Have you considered What “Colors Block” Out UV Rays Best?
What “Colors Block” out UV rays the best”
In learning how to keep my skin safe from the sun, I welcome any help at all. If there are better colors for clothes? I can change my favorite if need be to stay safer from the sun’s dangers.
The researchers dyed cotton fabrics in a range of red, blue, and yellow shades and measured the effectiveness of each dyed fabric to protect against UV light.
Fabrics with darker or more intense colors had better UV protection, the researchers say, and yellow shades offered the least.
The scientists say clothing manufacturers are using information from the study to design sun blocking clothing. Using a scientific method for designing sun blocking clothing will give us better protection against harmful rays.
This family in the picture above shows how many in my part of the world dress to stay safe from the sun. In the winter it is a no-brainer. In the warmer months of the year, this is not so comfortable.
So let’s consider the study about color and skin protection to figure out what people who have a high risk for sunburn can do.
We know that cotton fabric provides good protection from the sun. So, darker colors in the cotton fabric? That should provide more protection against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.
Cotton fabric in lighter tones is better than nothing on your arms and legs. new research indicates. Anything between you and the sun is helpful.
Now, as for what the scientists in Spain say about people and colors that will offer more skin protection.
We should consider blue or red instead of yellow when choosing clothing? I can do that. Lighter colors require the wearer to be more careful than I am. Even khaki-colored pants were impossible for me to keep clean! I envied those who were more careful and could enjoy the lighter colors.
If the darker hues of cotton fabrics offer better skin protection against the sun? Why not get the colors that are better for sun protection? I wear mostly cotton anyhow! Even in garments rated for UPF?
What Colors Are Best For Blocking The Sun?
When the researchers summed up the information learned in their study, they admitted that gaps exist in our knowledge. These gaps make it difficult to explain exactly how color interacts with other factors.
We do know that some colors, dark royal blue, and black when combined with a fabric with the ability to block harmful rays do a better job of skin protection. Deeper shades of red are also effective.
The researchers also add that numerous studies have concluded that “normal out of your closet clothing” in light colors just will not provide enough protection.
You need specially treated fabrics that have UPF ratings to protect your skin from the sun to stay safe in light-colored clothing.
Read on for more information about color as a sun blocker.
What Is The Best Color To Wear For Blocking The Sun?
I know that you haven’t always taken the time to figure out why some colors block the dangerous sun rays better. Nor have you considered the fabric beyond if you like it or not. Me either, at least when it pertains to sun blocking.
I am a “used to be” seamstress. So, fabrics are very interesting to me. However, I was not worried about blocking the sun. Back then I didn’t know about the skin cancer I would have to deal with.
The Cancer Council in Australia tells us that darker colors absorb UV rays.
There are many other institutions that help keep us safe also agree that dark blue, black, and dark red are the best colors for sun protection.
So, anytime you can get darker colors on your body, between you and the sun, you will get some protection.
The deeper the color, the more protection.
OK, Got it!
Now, what about the fabric?
Does The Fabric Matter?
The Australian Government leads the race for testing fabrics and their claims for sun blocking. They confirm the statements that testing results tell us that darker colors give better sun protection.
As more variety is created in the specially treated UPF fabrics, our choices are increasing. You can have looser woven fabrics and lightweight ones.
As these fabrics are treated to add extra protection, you can have some choices in the lighter colors and stay safe from sunburn, using the guidelines for the garments.
Remember to read the tags and labels to see what kind of protection your garments offer. The number of the rating tells you how long you should be safe in the direct sun wearing their garment.
Your labels and hang tags on your UPF garments will also tell you how many times you can launder the garment before losing some protection level.
Why Does Fabric Matter For UV Blocking?
Dermatologists recommend sun blocking clothing to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
The short answer is yes and the scariest thing is that people don’t realize that they are routinely exposed to the sun reaching their skin through their regular clothing.
Regular clothing often lets 20% or more of UV rays through the fabric.
Skin cancer is due to the accumulation of sun exposure, so to be continually exposed to the sun without even realizing explains why so many people will get diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old.
(Yes, you will be 70 before you realize it!)
Have you noticed people with sunburn on their back, and the red area shows the white seam lines of their shirts? This is commonplace in our part of the country. The sun is a tough adversary and you must protect your skin.
Sunburn through old favorite shirts and tee shirts that have been laundered a lot is commonplace. And we normally wear our older worn clothes to be out in the garden, or do other chores that keep you outside for longer periods of time.
Can I Get Sunburn Through My Swimsuit?
Again, the short answer is yes! Some people sunburn through their swimsuits if they were laying out in the sun after swimming. This is not something that is recommended, but it does happen. Obviously not to you, you are too sun safety savvy to let that happen.
However it happens, if your risk for skin cancer is high, you should consider a UPF swimsuit. Staying alert to make sure your kids stay safe in the sun is important. They have to be taught safe skin practices.
When they get out of the water, slipping into a sun blocking shirt, grabbing their sun hat and sunglasses. Applying sunscreen to legs and areas exposed. It all becomes automatic after a while. But you do have to help them remember.
Your family may be young and heal from their sunburn with no visible skin issues. This makes you think it is less important, even forget about it. That is what we have done for years. That is why we see dermatologists so regularly.
We didn’t learn new habits. Habits that would protect us from the sun.
The chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer or melanoma are significantly increased if a person is routinely exposed to the sun.
