Sun Risks: Sunlight is comprised of a spectrum of wavelengths. Benign, visible light rays are most familiar. Sunlight sustains life on our planet, warms our days, and helps our bodies produce vitamin D, however, it does present several risks. With the decrease in the earth’s natural protective ozone layer, more UV rays reach the earth and our bodies. Research has shown that even small amounts of UV radiation can cause considerable harm. These invisible UVB rays cause sunburn, skin dryness, peeling, pigmentation spots, premature aging, and some types of skin cancer. UVA rays are related to premature aging, some types of skin cancers, and eye damage (macular degeneration and cataracts).

UPF: “Ultraviolet Protection Factor” or UPF is the international standard for rating UV resistance in textiles. Our fabric testing is done at an International UV Testing Laboratory in the USA. We test on a continual basis and require test results of UPF 40-50+for an “ excellent” rating, the highest possible. Over 98% of the UV rays are prevented from passing through a fabric with this rating. The sun protective properties of our fabrics last for the life of the garment, and do not wash out.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor: The SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin. In other words, if your skin would normally burn in 10 minutes without sunscreen, sunscreen with the rating of SPF 15 means you could potentially be outside 15 times longer, or 150 minutes (2.5 hours), for you to get a sunburn. This rating system is executed in a lab. It does not account for the amount of sunscreen that does not soak into the skin or the amount that is rubbed off due to clothing, sweating, swimming etc. Therefore it is recommend to wear sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 30+, reapply every two hours, and be aware of how sweat or water resistant your sunscreen is.

Sunblock vs Sunscreen: While many people use "sunscreen" and "sunblock" interchangeably, there's a difference. Sunscreen contains chemicals that absorb UV rays before they damage the skin. Sunblock contains particles that act as a physical wall against UV rays. While sunscreen must be applied 15 minutes prior to sun exposure, sunblock begins working immediately. Dermatologists say experiment with what works best with your skin and plan accordingly.

Babies and Sun Protection: Pediatricians recommend that infants younger than 6 months of age stay out of the sun.  This is because their skin is not fully developed. If your baby is younger than 6 months of age – ask your pediatrician about sunscreen protection.  Beginning at 6 months, sunscreen, plus protective clothing and a hat, are considered essential any time babies or young children go outdoors. It is best for babies to wear a sunscreen specially formulated for the unique needs of baby skin. Their skin is not yet fully developed, so sun exposure will be especially damaging. The Following two sunscreens are offered on our website and work great.

• Blue Lizard Baby 30+SPF | KENeSYS Kids SPF 30+ Sunscreen Spray

Sun Tans: Suntans are a symptom of damaged skin. They are the result of ultraviolet radiation stimulating the melanocytes (cells in the top layers of the skin) to produce more melanin or pigment. This is a natural defense of the skin to protect against UV. However, while the melanin helps protect the skin, over exposure and repetitive exposure of the skin to the sun's rays or to tanning booth rays damages melanocytes and many other cell types in the skin. This damage is cumulative and potentially irreversible, ultimately leading to premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Therefore, the tan you thought beautiful for a few days may lead to a lifetime of skin problems. www.sunprotection.net

Some drugs & cosmetics such as tetacycline, diuretics, major tranquilizers, ance medication, etc. may increase susceptibility to sunburn because they contain substances that cause the skin to absorb more of the sun's radiation. These "photosensitivity reactions" may also be caused by birth control pills. Your physician can advise you about medications that can cause problems in the sun.

The UV Index: predicts the levels of ultraviolet radiation on a daily basis. It is a computer model used around the world, which combines multiple variables to determine the next day’s maximum UV level or to forecast peak UV hours. Some of the variables used include ozone, latitude, elevation, and time of year and time of day.

• UV Range < 2 is low and no protection is required. You can safely stay outside.
• UV Range 3 to 5 is moderate which require some protection. Seek shade during midday hours. Wear sun protective clothing, including a hat with a 3-inch brim and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
• UV Range 6 to 7 is high which requires protection. Seek shade during midday hours. Wear sun protective clothing, including a shirt, a hat with a 3-inch brim and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours.
• UV Range 8 to 10 is very high which requires extra protection. Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure to seek shade. Wear sun protective clothing including a shirt, a hat with a 3-inch brim and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen twenty minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
• UV Range 11 is extreme and requires caution. Avoid being outside during midday hours. Make sure to seek shade. Wear sun protective clothing including a shirt, a hat with a 3-inch brim and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen twenty minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.

1. Five or more sunburns significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. EPA.gov.
2. Skin Cancer is now the most common type of cancer in the United States with over a million Skin cancers diagnosed annually.
3. The sun’s UV rays cause more than 90% of all skin cancers. 80% of these cancers occur on the head and/or upper body.
4. UV damage is cumulative and permanent. Signs of skin aging due to UV exposure begins in our 20’s and increases as we age.
5. Having a tan or naturally darker skin pigment will not protect skin from the sun’s damage.
6. Sun protective fabrics last all day long. Sunscreens must be reapplied every 2 hours.
7. Up to 90% of UV rays can pass through mist, fog or clouds and/or can be reflected off the ground or water.
8. For most children, 23 percent of their lifetime exposure will happen before the age of 18. While 23 percent is not as much as the widely quoted figure of 80 percent (now shown to be a misinterpretation), the damage is significant and can be compounded by subsequent exposure.

1. Always pack sun hats, clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen when traveling, even if you are only going for the day. Keep a hat in your car, boat or purse.
2. When parents practice sun safety, their kids will follow. Keep it fun and they will love their hats.
3. Protect commonly forgotten exposed skin areas from UV rays: tops of your feet, the back of your neck, hands, calves, and ears.
4. If you drive a lot, the left side of your face and left arm is much more exposed to solar radiation. As UVA can pass through glass, utilize sun wear even while inside your car.
5. Lip membranes are thin, and very UV sensitive. To prevent cracking and peeling, try our Sunday Afternoons lip balm with an SPF 30.
6. For the billions of dollars spent on skin care products, sun protection offers better and more permanent results. Keeping your face out of the sun is the best anti aging treatment we can recommend.
7. The AAD also recommends avoiding sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. For athletes, this means performing outdoor workouts in the early morning or evening hours. For those who must be outdoors during peak exposure, take extra precaution. If you'll be in the sun longer than an hour, wear a sun protective hat, long sleeve shirt, UV blocking sunglasses, and high rating sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher.
8. The higher the altitude, the faster the burn. Hikers and climbers should take extra precaution against the sun. Higher altitudes lead to faster sunburn because you're closer to the sun's rays and often less protected from cloud cover. When outdoors in high altitude, remember to take necessary precautions with a sun protective hat, long sleeve shirt, UV blocking sunglasses, and high rating sunscreen of at least SPF (30 or higher). Reapply at least once per hour.