Start in science. unkind sun
However, the idea that light-colored clothing is best in summer and saves from the sun is wrong. This was proved by scientists from the University of Catalonia.
Color matters
In particular, they believe that lovers of such clothes in the summer may be at risk of development in the future. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of skin cancer cases is on the rise. Every year, specialists around the world register more than 132 thousand new cases and about 2-3 million cases of other types of skin cancer.
The fact is that ultraviolet penetrates very well through it. Especially through the fabric of white and yellow. What color clothes to choose? Experts say that red and dark blue shades protect the skin better.
Scientists specially dyed pieces of cotton fabric in different colors, and then tested its ability to absorb ultraviolet light.
It's about the fabric
The denser the fabric, the more effectively it protects, but at the same time it is hotter in it.
White thin pareos are the most unreliable protection.
Humidity also matters - wet cotton almost does not protect against harmful rays, but silk and bamboo viscose become denser when wet.
How to know if clothes are safe
If you still want to wear bright clothes, then ask why, then, sports companies produce a bunch of summer clothes in such aggressive colors? It's simple - it can be with UV protection. Such things appeared in stores relatively recently, but have become especially popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
The correct name for sun protection clothing is sun protection. But gradually it grew together with a different name - rash guard(fabric that protects against abrasions, etc. in sports). Manufacturers call everything sunscreen and quick-drying in one word - rashguard.
The best known special fabric for protective clothing is synthetic nylon and cotton.
In addition, the labeling of clothing can determine how it protects from the sun. There is UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor - ultraviolet protection factor) indicates how many "units" of ultraviolet will pass through the fabric. For example, UPF 40 - one in 40 will reach the skin, and UPF 50 - one in 50. Most are labeled 30-50 UPF.
Bleached cotton has UPF 4. But unbleached, natural-dyed - for example, brown, beige and green, already has higher rates - from 46 to 65 UPF.
In summer, linen clothes are popular - if the dyes are synthetic, then the indicators are not very good, and natural white linen is UPF 10, dyed dark is more than 50. But silk was unlucky - UPF = 0. So if you are going on vacation, forget about silk robes. And on the beach, silk scarves will not save you from sunburn and other things, no matter how pleasant they are to the body.
But not everything is so sad, technology does not stand still. British scientists from Belfast have developed a bracelet that is designed to help people enjoy the sun in peace and not be afraid of its rays. Many people prefer to avoid sunbathing because of the fear of skin cancer - and are left without an important D.
The new bracelet is made of plastic and inexpensive. It contains ink, and they disappear at the moment when a person has received his dose of bright rays. So the owner of the bracelet can be sure that he does not tan more than the norm. This will help balance vitamin D in the body. One bracelet is enough for a vacation for two weeks, they will be on sale in a year. The device will be released in three versions for different skin types.
Fabric, color and UV
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"Second skin" against the sun
Everyone has long known the fact that in the summer it is better to throw synthetics and black dresses away, and instead put on light natural materials, which, however, is good for both the body and the mood. Let's try to figure out exactly what colors and materials help to “tame” ultraviolet.
Color
It is believed that light tones reflect heat and ultraviolet radiation better, while dark colors, reflecting light, transmit harmful radiation itself. And, like dark, bright colors do not protect well from the “harmful” sun. We start from this, making up the palette of the summer wardrobe. Following the now fashionable marine theme in clothes, we will replace blue with sky blue. The summer version of fashionable brown can be elegant beige, and it is better to abandon red and hot pink in favor of delicate shades of coral and tea rose. By the way, according to studies, it is the pale pink color that holds the palm in terms of its reflective qualities, dividing it only with pure white, which in the summer is generally unrivaled in its protective properties.
Textile
As for the composition of the fabric, here in the summer, of course, one should give preference to natural materials that are distinguished by their ability to absorb and scatter ultraviolet radiation. Most synthetic materials do not allow air to pass through at all, creating a sauna effect in the heat and increasing the risk of sunburn. But the notorious polyester, which is part of many fabrics, has good resistance to high temperatures and at the same time is able to remove excess moisture from the body, creating a temperature balance. But all these qualities protect rather from heat than from ultraviolet rays. If you really choose among artificial fabrics, then it is better to give preference to viscose, which is considered the most natural of synthetic materials.
