Is the color of your shirt important for sun protection? Well, yes, it is. We all want to look movie star perfect, don’t we? And still, have healthy skin?
When protecting our skin from the sun we need all the efforts we make to work together to keep us from the obvious most dangerous danger of sun exposure, skin cancer. This is why it is important to consider color in our skin protection plan.
While there are 5 Million new cases of skin cancer every year in the US, we tend to dismiss the fact that this can happen to you! And yes, not so many die from skin cancer. The disease is on the outside of our bodies and we can see it, and we get it treated.
Also remember, in the statement above, 5 million New cases every year. This does not account for the repeated visits by patients who already have it. So, since the statics tell us that of the 5 million who are diagnosed, 50% will have more issues with new skin cancers.
This is not a once-done and cured situation. Once you have skin cancer, your odds of reoccurrence are very high. Those odds are 50% that you will have it again, somewhere on your body.
Now does it make sence to continue to allow your skin to cook under the sun? It is true that fairer-skinned people have a higher risk of cancer than darker tones of skin, but no one gets a guaranteed pass. Too much sun can have a negative effect at any time, on anyone.
Now you Know the Reasons we Need Help From Color
- Covering your skin to protect it
- Color is another layer to make your shirt work better
- Choosing the best shirts In Your Closet
- Making good decisions when shopping for UPF Shirts
- Suggestions for day-to-day decisions for skin protection
Since we know we need to cover our skin to protect it from the dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun, let’s talk about how color can help make your shirt work better.
If you are shopping from your closet or your local sun blocking clothing store or ordering online. You need to know how to use the different tools available to protect your skin. Making good decisions with your skin protection can make a real difference in the health of your skin.
Along with that right-colored shirt that has all the vents and breathing places in the design, don’t forget your sunglasses and sun hat.
When considering buying a sun blocking shirt, pay attention to the specifically designed features to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. If the shirt does not fit right for a sun blocking shirt, it probably won’t see much wear. A shirt hanging in your closet won’t help protect your skin.
Color is an important factor of the skin protection you add when you think about how to use your clothing can protect your skin from the sun.
How You Can Add Color To Your Sun Prevention Toolbox
Science tells us that darker colors absorb the UV rays and keep the sun from your skin, at least up to 98%. No matter what you do, unless you are in a cave, with no light at all, 2% is going to be your sunburn risk.
Yes, in spite of the highest SPF rate, there will be some sun damage. 2% isn’t so bad, you say? No, it isn’t, and that gets us back to the voice of reason in this question.
A sun blocking shirt will leave the area around the neck exposed. So you will need your sunblocking wide-brimmed hat, a neck gaiter, or similar cover-up protection. Can you say bandana? Cover your neck and throat.
Color is important in a neck cover as well. Darker colors will absorb the rays, and discharge the energy as heat. In the winter this is great. In the warmer times of the year, not so good. So lighter colors are a better choice.
However, when you choose lighter colors for any of your clothing, you are reflecting the rays. This makes them bounce around, and land back on your uncovered areas. Your face, neck, head, ears, nose, and chin, all are most vernable to reflected UV rays. Protect with sunscreen!
This is why it is difficult to 100% protect your skin when exposed to the sun day after day when you work outdoors or have interests that keep you out in the direct sun for long periods of time. However, you can still protect your skin as best you can, don’t find yourself old with horribly damaged skin.
Skin Protection And Common Sense
To find a balance between function and fashion, just think about your purchases and what you already have in your closet. Maybe you can use some of what you already have to protect your skin every day.
Every day is usually when we can make a bit of a difference. A bit of precaution, remembering to wear sunscreen every day, and avoiding the direct sun do a great deal towards protecting your skin.
Vacations and leisure time activities often are rushed into and you don’t consider the time you are actually in the sun. Changing the time of day to be outside is often the easier of things to change. You just have to think about it.
Having some clothing that will block the sun at midday is a lot more difficult than earlier or later. We all have lifestyle habits that expose us to the sun in difficult to protect our skin times. The habit of noon siestas is a skin-friendly way to spend some time on your vacation.
Think about what you are doing and when. Covering your skin is an easy way to protect yourself and your family. A sun blocking shirt is an easy fix, and with color science helping you, can protect your skin as well. Remember the fabric for your shirt needs to be tightly woven.
Sami’s Take On 7 Risks Kids Face from the Sun “Just Because They Are Kids.”
There is one more risk, that parents need to keep in mind that can make their kids at higher risk for sun damage. Medication
Check the labels of the medications your kids need. Make sure they are not on the list to raise your kid’s risks.
List of drugs for young kids’ parents:
- Antihistamines: These are medicines that help with allergies and allergic reactions.
- Coal Tar and Derivatives: These are medicines that treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
- Contraceptives, Oral, and Estrogens: Medicines used to prevent pregnancy and treat certain medical conditions.
- Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These are medicines used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but should only be given under the supervision of a doctor.
- Phenothiazines: These are medicines used to treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia.
- Psoralens: These are medicines used to treat skin conditions such as vitiligo.
- Sulfonamides: These are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.
- Sulfonylureas: These are medicines used to treat diabetes.
- Thiazide Diuretics: These are medicines used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
- Tetracyclines: These are antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: These are medicines used to treat depression, but should only be given under the supervision of a doctor.
It’s important to always consult with a healthcare professional before giving any medication to your child, as they can advise you on the proper dosage and potential side effects.
Thank you,
Sami
Learning to use what we have to protect our skin from the sun will make a difference. Yes, we would like to depend on something to protect our skin 100%, but rarely is this possible.
You do have to use all the tools you have to stay safe in the sun. Wearing your sun hat, your sunglasses, and a sun blocking shirt will make you safer in the sun. Add the protective colors, and you have more sun protection.
Making yourself aware of the ways you can add protection by using what you have is important as well. Sometimes staying hydrated adds another layer of protection. Changing the times you are outside and going for safer sun times offers a large increase in your skin cancer risk.
The little stuff really can make a difference, just like having a safe color for your shirt. They add up when adding layers of skin protection. Working towards safer fun in the sun day will be easier as you become aware.
Thank you,
Sami