Before going on vacation, we usually purchase sunscreen to minimize harmful effects solar radiation. But skin care experts are increasingly saying that in a hot country, one cream is not enough. Firstly, few people use it outside the beach, and secondly, not everyone regularly applies the cream after each swim.
The sun's rays burn every unprotected part of the body, adding risks of premature aging or the development of skin cancer. Therefore, doctors are increasingly saying that you should literally hide from the sun: in the shade of trees or with the help of clothing.
Alas, most traditional summer clothes do not protect us from the sun. American scientists have created a standard by which the protection factor of clothing is determined, like sunscreen. So, the white thin cotton shirt beloved by many has the lowest degree of protection - only 6. This means that about 90% of ultraviolet radiation reaches the skin even through the fabric. And the best way to absorb ultraviolet radiation and prevent it from penetrating the skin is thick, thick black fabric. It is clear that this is not the best choice for a vacation. What to do?
T-shirts vs. shirts
Australian scientists, concerned about the high percentage of skin cancer in their country, studied the characteristics of tissues and their ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation and came to interesting conclusions.
It turned out that the structure of the fiber is of paramount importance. The more space between the threads, the more access for sunlight. Denim clothing and items made of thick silk do not transmit ultraviolet radiation. Cotton, linen or viscose will protect from the sun only if they are dyed. And the darker the paint, the less ultraviolet radiation it will let through.
In the process of numerous washings, things gradually deteriorate and the structure of the fibers becomes loose and permeable to ultraviolet radiation. But this only applies to old things. If you wash cotton fabric a couple of times, it will “shrink” slightly, that is, the space between the threads will decrease.
Wet things, regardless of the quality of the material, transmit ultraviolet radiation better than dry ones. So even a closed swimsuit, if it is not changed after swimming, will not protect against the harmful effects of solar radiation.
Choice for the summer
Skin care experts recommend that in the summer, first of all, make sure that the back of the neck and shoulders, ears, décolleté and lower back are covered from the sun's rays. These are the places that are most often exposed.
To take care of them, it is enough to choose T-shirts with a collar, without a deep neckline. And buy skirts and trousers not with a low waist, but regular ones.
Don't forget about hats. At the same time, wide-brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps and even more so a bandana, which does not even cover the face from the sun.
Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement. It's also about taking care of your eyes. With age, the eyes become less moisturized, and in the open sun they become completely dry. Hence the unpleasant sensations, pain, redness.
For normal hydration of both eyes and skin, you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of regular drinking water a day.
On a note
Who shouldn't sunbathe?
- People suffering from hypertension, varicose veins, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease;
- women diagnosed with fibroids or endometriosis;
- people who often suffer from herpes (so-called fever);
- people taking antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines and antiarrhythmic drugs.
How does sun clothing work?
The term “sun protective clothing” first appeared in 1996, when Australian companies, concerned about the high incidence of skin cancer on the continent, began developing specialized clothing with an additional level of UPF filters. Its peculiarity is that it should protect against ultraviolet rays of groups A and B (unlike conventional cosmetic sunscreens, which only resist UVB radiation), minimizing their negative impact on the skin. The UPF level of such clothing typically ranges from 15 to 50, often achieved by treating the fabric with a special chemical (such as titanium dioxide) or a UV-blocking dye that helps absorb or reflect solar radiation. In addition, there are various laundry additives - powders, gels - that promise to turn any item of clothing into sun-protective clothing, giving it an additional UPF level.
Who needs it?
By and large, everyone. Even if you are not prone to an allergic reaction to the sun and do not plan to vacation near the equator, additional skin protection from harmful radiation will not hurt. But for most of us, ordinary clothing is still enough, but specialized clothing, with a UPF factor, is intended more likely for people with hypersensitive skin and for those who will be in the cold for a long time. extreme conditions under the scorching sun. In addition, many experts call for choosing clothes with additional UPF protection for children - the reasons for this are obvious.
Jason Briscoe/Unsplash
What, regular clothes won't do?
As already mentioned, most people really don’t think about clothes with special UPF filters, limiting themselves to ordinary Sunscreens and basic principles like “covering your shoulders on the beach.” For example, the UPF level of a regular cotton T-shirt is on average 5-8, that is, it transmits about one-fifth of UV rays. Let us repeat: if you do not have a critical need for serious measures, it is not necessary to update your wardrobe with items marked UPF block.