Of course, in the open sun it is better to dress in cotton clothes. Natural cotton, fitting the body, scatters the sun's rays. But thin silk, beloved by everyone in the summer heat, will be a rather poor protector from the sun. Although its texture is quite durable, silk is very sensitive to ultraviolet rays: not protecting from solar radiation, the fabric itself quickly loses its properties and wears out when exposed to the sun for a long time. Good old linen will be an ideal option for summer - this material is much denser than cotton, it is a very good light and heat insulator and, in addition, is considered a natural antiseptic!
Additional protection
Alas, none of the most natural and durable fabric can guarantee 100% UV protection. Today, materials with additional properties come to the rescue. Some Western manufacturers have begun to create specially treated so-called sun protection clothing that allows only a few percent of harmful rays to pass through. However, the degree of protection of clothing also varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each of these things is necessarily marked with a special sign, for which the UPF index (ultraviolet protection factor or ultraviolet protection factor) is used. The higher this index, the better the protection. While the recommended level of protection is 15 units, for a regular cotton T-shirt it is 5-8, and for sun protection clothing it ranges from 15 to 50, that is, the degree of protection in this case is increased by 3-5 times. Usually it is made of a fabric with a denser weave or coated with a special substance. The degree of protection can also be increased with the help of a special composition in the form of Rit Sun Guard powder (not yet found on the domestic market) - just put it in the washing machine.
The effect of a solarium on the beach, or sunbathing under a swimsuit
Well, if on a stuffy street we strive to protect ourselves from the tiring sun, then on the beach we think with annoyance about the need to wear a swimsuit, which so interferes with achieving an even tan. But, do not rush to get upset - not so long ago, a solution was nevertheless found in the form of a completely new generation of swimsuits that let in up to 70% of the sun's rays and at the same time provide skin protection, which, according to the index already known to us, is from 4 to 8 units. At the moment, in the production of such swimwear, Solar holds a monopoly.
The effect of an even tan, which these wonderful bathing suits are good for, is achieved due to a special fabric with thousands of micropores, which, when stretched, allows the rays to hit the skin. In other words, this fabric visually resembles a mesh. By the way, do not forget to apply sunscreen with a slightly lower SPF than the one you use for open areas on the skin under such a swimsuit. So that the material does not shine through, all swimsuits in this series are made of fabric with a contrasting, usually small pattern, which is very useful. After all, “colorfulness” is also a fashionable trend that has replaced monophonic matters at the same time. Such a pattern creates an optical illusion, riveting attention and preventing the eye from seeing anything through the fabric. Important: the effect is preserved even when wet.
Bottom line: enjoy the summer sun, but do it either in moderation or in the right clothes! Well, as for the rest, I advise you to forget about the measure: to rest - so to the fullest!
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Before going on vacation, we habitually purchase sunscreen to minimize the harmful effects of solar radiation. But skincare experts are increasingly saying that one cream is not enough in a hot country. Firstly, few people use it outside the beach, and secondly, not everyone regularly applies cream after each bath.
The sun's rays burn every exposed part of the body, adding to the risk of premature aging or skin cancer. Therefore, doctors are increasingly saying that one should literally hide from the sun: in the shade of trees or with the help of clothes.
Alas, most of the traditional summer things do not protect us from the sun. American scientists have created a standard by which the protection factor of clothing, like sunscreen, is determined. So, the white thin cotton shirt beloved by many has the lowest degree of protection - only 6. This means that about 90% of ultraviolet radiation reaches the skin even through the fabric. And best of all absorbs ultraviolet and prevents its penetration to the skin dense thick fabric of black color. It is clear that not the best choice for a vacation. What to do?
T-shirts vs. shirts
Australian scientists, concerned about the high percentage of skin cancers in their country, studied the characteristics of tissues and their ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation and came to interesting conclusions.
It turned out that the structure of the fiber is of paramount importance. The more space between the threads, the more access for sunlight. Denim clothing and things made of thick silk do not let ultraviolet through. Cotton, linen or viscose will protect from the sun only if they are dyed. And the darker the paint, the less UV it will miss.
In the process of numerous washings, things gradually deteriorate and the structure of the fibers becomes loose and permeable to ultraviolet radiation. But this applies only to old things. If you wash the cotton fabric a couple of times, it will “sit down” slightly, that is, the space between the threads will decrease.
Wet things, regardless of the quality of the material, transmit ultraviolet light better than dry ones. So even a closed swimsuit, if it is not changed after swimming, will not protect against the harmful effects of solar radiation.
