Why we need UV protection?

Sun damage

Two types of UV light – UVA and UVB – have been proven by scientific research to contribute to the risk of skin cancer. Unprotected exposure to both can cause irreversible damage to the skin.

For example, UVA and UVB rays can cause photo-ageing, where sunlight penetrates the outer layer of the skin to affect the DNA in skin cells. The impact may include a loss of skin elasticity at a young age, with wounds taking longer to heal.

Prolonged exposure to strong UV radiation can in some cases lead to the development of skin cancer, including melanoma, considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer.  

Moreover, UV rays can damage eyesight, increasing the likelihood of cataracts, pterygium and eyelid cancers.

Groups susceptible to sun damage

The risk of illness from sun and UV exposure is significantly increased for vulnerable groups. Beside children and older adults, people with lighter skin pigmentation or multiple moles are also at heightened risk. Darker skin tones may also be affected, while skin damage to darker skin may be identified less quickly.  

People living or travelling in high altitudes or in equatorial regions – or who are exposed to reflective surfaces such as snow or water – face greater risks from UV radiation. The risks are increased by factors such as thinner air, UV light travelling in a shorter path from the sun, or the cumulative impact of multi-dimensional exposure.

People who are sun sensitive

Children

People with light skin pigmentation

People who are at high elevations, in equatorial regions, or on snow or water

The old adults

Sun sensitive

Children

Older adults

Light skin pigmentation

Outdoor pursuits in high elevations, in equatorial regions, or on snow or water

How to protect against UV rays

When does the sun become harmful?

In the UK and much of the northern hemisphere, the most problematic period is from mid-March to mid-October. It’s important to shield skin from intense sunshine during these months when UV rays have the greatest potential for causing significant damage.

UV INDEX

Reference to tools such as the UV Index, which indicates the strength of UV rays, can be beneficial. A higher UV Index often implies faster skin damage.A UV Index rating of 3 (moderate) or above signifies the sun is strong enough to cause harm to some skin types. It’s always wise to protect your skin, particularly if you have a tendency to burn easily.

SHADOW RULE

Another practical method is known as the Shadow Rule. If your shadow is shorter than your height, it’s a sign that the sunshine is at its strongest. In the UK, that’s typically between 11 am and 3 pm. Extra skin protection is important at this period of the day, particularly if you are more susceptible to sunburn.

UV INDEX

Using tools such as the UV Index, which indicates the strength of UV rays, can be beneficial. A higher UV Index often implies faster skin damage. When the UV index is 3 (moderate) or above, it means the sun is strong enough to cause harm to some skin types, so think about protecting your skin, especially if you burn easily. It is advisable to check and protect your skin frequently.

SHADOW RULE

The other practical method is called the “Shadow Rule.” If you find your shadow is shorter than your height, it’s a sign that the sunshine is at its strongest, typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the UK. This is a crucial time to ensure extra skin protection, especially for those more susceptible to sunburn.

ABC strategy

How can we protect our skin from the sun and its UV radiation? The ABC Strategy – Avoid, Block and Cream – is a useful approach, combining three methods to develop a robust shield against UV radiation. This comprehensive approach offers excellent protection, minimising potential skin damage.

avoid

Spend time in the shade to protect your skin from UV rays and to avoid the heat of the sun. While the shelter of trees offers a good option, be aware that the sun’s rays can break through leaves and branches, particularly when the wind blows.

block

Wear long-sleeved clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses. Loose-fitting clothes are comfortable and practical, in densely woven fabrics.

Shop UPF jacects

cream

The application of a quality sun cream is a trusted form of protection. However, no sun cream provides 100% protection, so a combination of all three approaches in the ABC Strategy offers the best all-round solution.

How can UPF jackets help further?

Staying out of the sun or choosing clothes that cover the entire body are both helpful, but they may not fully block radiation from reaching the skin.

One problem is that UV radiation is reflected off many surfaces at ground level, including sand, which reflects 20% of UV rays, and ice, which can reflect up to 80%. While urban tower blocks and other tall buildings might give the impression of good protection, their glass surfaces can reflect UV radiation across urban streets and into homes.  

SNOW

Wet, fresh snow can reflect the UV radiation by up to

85%

water

Water can reflect the UV radiation by up to

50%

cloud

UV radiation not blocked by clouds is as high as

80%

sand

Sand can reflect the UV radiation by up to

20%

buildings

Concrete buildings can reflect the UV radiation by up to

15%

Wet, fresh snow can reflect the UV radiation by up to

85%

Water can reflect the UV radiation by up to

50%

UV radiation not blocked by clouds is as high as

80%

Sand can reflect the UV radiation by up to

20%

Concrete buildings can reflect the UV radiation by up to

15%

Moreover, UV rays can penetrate clothing and reach the skin beneath. A regular white long-sleeve T-shirt typically provides just SPF 5+, which makes a basic T-shirt an ineffective shield for protection of the skin.

A UPF jacket, such as a Bosideng UPF Protection Jacket with UPF 100+, is an excellent alternative. Its UV-reflective material is designed to respond to summer sunshine and deliver comprehensive protection from UV rays.

Unlocking the secrets of UPF jackets:
your guide to sun protection

UPF VS SPF

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and SPF (Sun Protection Factor) are standard means for the measurement of protection from the sun. SPF is used to measure the effectiveness of sunscreens and primarily focuses on UVB rays, while the UPF system (developed in the 1990s) is used specifically for sun-protective fabrics targeting both UVA and UVB rays.