Any clothing provides us with additional protection from solar radiation, so it’s enough just to remember a few basic rules. So, the denser the fabric fibers, the higher the level of protection: for example, artificial lycra, polyester, nylon or acrylic cope with this task better than thin natural cotton or weightless linen, but they are also less comfortable for hot weather. A simple test: the more see-through the fabric is, the weaker its UPF function. Therefore, if you are not ready to wear synthetics in the heat (although some of its modern representatives are quite suitable for such conditions), choose unbleached cotton and linen with the most dense thread arrangement.
By the way, another important point is that almost all fabrics lose their UPF properties by an average of 50% when wet (the exception is silk and viscose, here the situation is the opposite). The color of the item also plays a role - clothes in dark shades absorb UV radiation more effectively, the same goes for bright ones, rich colors in comparison, for example, with pastels. And lastly, the most obvious: the larger the area of body coverage with clothing, the higher the degree of protection, so the ideal option for walking under the scorching sun would be, say, a suit of a tunic with long sleeves and loose-fitting trousers. And a wide-brimmed hat, of course.
Where to buy “sun clothing”?
UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) - protects the skin from exposure to ultraviolet rays.
Tyr with UPF 50+ (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) technology, click the “Add to Cart” button and place your order.
To buy swimsuits and swimming trunks Tyr with Diamond Fit technology, click the “Add to Cart” button and place your order.
DURAFAST LITE™ 200+ is 30% lighter than DURAFAST ELITE™ 300+.
To buy swimsuits and swimming trunks Tyr with DURAFAST LITE™ 200 technology, click the “Add to Cart” button and place your order.
Antibacterial lining that prevents the growth of bacteria and the development of unpleasant odors.
To buy swimsuits and swimming trunks Tyr with Anti-Odor antibacterial gasket, click the “Add to Cart” button and place your order.
High quality material resistant to chlorine. Featuring high denier polyfiber and innovative circular construction new mixture 94/6 combines the color fastness power of polyester with the comfort of spandex. Durafast Elite fabric can withstand 300+ hours of use without fraying and retaining its shape.
To buy swimsuits and swimming trunks Tyr with Durafast Elite 300+ technology, click the “Add to Cart” button and place your order.
To buy swimsuits and swimming trunks Tyr with Max Fit technology, click the “Add to Cart” button and place your order.
Manufacturers of professional sports goods are constantly striving to use high technology and modern materials. The minimum requirement for development is a double effect, which allows clothing to protect from water and at the same time be “breathable”, stretch well, but not stretch.
In modern lines sportswear and shoes, preference is given to synthetic materials: hypoallergenic and antibacterial. These things can increase the efficiency of movements, reduce the load on the athlete’s muscles and joints, and control the condition of the body. Low weight of products, more accurate coverage of the body, increased strength - such materials are in many ways superior to traditional ones. Performance requirements are based on the athletes' experience.
To order and buy modern high-tech sports goods, click the "Add to cart" button and place your order. The purchase can be made by pickup from a sports store, or you can choose delivery in Moscow, the Moscow region and other cities of Russia. Discounts for dischargers: KMS, MS, MSMK and coaches.
High-quality lightweight material resistant to chlorine. Durafast lite fabric can withstand 200+ hours of use without wearing out and retaining its shape.
To buy swimsuits and swimming trunks Tyr with Durafast Lite 200+ technology, click the “Add to Cart” button and place your order.
(updated April 2018)While our ships plow the expanses of the universe (c), some irresponsible citizens are still lying in the sun. But the text below, in general, is not for them, but for those who agree with the latest research about the dangers of overheating and ultraviolet radiation emanating from the sun.
When we lived in the States, every visit to the pediatrician ended with a parting word - “and just don’t expose your children to the sun! Only shade! Covered clothes, or, as a last resort, cream.”
But no matter what you do, it’s impossible not to find yourself in the sun - shade is not everywhere, and you can’t cancel the sea. According to statistics, people receive most of their sun exposure before the age of 18.
The problem with the sun is that while you can still hide from the thermal component of the rays in the shade, ultraviolet radiation has greater penetrating power. Even under the clouds on a hot day it is quite possible to burn. So the first way to protect yourself is not to leave the house at all.
