UPF is Fashionable!

As we gear up for summer, I want you to be fashionable and sun savvy! So what is UPF? Simply put, it stands for Ultraviolet Protective Factor and you can find it in your clothing. SPF (Sun Protection Factor), more commonly, is found in sunscreen, is applied to the skin and needs to be reapplied to be the most efficacious. UPF provides protection that is woven, tightly, into your clothing and doesn't need to be reapplied.

Sunscreen typically works by one of two ways depending on what the ingredients are in the sunscreen. Physical blockers work by blocking the sun rays whereas chemical blockers work by absorbing the sun rays throughout the skin and dispersing heat. As I stated, these need to be reapplied and adequate amounts need to be applied such as a shot glass amount for the entire body. SPF needs about 30 minutes to fully take effect.

UPF works by blocking the sun rays and takes effect immediately after application. UPF also comes with a rating of 30-50 and correlates with how tight the clothing is woven together and how much sun, or photons, penetrate through the fabric. A UPF 50 shirt will block 98% of ultraviolet rays. Just because you can hold up your shirt and not see any light through it, does not mean your clothing blocks UV light. The UV light is not visible seen by the naked eye. Believe it or not, your white t-shirt is only a UPF rating of 4! UPF fabric also blocks both UVA and UVB. Australia has been using these types of fabric since 1996!

There are many pros to making the switching from SPF to UPF. If you have sensitive skin, UPF is for you! If you dislike the greasy goop, UPF is for you! If you often forget to reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours, UPF is for you! You get where I’m going here, right? It’s easy, fashionable and let’s be clear, the days of being tan are a thing of the past. Now, I get it, tighter the weave the warmer the clothing and that’s the only con I can think of!

Check out my fave Coolibar for some amazing fashionable statements! Now, don't forget that with UPF you can focus your SPF to your head, neck, hands, feet. Reapplication required but you will thank me for the reminder later. Be Skin Savvy!💋

Diva Tip: Follow the garment care instructions, washing with fabric softener or using the dryer can alter the fabric weave and therefore the UPF!