Summer choice
Skin care experts recommend that in the summer, first of all, make sure that the back of the neck and shoulders, ears, décolleté and lower back are covered from the sun's rays. It is these places that are most often bare.
To take care of them, it is enough to choose T-shirts with a collar, without a deep neckline. And buy skirts and trousers not with a low waist, but ordinary ones.
Don't forget the headwear. At the same time, wide-brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps and even more bandanas, which do not even cover the face from the sun.
Sunglasses are not only a tribute to fashion. It's also about eye care. With age, the eyes become less moistened, and in the open sun they become completely dry. Hence the discomfort, pain, redness.
For normal hydration - both eyes and skin - you need to drink at least 1.5 liters of ordinary drinking water per day.
On a note
Who shouldn't sunbathe?
- People suffering from hypertension, varicose veins, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid gland;
- women diagnosed with fibroids or endometriosis;
- people who often suffer from herpes (the so-called fever);
- people taking antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines and antiarrhythmic drugs.
What color clothes are best to wear in summer?
It is generally accepted that summer clothes should be of light colors, as it allows you to reflect the sun's rays, and it is not so hot for a person in it. However, experts strongly recommend wearing dark clothes on hot sunny days. It is she who will protect our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer, scientists say.
The most important task in sunny weather is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. To do this, the researchers believe, people should dress in dark clothes, and not in bright Hawaiian shirts. Yellow shirts provide the least protection from the sun. Few people would think of wearing black or navy blue on a hot sunny day, but scientists from the University of Catalonia, Spain, advise choosing these colors. The color of the fabric has a huge impact on its protective properties against ultraviolet radiation, experts explain.
Dark blue and red colors are especially good in this aspect - they protect the skin best of all.
Most people who go to resorts rely on clothing to protect themselves from the scorching sun, although regular sunscreen would suffice. Keep in mind that white T-shirts and tight-fitting tank tops, as well as wet bathing suits, do not protect well from ultraviolet rays.
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Everyone knows that moderate exposure to sunlight is very beneficial for a healthy body. Under their action, the human body begins to produce vitamin D, which is necessary for the formation of bones and protects the body from osteoporosis - thinning and brittle bones, which many older people are prone to. In addition, a light tan is an excellent cosmetic product that suits most women.
However, too much sun can cause significant damage. Every year, scientists conduct many studies, the latest of which have confirmed the fact that ultraviolet light can accelerate premature skin aging.
Even though skin aging time is inherited through genes, a lot also depends on the amount of our sun exposure.
Sunlight-induced aging begins in the thinnest layer of cells. The cells of the stratum corneum become coarse and compacted. Melanocytes begin to unevenly distribute melanin, elastin tissues shrink, collagen structures change, tissues that make our skin supple and smooth are gradually destroyed. As a result, the skin becomes uneven, rough to the touch.
How do you know if your skin is aging from the sun or not?
Compare the skin in places where the sun's rays hit with those places where they do not: for example, the inside of the arm with the outside and with the face. If you notice a difference, don't be discouraged, but protect yourself from further damage to your skin.
How to protect your skin?
Protecting yourself from the sun's rays is not very difficult. To do this, it is not at all necessary to spend your whole life in the shade. A few simple rules should be followed:
do not stay in the sun for too long;
avoid hours of maximum solar activity;
regularly apply sunscreen to the skin.
The main component of sunscreen cosmetics are substances that can absorb the ultraviolet rays of the solar spectrum. Depending on the absorption spectrum, they are divided into UVA and UVB filters. In addition, there are a number of universal filters that oppose the rays of both spectra.
Burns and pain are delivered to us by UVB filters. Namely, UVA is to blame for the early appearance of wrinkles, reducing the firmness and elasticity of the skin. These rays act imperceptibly, without causing discomfort or pain in a person. And since a person cannot notice them, then, therefore, he cannot avoid them in the future. Therefore, experts consider effective protection against rays A to be the main means of preserving youthful skin.
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Each sunscreen has a sun protection index, which is indicated by numbers. All modern creams have two such indices. First SPF- indicates the level of protection against ultraviolet b-rays (UVB), the second - UVA- degree of protection against ultraviolet a-rays.
The skin of an ordinary person begins to redden on average within 6-10 minutes after exposure to the sun. The designation SPF 12, for example, says that the skin will be protected from the appearance of redness for 72-120 minutes.
