Do Vests Protect From the Sun?

May 17, 2022 3 min read

We've all heard the question "Do vests protect us from the sun?" but do they really work? Let's take a look. UVB rays cause sun spots and skin cancer. UVA rays cause sun spots. What's the best sunscreen? UPF is the metric that measures sunscreen effectiveness. Which one should you buy? Does every rash vest offer sun protection?

UVB Rays Cause Skin Cancer

Both UVA and UVB rays are carcinogenic to humans. In fact, exposure to both forms of UV radiation can lead to skin cancer. UVA rays cause wrinkles, sagging skin, and other skin problems, while UVB rays cause sunburn and aging of the skin. The World Health Organization estimates that exposure to UV radiation causes 90 percent of all skin cancer. The dangers of sun exposure are clear to everyone, but there are some precautions you can take to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

If you can, wear sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and combine clothes with the vest that protects from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Wear sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum, water-resistant protection, and be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours or so. And if you can't avoid exposure to the sun entirely, consider using tanning lotion throughout the year to maintain the desired tan.

You should also use sunscreen that protects you from UVB rays. UVA rays are harder to measure than UVB rays, but new measurement techniques have made broad-spectrum sunscreens easier to use than ever before. If you use sunscreen without SPF protection, you'll be exposing yourself to harmful UVB rays. To reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

UVA Rays Cause Sun Spots

The ultraviolet rays that are harmful to our skin are known as UVA rays. Exposure to these rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer. UVA rays come in two types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for sun spots, a type of wrinkle caused by overexposure to sunlight. Both rays are harmful to our skin, but they have different effects. While UVA rays can damage our skin, UVB rays cause sunburns and wrinkles.

When the sun shines, UVA rays reach the top layer of the skin and penetrate to the deeper layers below. Although they can cause aging and sun spots, UVB rays can also damage our eyes and lower our body's ability to fight illness. Fortunately, the Earth's atmosphere is effective at blocking UVA rays. And while the rays are harmful to our skin, there are ways to protect it from sun damage.

While UVA rays can cause sun spots, UVB rays are the most harmful. They damage DNA and cause sunburns. They can also cause actinic keratoses and precancerous cells. People with fair skin don't tan easily, while those with dark brown skin tan easily and burn easily. So how do we avoid UVA rays? By wearing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher!

UPF is a Metric for Measuring Effectiveness of Sunscreen

The UPF rating is a metric that reflects the amount of UV radiation a product can block. The UPF of sunscreens is measured using spectrophotometry equipment in a lab setting. UPF 15 fabric blocks all but one-fifth of the UV rays emitted by the sun. A product with an UPF of 50 can block ninety-eight percent of UV rays. An average white cotton t-shirt has a UPF rating of around five. On the other hand, a pair of denim blue jeans have a UPF of 1,700.

The UPF rating is a key factor to consider when shopping for sunscreens. This metric is a good indicator of a product's protection from both UVA and UVB rays. A higher UPF rating means that a product will protect you from the sun's harmful rays for longer. People with light skin, freckles, and red hair should choose a product with an SPF of 30 or higher.

In a survey conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, nine out of twenty-seven sunscreen manufacturers with relevant market shares responded. The results revealed that few of them test secondary PA systematically, and that many of them do not even consider it during the development process. In addition, only ten products were chosen for outdoor work testing. Of those, eight were cosmetic products, two were medicinal, and five were water-resistant.



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