Sunscreens and usual clothing often do not offer enough sunburn protection. So, in some cases it is reasonable to wear special protective clothing. Why isn't sunscreen enough? Researches have proven that because of incorrect use of sunscreens most of people are getting only an UPF/SPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor or Sun Protection Factor) of 3 or 7, when the minimum recommended SPF is 15.
Also there are a lot of factors that may decrease the effectiveness of sunscreens: heat, humidity, sweats off, fades away, rinses off and it must be frequently reapplied. In addition, sunscreens are chemicals and may produce allergic reactions in some for individuals, especially for children. The use of sunscreens is not recommended for infants under 6 months; parents should instead rely on special protective clothing and should NOT expose them to direct sunlight.
Special protective clothing differs from typical summer clothing in several ways. The fabric has a tighter weave or knit and is usually darker in color. They have a label that lists the garment's UPF value. The protective UPF values range between 15 and 50+. With 50+ are noted all the values that are over 50. However, the garments marked 50+ do not necessary offer a substantially higher protection than those marked with 50.
The UPF value of 20 means that 1/20th of UVR (ultraviolet radiation) will pass through this fabric to the skin (that would be 5%). A garment with an UPF of 50 will allow only 2% (1/50th) of UVR to pass through it. Special protective clothing may partially lose its effectiveness if it is too tight or stretched out, damp and wet. However, there are special protective clothes that keep their protection when wet.
Special protective clothing can be made of different fabrics that are efficiently absorbing solar radiation. Some of them are made of chlorine resistant polyester fabric that does not wash away and offer a protection of 50+ even when wet. Special protective clothing usually does not require special care. It must be well rinsed, especially after use in chlorine, and should not be packed wet. Also the dryer should be avoided, it is better to let them dry in the shade.
Special protection clothing is especially important to people who have specific jobs that commit them to permanent sunlight exposure. Tourists and travelers should not ignore the danger of the sun as well. Besides proper clothing there must be protected also eyes, and the skin portions that are not covered by clothes. For the skin sunscreen with a proper UPF value is used.
Lips should also be protected with special lipstick. For eye protection must be worn wrap-around sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVR protection. They will protect the eyes and the delicate skin around them, preventing the early apparition of wrinkles. Mirrored sunglasses should be avoided as they intensify the sun's rays.
Welding masks and goggles are a part of special protective equipment for different jobs and occupations and provide a good protection for the eyes from high-intensity light. Regardless the occupation you have, whether you are a lifeguard, a traveler or a snowboarder, you should be aware of the danger of sun exposure and choose a proper protection for your health.