The second standard method is creams. There are a lot of subtleties here (time and methods of application, types of cream), as well as increasing data on the interaction of particles of cream and sun with the skin and the negative consequences of this. In addition, it can be difficult to spread the cream evenly on everything and remember to reapply after intensive drying, changing clothes and similar things.
There remains a third “simple” option - clothing.
The biggest misconception is that any clothing protects against the sun well enough. Alas, fabrics are different. The material, type of weave and even the color of the clothing plays a role - dark things block ultraviolet radiation best (but at the same time they heat up more). The denser the fabric, the more effective it protects, but again, it is hotter. White thin pareos are the most unreliable protection. In addition, humidity is also important - wet cotton protects against ultraviolet radiation worse than dry cotton. But there are exceptions: silk and bamboo viscose become denser when wet. Of the most affordable fabrics, blue denim has the best sewing, but unbleached cotton is more effective (almost all factory-made items are bleached). Thick linen, hemp and cotton protect better than thin silk. And polyester (100%), which has natural ultraviolet absorption properties.
It turns out that there is no natural effective fabric that protects from ultraviolet radiation and at the same time does not create discomfort when worn - thick, dark things are hot and sweaty. As a result, following demand, specialized fabrics with enhanced protection appeared - they better absorb and reflect ultraviolet “harmful” rays. Usually, at the same time, the fabric dries easily and/or generally removes moisture from the body, being a membrane. In addition to special fabrics made from synthetic materials, there is also simply special (factory) processing of natural fabrics, mainly cotton.
Name
The correct name for sun protection clothing is, of course, sun guard. But it so happened that rash guard, originally existing to protect against abrasions, scratches and other things during exercise active sports, have actually occupied a niche. And now manufacturers call everything sun-protective and quick-drying in one word - rashguard.
The most well-known specialty fabrics for protective clothing are synthetic (nylon) Solarweave, Coolmax UPF and cotton Solarknit.
Quality of protection
In 1998, a standard and testing of sun clothing appeared in the United States. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) shows how many “units” of ultraviolet light will pass through the fabric. For example, UPF 40 is one unit in 40 that will reach the skin, and UPF 50 is one unit in 50, meaning 98% of the ultraviolet will be reflected or absorbed by clothing. Unlike the SPF (sun protection factor) marking, which is measured visually by distinguishing between protected and unprotected skin, UPF is tested using special equipment. Unfortunately, SPF and visual detection of skin damage do not provide insight into how effective ultraviolet A (UVA) protection is, since it does not leave as immediately visible effects on the skin as ultraviolet B (UVB) does.
Most manufactured sun protection clothing is labeled 30-50 UPF. The standard implies that the manufacturer tests its fabrics itself, simulating two years of use (including sun fading, washing, wear, etc.) and indicates the lowest result obtained on the clothing. By comparison, regular bleached cotton has a UPF of 4.
Amazing things about cotton and others
But with cotton, as always, not everything is so simple. Research conducted in 2005 showed that if you take unbleached cotton, dyed (treated) with natural pigments (green, brown, beige), then its ultraviolet protection properties are at a very high level - UPF 46-64! Green cotton is best, and I suspect that if the study had included indigo cotton the results would have been even more interesting. Moreover, from wash to wash, the level of protection only increases due to the deposition of optical brightener, which is present in almost all washing powders and liquids, on the fabric. However, even if you wash regular cotton, optical brightener will help increase the protective properties significantly (there have also been studies and tests on this topic). Just don’t confuse regular bleach such as chlorine (it impairs UV protection) and optical brightener.
Natural linen also shows good results. But only with natural dyes. White linen - UPF 10, dyed dark - more than 50. But silk is unlucky - UPF=0. And bleaching dyes won’t help at all.
Well, the obvious: no matter how natural and high level No matter how much protection the material has, mesh fabric will never protect from ultraviolet radiation.
Well, now about clothes
With clothes, in general, everything is simpler than with fabrics. Since we are talking about protecting the skin from sun rays, then there is only one option - to cover everything as much as possible, not forgetting small details like the back of the neck and ears.
Depending on your skin type and how quickly you react to the sun, everyone chooses a different shade for themselves. But long sleeves, long legs, closed neckline and ears - necessary thing. Abaya burqas would also be comfortable, but I’m afraid the people at the beach resort will simply be scared. Almost all sports brands maintain a line of civilian clothing with UV protection. The assortment includes pants, shirts, dresses, briefs, and T-shirts. In general, anything. Usually, the lightness of the fabrics and moisture-wicking properties are a bonus. I personally really like columbia and exoficio.