There is another dependency. SPF 15 cream blocks approximately 93% of UVB rays from reaching the skin. Cream SPF 30 blocks 97%. Cream SPF 50 blocks 99%. The difference between 93, 97 and 99 percent may seem insignificant, but if the skin is too sensitive to the sun or has a predisposition to skin cancer, the extra few percent protection will make all the difference. In addition, please note that no cream is capable of capturing 100% of UV radiation.
The larger the numerical value of the index, the higher the level of its protection. Accordingly, for people who are not disposed to tanning, the index should be higher, for well-tanned phototypes, it should be lower.
UVA PF up to 2.7- low protection (short)
UVA PF 2.8 to 5.4- medium protection
UVA PF 5.5 to 8.1- high protection (long-term)
UVA PF over 8.2- super high protection.
For people with skin prone to redness and burns, the optimal values \u200b\u200bwill be - for SPF, the range is from 40 to 50, for UVA -15.
How to apply sunscreen correctly?
A very important point is the correct application of the cream, you should not save the cream - if the cream is applied in a thin layer, then it will not work at all, or will act inadequately to its original index. The cream is applied to the entire surface of the body in contact with solar radiation (do not forget about the ears, the area around the eyes and mouth).
Well, in addition, it must be remembered that you need to apply sunscreen preparations 10-15 minutes before going out in the sun - that is how much time is needed for the protection to begin to act.
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If, despite all the efforts made, the skin is still reddened, you should:
get out of the sun immediately and get dressed;
apply a soothing agent to the burned area of \u200b\u200bthe skin, which will relieve irritation and moisturize the skin;
you can use folk remedies - milk, kefir or yogurt, compresses from strong tea;
in the evening, go to bed naked, pouring baby powder on the sheets, which will prevent the skin from rubbing against the bed linen.
In no case should the skin that has peeled off after a burn be exposed to the sun's rays even for a short time, as it is still too tender and sensitive.
It will be possible to sunbathe again only after a few weeks, when the skin is completely healed. The use of a sunscreen with a high protection factor, not lower than SPF 25-30, is mandatory.
In addition, do not forget that the risk of getting skin cancer increases with each new burn.
(updated April 2018)
While our ships roam the universe (c), some unconscious citizens are still lying in the sun. But the text below, in general, is not for them, but for those who agree with the latest research on the dangers of overheating and ultraviolet radiation coming from the sun.
When we lived in the States, each visit to the pediatrician ended with parting words - "and just don't take your children out in the sun! Only shade! Closed clothes, in extreme cases, cream."
But no matter what you do, it’s impossible not to be in the sun - the shadow is not everywhere, and you can’t cancel the sea either. According to statistics, most of the sun exposure people receive before the age of 18 years.
The problem with the sun is that if you can still hide from the thermal component of the rays in the shade, then ultraviolet has a greater penetrating power. Even under the clouds on a hot day, it is quite possible to burn out. So the first way to protect yourself is not to leave the house at all.
The second standard method is creams. There are a lot of subtleties here (time and methods of application, types of cream), as well as more frequent data on the interaction of cream and sun particles with the skin and the negative consequences of this. In addition, the cream can be difficult to spread evenly on everything and remember to reapply after intensive wiping, changing clothes and the like.
There remains a third "simple" option - clothing.
The biggest misconception is that any clothing protects from the sun the best good enough. Alas, fabrics are different fabrics. The material, the type of weave and even the color of the clothes play a role - dark things are the best at retaining ultraviolet (but at the same time they heat up more). The denser the fabric, the more effectively it protects, but, again, it is hotter in it. White thin pareos are the most unreliable protection. In addition, humidity is also important - wet cotton protects against ultraviolet radiation worse than dry cotton. But there are exceptions: silk and bamboo viscose become denser when wet. Of the most affordable fabrics, blue denim has the best stitching, but unbleached cotton is more effective (almost all factory items are bleached). Dense linen, hemp and cotton protect better than thin silk. And polyester (100%), which has natural UV absorbing properties.
It turns out that there is no natural effective fabric that protects from ultraviolet radiation and at the same time does not create discomfort when worn - it is hot and sweaty in dense dark things. As a result, following the demand, specialized fabrics with enhanced protection appeared - they better absorb and reflect ultraviolet "harmful" rays. Usually, at the same time, the fabric dries easily and / or generally removes moisture from the body, being a membrane. In addition to special fabrics made from synthetic materials, there is simply a special (factory) processing of natural fabrics, mainly cotton.