This is a message to retirees who travel regularly or those who work outside? You are particularly at risk. All those times when you were young and bulletproof and knew that nothing would happen to you if you got too much sun.
Dermatologists agree that the best way to protect yourself from the sun is to wear UPF 50+ sun protective clothing. UPF 50+ means that at least 98% of UV rays are blocked. UPF 50+ is the highest accreditation for sun protection achievable in the World.
Are Senior Citizens Are At More Risk Of Skin Cancer?
That’s because you can still get sunburned through regular clothing. Instead of relying on your lightweight garments in the coolest feeling colors in the sun or the best colors for sun protection?
You need to wear clothing that has been designed to block UV rays.
The weave and weight are the most important factors in determining the sun-protective effectiveness of fabrics. Surprisingly, it turns out color is also important too.
Calling All Out Doors Loving People
Whether you’re going on walks and hikes this fall and winter. Or if we will find you at the pool or beach. Or do you have a river trip scheduled?
If you are spending time in the mountains, or at the amusement park, you’re risking skin damage from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful rays can penetrate your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And that UV damage can easily lead to skin cancer.
Experts at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah recommend avoiding the sun as much as possible.
These experts warn us especially about being out between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun’s rays are strongest.
If you can’t avoid being out during that time of day, the next best thing is to cover your skin with clothing.
The best kind of clothing for better protection from the sun?
Many outdoor clothing retailers offer ultraviolet protection factor (UPF)-rated clothing. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, these UPF rated garments are effective.
However, any clothing with the following traits will offer protection.
Traits For Regular Clothing To Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage
More layers of clothing do not necessarily mean more protection. Even if you are talking about the robes worn in the desert areas by the natives who know how to protect their skin.
The most important protective factor of fabrics is weave density. The tighter the knit or weave, the smaller the holes and the fewer UV rays can get through. By keeping the clothing loose-fitting and allowing airflow around your body you can protect as well as stay comfortable.
Remember your sun hat and sunglasses to help.
What Colors Block Out UV Rays?
Yes, your darker colors absorb more of the UV, even in regular clothes from your closet.
If you are determined to wear those favorite often washed white and light tee shirts? Please use the laundry additives to add more protection to your old clothes.
Rit Sun Guard is an example of a product that allows you to launder extra protection into the garments you already have. This will offer more protection when you have a growing family that changes sizes quickly.
Don’t stuff loads in your washer when using the Sun Guard products, they need to have room to rinse well. If you get a bit of powdery residue, your garment didn’t rinse well. It won’t hurt you but will alert you to an overfill with your rinse cycle.
These products enter the weave of the fabric and give your old tired and faded garments more to protect your skin with.
This means the UV rays are less likely to reach your skin.
Bright colors such as red can also absorb UV rays. The more vivid the color, the greater the protection. Even in pale colors, a bright yellow shirt is more protective than a pale one.
Will Synthetic Material Block UV?
Yes, most synthetic materials will block UV. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon usually offer more protection than bleached cotton or “semi-synthetic” fabrics like rayon.
When you are thinking about wearing clothing from your closet for sun protection, always do the see-through test:
Hold the garment up between you and a light source. If you can see the little holes where the fabric is woven, the sun will be able to find you. You need to put that one back and get another in a different darker color.
Clothes A Bit Tight?
If your clothing stretches because it is a bit small? Put it back into the closet. The more the garment stretches, the easier it will be to sunburn!
Wearing clothes that do not hug your skin may increase UPF. A loose-fitting long sleeve shirt will work better, or loose-fitting pants or skirt. You will also feel cooler in the direct sun when the clothing fits looser.
Another FYI Fact
Wet fabrics usually have a lower UPF factor. Even the ones that are treated to make them have UPF.
This is why a swimsuit isn’t the first garment I would purchase with UPF unless you are going to be wearing it out of the water. It will lose most of its ability to protect anyway while wet. I would put on a coverup or sun blocking shirt anyhow, upon getting out of the water.
So, just be aware of this if you do get wet, it may feel cooler, but you will be setting yourself up for a good sunburn if you stay in the sun.
Clothes that are newer, not washed, and worn so much are better for protecting you from the sun. These things that are older are good candidates for the Sun Guard Treatment.
Remember to wear your sunhat and your sunglasses. The better you protect your head and face, the safer you are from skin cancer.
Take breaks from the direct sun. Your body needs to have a chance to cool down. Drink plenty of water. Keep hydrated.
Remember to apply sunscreen. Yes, you will be able to do a better job of protecting your skin from sunburn by using a sunhat, UPF clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Sami’s Take On What Colors “Block Out” UV Rays?
With the ability to make some choices about our clothing. As well as making decisions to cover our skin from the sun, we will have healthier skin.
Making little changes will soon add up to a healthier skincare lifestyle. Make sure you have your sunhat, your sunglasses. Your loose-fitting long sleeve shirt to block the sun. Small steps that will add up to a healthier you.
Helping your families become more aware of how they can protect themselves and not sunburn. Learn to schedule strenuous activities before 10 AM and after 4 PM.
Learn to stay in the shade, take breaks and drink enough water. They are all common sense activities. Little things that can help you prevent skin cancer.
Is it time for you to consider investing in your sun blocking wardrobe of UPF treated clothing?
We must all become more responsible and take better care of ourselves.
What changes will you make?