It’s easiest with clothes for constant wear. But, if we are talking about staying on the beach, swimming or active recreation, then you cannot do without synthetics. In a cotton T-shirt with long sleeve It’s very unpleasant to swim, no matter how natural it is. Clothing should not dry quickly, but instantly, and fit the body without interfering with free movement. This is especially true for children and those who move actively (for example, when walking in the mountains).
What you should pay attention to: high collars on T-shirts cover the neck (mostly the back part suffers).
Pants should have a high waist or a long T-shirt so that the lower back does not flash when sitting. A cap hat should not only cover the top of the head, but also create as much shadow as possible on the face. A “veil” around the neck is a convenient thing.
outdoor research 
A hood instead of a cap is quite acceptable, as long as it is worn and not held on for beauty.
Columbia - Hooded T-Shirt UPF50 
One-piece overalls for children are very comfortable - the belt does not put pressure on the stomach and the back is guaranteed to be covered. But overalls have a much shorter lifespan - a T-shirt and pants can be worn even when they are too big or small, unlike overalls.
tuga suit UPF50 
By the way, REI thin thermal underwear is great for use on the beach. It is UPF50, dries quickly and grains of sand do not get into the fabric (and this, by the way, is a rather critical thing). Long pants for beach swimming are almost impossible to buy. So you just need to take the longest one you can find, or a jumpsuit.
For adults, the easiest way to swim is to wear long board shorts and a long sleeve T-shirt. An unexpected option is Muslim (burkini) or Orthodox bathing dresses.
However, the idea that light clothes In summer it is best and protects from the sun. This was proven by scientists from the University of Catalonia.
Color matters
In particular, they believe that wearing such clothing in the summer may expose themselves to the risk of developing it in the future. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of skin cancer cases is growing. Every year, specialists around the world register more than 132 thousand new cases and about 2-3 million cases of other types of skin cancer.
The fact is that ultraviolet radiation penetrates very well through it. Especially through the fabric of white and yellow color. What color clothes should you choose? Experts say that better skin protect red and dark blue shades.
Scientists specially dyed pieces of cotton fabric in different colors, and then tested its ability to absorb ultraviolet light.
It's about the fabric
The denser the fabric, the more effective it protects, but it also makes it hotter.
White thin pareos are the most unreliable protection.
Humidity also matters - wet cotton offers almost no protection from harmful rays, but silk and bamboo viscose become denser when wet.
How to tell if clothes are safe
If you still want to wear bright clothes, then ask why sports companies produce a bunch of summer clothes in such aggressive colors? It's simple - it can be with ultraviolet protection. Such things appeared in stores relatively recently, but have become especially popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
The correct name for sun protection clothing is: sun guard. But gradually it merged with another name - rash guard(fabric that protects against abrasions, etc. during sports). Manufacturers call everything sun-protective and quick-drying in one word - rashguard.
The most well-known specialty fabrics for protective clothing are synthetic nylon and cotton.
In addition, the labeling of clothing can determine how it protects from the sun. There is a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) that shows how many “units” of ultraviolet light will pass through the fabric. For example, UPF 40 is one unit in 40 that will reach the skin, and UPF 50 is one in 50. Most are labeled 30-50 UPF.
Bleached cotton has a UPF of 4. But unbleached cotton, naturally dyed - say, brown, beige and green - already has higher values - from 46 to 65 UPF.
In summer, linen clothing is popular - if the dyes are synthetic, then the performance is not very good, but natural linen white- UPF 10, dyed dark - more than 50. But silk is unlucky - UPF=0. So if you're going on vacation, forget about silk robes. And on the beach, silk scarves will not save you from sunbathing and other things, no matter how pleasant they are to the body.
But not everything is so sad, technology does not stand still. British scientists from Belfast have developed a bracelet that is designed to help people calmly enjoy the sun and not be afraid of its rays. Many people choose to give up sunbathing from fear of skin cancer - and are left without important D.
The new bracelet is made of plastic and is inexpensive. It contains ink, and it disappears the moment a person receives his dose of bright rays. So the owner of the bracelet can be sure that he is not tanning more than normal. This will help balance vitamin D in the body. One bracelet is enough for a two-week vacation; they will go on sale in a year. The device will be released in three versions for different types skin.
