Have you heard the term UPF and are still trying to figure out exactly what it means? Well you are not alone because most of know all about SPF yet UPF is not as talked about or advertised as much. So, what exactly is it and what exactly does it mean?
So yes we have all heard about SPF which is the term for describing the sunscreen’s ability to filter out the harmful UV rays from the sun. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the number that is on the sunscreen will inform you as to how protective of your skin it is. For example, an SPF of 25 means that it will filter up to 96% of the UVA and UVB rays. If the SPF is 50, it means that 98% of the rays gets filtered.
This is really similar to UPF which is the sun protection clothing rating for providing protection from the UV rays. It stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and a UPF rating of 50+ on clothing means that it will filter out up to 98% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays that could possibly get to your skin.
So let’s look at what exactly are UV rays? It is broadly defined as the electromagnetic radiation that the sun gives out. Well, mostly the sun but there are other forms of getting exposed to these electromagnetic rays from sources such as tanning beds. This is purely why tanning beds have been made illegal due to the huge risk that they pose to your skin and body.
Having exposure to these rays over a long period of time (even years) can cause the DNA of the cells to become damaged and can even lead to cancer. Other scary things that can happen is for your skin to start aging prematurely. Those nasty UVA rays can cause wrinkles and if that is something you are wanting to avoid, then it’s time to start looking more closely at your UV exposure.
Given that it has been proven that UV exposure can lead to skin cancers can be pretty scary as it is a well-known fact that Melanoma is an awful cancer to get. More motivation to start to look at protecting yourself with a good level of sun protection and common sense when it comes to spending time outdoors in the sun.
Investing in a Cat & I ladies rashie can be one of the easiest forms of starting your new sun protection habits and regime. Knowing that your torso, shoulders and arms are protected when you are exposed to the sun is a good level of defense. Don’t forget the rest of your body though! Use sunscreen on all exposed areas of skin, slap on a hat, slide on some sunglasses and if you can, find a nice shady area to relax in.