account.

SPF is a standard used to measure the effectiveness of sunscreen. SPF stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. It measures the amount of time it takes for sun-exposed skin to redden, while UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. Remember that SPF only accounts for UVB rays unless specifically stated as a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Here is a visual breakdown of the two compared to each other.

As you can see when you are trying to keep your skin protected it is important to know the different rating systems. Many skin-care experts believe clothing shields skin more effectively from UV light than sunscreen. Many of us often apply sunscreen lotions too thinly, giving our skin less protection than the sunscreen’s available SPF rating, and we neglect to reapply it as directed by the specific sunscreen that we use.

To receive The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, sun-protective fabrics must have a minimum UPF of 30. They consider a UPF rating of 30-49 to offer very good protection and 50+ excellent protection. Coolibar was the first clothing brand to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. All of our clothing is rated UPF 50+, with protection that will never wash out.

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Experts Say

Make Sunglasses Part of Your Sun Protective Wardrobe

Did you know that sunglass lens protection can diminish over time? According to the latest research on glasses, lenses can expire, like food in the refrigerator, and protection can go bad. That’s why the right lenses matter for long -term eye health. UV rays bounce from sidewalks, water surfaces and penetrate car windows, causing long-term damage, like cataracts.

Don’t forget that UVA rays dominate year-round. These are the burning rays that penetrate clouds, glass, and our deep tissue layers. They are also the culprits that cause macular degeneration and cataracts. It may sound surprising, but even eyes, like skin, can easily sunburn. If your eyes have ever felt itchy and scratchy after being in the sun, you’be most likely had sunburn on your eyes.

Having a sunburn on your eye is one thing but, there are other things that can affect your eyes too. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, eyelid skin cancer accounts for 5-10% of all skin cancers. It’s important to wear eyewear with maximum UV protection, blocking 100% of UV rays and wear a wide brim hat when spending time outdoors.

We recommend quality lenses in stylish designs that provide proper coverage and suggest the following 4 brands on coolibar.com:

Costa: Created by a group of hardcore fisherman who spent their days exploring the globe. Costa’s mission is to create the clearest sunglasses on the planet for the life’s great adventures.

Serengeti: Known for developing state of the art technology, all Serengeti sunglasses are photochromatic and constantly adjust throughout the day to changing light conditions.

Eyebobs: A line of distinctive, high-quality reading glasses for the irreverent and slightly jaded, Eyebobs was created on the notion that you should not be doomed to wander the racks of drugstore readers in search of the least offensive pair.

Kaenon: Kaenon was founded by two brothers who were unsatisfied with the sunglasses available on the market. Determined to create something better, they developed the proprietary polarized SR-91® lens — the world’s first non-compromising polarized lens. The sunglasses Kaenon created were quickly adopted by world-class athletes ranging from sailing to golf, from baseball to fishing.

Be mindful of year-round UBA and protect your eyes–and skin–from burns.

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Experts Say

What are ultraviolet rays?

Scientifically speaking, UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. It has wavelengths shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the naked eye. These wavelengths are classified as UVA, UVB, or UVC.

UV Radiation and Skin Cancer
By damaging the skin’s cellular DNA, excessive UV radiation produces genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer. Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization have identified UV as a proven human carcinogen. UV radiation is considered the main cause of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These cancers strike more than a million Americans each year. Many experts believe that, especially for fair-skinned people, UV radiation also frequently plays a key role in melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. One person each hour dies from melanoma.

UVA Rays
Most of us are exposed to large amounts of UVA throughout our lifetime. UVA rays account for up to 95 percent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. Although they are less intense than UVB, UVA rays are 30 to 50 times more prevalent. They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year and can penetrate clouds and glass.
UVA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB and is responsible for skin aging, wrinkling (photoaging) and breaking down collagen. Recent studies over the past two decades show that UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the basal layer of the epidermis, where most skin cancers occur. (Basal and squamous cells are types of keratinocytes.) UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.
UVA is the dominant tanning ray, and we now know that tanning, whether outdoors or in a salon, causes cumulative damage over time. A tan results from injury to the skin’s DNA; the skin darkens in an imperfect attempt to prevent further DNA damage. These imperfections, or mutations, can lead to skin cancer. Tanning booths primarily emit UVA. The high-pressure sunlamps used in tanning salons emit doses of UVA as much as 12 times that of the sun. Not surprisingly, people who use tanning salons are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. According to recent research, first exposure to tanning beds in youth increases melanoma risk by 75 percent.

UVB Rays
UVB, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, tends to damage the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers. It plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging. Its intensity varies by season, location, and time of day. The most significant amount of UVB hits the U.S. between 10 AM and 4 PM from April to October. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice, which bounce back up to 80 percent of the rays so that they hit the skin twice. UVB rays do not significantly penetrate glass.

 

If you’d like to read more information about ultraviolet rays visit the Skin Cancer Foundation website.

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Behind The Design

5 New Items from Spring That You’ll Love

Our new spring collection is here and we couldn’t be more excited to tell you about some of our favorite items.

Lace-Up Rash Guard:

With a detailed lace-up neckline and a slightly fitted design, it might be easy to forget the sun protective benefits this Long Sleeve Swimshirt has to offer. Made from our quick-drying, lightweight, UPF 50+ Aqua fabric, which is salt water and chlorine resistant, this rash guard mixes guaranteed UPF 50+ sun protective features like thumbholes for the delicate skin on your hands, with sophisticated style for an easy transition from recreational swim to lunch at the bistro. Offering the UV protection you depend on, this sporty rash guard is a versatile swimwear staple you will want to add to your rotation.

Shoulder Lace-Up Dress:

Made of buttery soft material, our Shoulder Lace-Up Dress is a fresh take on one of your favorite styles. With an asymmetrical crew neckline and prominent lace up detail, you will look sharp for any occasion but remain cool enough for the hottest summer day. Perfect as a poolside bathing suit cover up but worthy of a garden party, this smartly casual lace up dress is sun protection that is just what the doctor ordered.

Ruche Cowl Neck:

Sure to become your favorite sun protection piece, you will love this Ruche Cowl Neck for the perfect blend of UV coverage and overall attractiveness. Keep the sun off your back (and neck) in style with the asymmetrical rushing that ties at your right hem and a cowl that becomes a cool loose hood to shield your face in an instant. This sporty cowl neck pullover is easily worn for comfortably soft everyday attire, but designed with non-restrictive French terry fabric and thumbholes for an impromptu bike ride!

Chambray Tunic Top:

Easy to dress up or down, our versatile and flattering the Chambray Tunic Top is a classic piece with our sun protective twist. Smartly tailored with a button placket at the neck, roll-up sleeves with button tabs, and chest pockets with a secure button flap, our women’s chambray shirt provide relaxing comfort with stylish elegance. Perfect for every day and made for travel, this lightweight shirt is velvety soft, forgiving and best of all, machine washable.With UPF sun protective coverage woven right into the fibers, you’ll delight in the effortless sunscreen benefit while you enjoy the outdoors worry-free. Comfortable and lightweight to keep you cool, this easy to style Tencel denim top is soft-washed for a vintage work shirt look and easily layered.

Asymmetrical Brim Hat:

Lean back in your lounge chair with ease and relax in the shade of sun coverage with our Asymmetrical Brim Hat designed for coverage, without compromising your comfort, the graduated brim of these sun shade hats provides a larger brim of full shade coverage in the front, with a smaller brim in back, making it ideal to sit in a beach chair effortlessly. The satin ribbon accent bow at the crown is a subtle nod to classic elegance which lends itself well to the versatility of your style. You’ll be able to read all day while relaxing in your favorite beach chair.

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