Name
The correct name for clothing with sun protection is, of course, sun protection. But it so happened that rash guard, which originally existed to protect against abrasions, scratches and other things when doing active sports, actually occupied a niche. And now manufacturers call everything sunscreen and quick-drying in one word - rashguard.
The best known special fabrics for protective clothing are synthetic (nylon) Solarweave, Coolmax UPF and cotton Solarknit.
Protection quality
In 1998, a standard and testing of sun protection clothing appeared in the USA. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how many "units" of UV light will pass through the fabric. For example, UPF 40 - one unit in 40 will reach the skin, and UPF 50 - one in 50, that is, 98% of the ultraviolet will be reflected or absorbed by clothing. Unlike the SPF label (sun protection factor), which is measured visually by the difference between protected and unprotected skin, UPF is tested with special equipment. Unfortunately, SPF and the visual determination of skin lesions do not provide a way to understand how effective UVA (UVA) protection is, as it does not leave such immediate visible effects on the skin, unlike UVB (UVB).
Most sun protection clothing is labeled 30-50 UPF. The standard implies that the manufacturer himself tests his fabrics, simulating two years of use (including fading in the sun, washing, wear, etc.) and indicates the smallest of the results obtained on the clothes. By comparison, regular bleached cotton has a UPF of 4.
Surprising things about cotton and others
But with cotton, as always, not everything is so simple. Studies conducted in 2005 showed that if you take unbleached cotton dyed (treated) with natural pigments (green, brown, beige), then its UV protection properties are at a very high level - UPF 46-64! Green cotton is best, and I suspect that if indigo cotton had been included in the study, the result would have been even more interesting. Moreover, from wash to wash, the level of protection only increases due to the deposition on textiles of optical brightener, which is present in almost all washing powders-liquids. However, even if ordinary cotton is washed, then an optical brightener will help increase the protective properties at times (there were also studies and tests on this topic). Just do not confuse ordinary bleach such as bleach (it worsens UV protection) and optical brightener.
Natural linen also shows good results. But only with natural dyes. White linen - UPF 10, dyed dark - more than 50. But silk was unlucky - UPF = 0. And dyes-bleachers will not help in principle.
Well, the obvious: no matter how natural and high level of protection the material would have, the mesh fabric will never protect against ultraviolet radiation.
Now, about clothes.
With clothes, everything, in general, is easier than with fabrics. Since we are talking about protecting the skin from the sun's rays, then there is only one option - to cover everything as much as possible, not forgetting small details like the back of the neck and ears.
Depending on their skin type and the speed of reaction to the sun, everyone chooses different closeness for themselves. But long sleeves, long legs, a closed neckline and ears are a must. Burqas-abayas would also be comfortable, but I'm afraid the people at the beach resort will just get scared. Almost all sports brands keep a line of civilian clothing with UV protection. The range of pants, shirts, dresses, shorts, t-shirts. In general, anything. Usually, the lightness of fabrics and moisture-wicking properties are added as a bonus. I personally really like columbia and exoficio.
The easiest way is with clothes for constant wear. But, if we are talking about staying on the beach, swimming or outdoor activities, then you can’t do without synthetics. It is very unpleasant to swim in a cotton long-sleeved T-shirt, no matter how natural it may be. Clothing should not dry quickly, but instantly, and fit the body without interfering with free movement. This is especially true for children and those who are actively moving (for example, when walking in the mountains).
What you should pay attention to: the high collar of T-shirts - to cover the neck (mainly the back part suffers).
Pants should have a high waist or a long T-shirt so that the lower back does not sparkle in a sitting position. A hat-cap should not only cover the top of the head, but also create a shadow on the face as much as possible. "Veil" around the neck is a convenient thing.
outdoor research 
A hood instead of a cap is quite acceptable, if only it is worn, and not kept for beauty.
Columbia - Hooded T-shirt UPF50 
One-piece overalls for children are very comfortable - the belt does not put pressure on the stomach and the back is guaranteed to be closed. But overalls have a much shorter period of use - a T-shirt and pants can be worn even when they are big or small, unlike a jumpsuit.
tuga suit UPF50 
By the way, thin REI thermal underwear is great for use on the beach. It is UPF50, dries quickly and grains of sand do not get into the fabric (and this, by the way, is a rather critical thing). Long beach-swimming pants are almost impossible to buy. So you just need to take the longest one that comes across, or a jumpsuit.
For swimming adults, it is easiest to use long boarder shorts and a long-sleeved T-shirt. An unexpected option is Muslim (burkini) or Orthodox bathing dresses.
