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Sun Protection Essentials

When summer comes, we love basking in the warmth of the sun and then plunging into cold water for quick cool off. We know that the sun’s rays can be damaging to our eyes and skin so we take precautions to reduce the risks. They include sun protection clothing and hats, sunglasses and lots of sunscreen! These items are useful for more than preventing sunburn or eyestrain. They help to reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches our body. We think of them as tools for helping us maintain healthy skin and eyes for years to come. 

Sun protection items work to reduce our exposure to two types of UV light, Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B.  UVA has a longer wavelength and is associated with aging skin. UVB has a shorter wavelength and is associated with sunburn.  Sun protection clothing absorbs UVB, while the best sunscreens are called broad spectrum and protect against both UVA and UVB.

UPF is a special term associated with sun protection clothing. UPF is Ultraviolet Protection Factor which is a measure of the amount of UV radiation that penetrates clothing and reaches the skin. For example, a fabric rated UPF 30 means that, if 30 units of UV fall on the fabric, only 1 unit will pass through to the skin. A UPF 30 fabric that blocks 29 out of 30 units of UV is blocking 96.67%. UPF ratings go up to 50+, where over 98% of the UV is blocked.

Other factors that enhance a fabric's level of protection include the type of fiber and density of the weave. To  test it, hold the garment up to the light and see how much light comes through. Dark and bright colors will absorb more UVB keeping it off the skin. Clothing with a loose fit also helps to keep us cooler in hot weather. A big benefit of wearing sun protection clothing is that unlike sunscreen, it doesn't wear off! It lasts all day and doesn't decrease over time.

Carve Designs Women's Lake Sunshirt

Carve's Lake Sunshirt has a 50+ UPF rating. It can be worn as a shirt or layered as a jacket for cooler days or evenings. Made of a four way stretch tricot knit of nylon and spandex, it's made for water activities like paddle boarding, boating and beachcombing where its quick-drying and breathability is a plus. The collar can lie flat or stand up for some extra protection for the neck. With the two way zipper, the Sunshirt can be loosened at the bottom for some extra air or comfort when sitting. The side seam pockets are zippered for extra security.

Royal Robbins Women's Spotless Traveler Pants

Royal Robbins Spotless Traveler Pants are were made for travelers who like to pack light. The woven lightweight material is made of a polyester and spandex blend that feels silky on the skin, has a nice drape, and is wrinkle free. You can wash and hang it up to dry it in your hotel room at night to be ready to go the next day. With its UPF 50+ rating you'll be protected while sightseeing during the day. Dress it up with an elegant top and jacket and you're ready for the evening. And should there be a spill, the HeiQ Soil Release finish prevents spots and stains. Plus there are usable pockets including some with zippers!

KUHL Men's Decptr Pants

Kuhl's Decptr Pants are lightweight, durable, breathable, and they look good!  The Decptr offers a surprising range of motion thanks to Tufflite fabric that blends nylon, polyester and spandex with a ripstop finish along with articulated knees and a gusseted crotch. These pants are versatile. Their tapered fit is stylish enough for business casual, comfortable enough for travel, and flexible enough for any kind of activity where you want the maximum freedom of movement whether you're working in the field, in the yard, hiking or just hanging out . And they offer UPF 50+ sun protection.

Sunday Afternoons Shade Goddess Hat

Looking for a ponytail hat with a wide brim and a neck cape? Sunday Afternoons' Shade Goddess Hat has it all!  Made of a comfortable lightweight, quick-drying nylon fabric, this hat has a generous four inch wide brim and a seven inch neck cape that's gathered, adding extra style points. It's packable and has a UPF rating of 50+. If you like to prop your sunglasses on your hat, you'll love the sunglass lock. The decorative hatband has slots for the arms of your sunglasses securing them in place! And if it's windy, the chinstrap will keep the hat safely on your head.

Suncloud Slice Sunglasses

A pair of quality sunglasses is your number one tool for protecting your eyes. At Whole Earth, all of our sunglasses block 100% of UV. The Suncloud Slice with its close fitting wraparound frame adds even more protection for your eyes by covering side angles. Remember, the color and darkness of sunglass lenses are not related to the ability to block UV. Rather, colored lenses are useful for different light conditions. For example, gray, blue and green lenses maintain true colors and are considered best for bright sunlight. And even if it's a cloudy day, UV rays are not blocked by the clouds, so that's the time to break out your rose, orange or yellow lenses for low light conditions.

Thinkbaby Sunscreen SPF 50+ - 3oz

Perhaps the most basic item in our family sun protection kit is sunscreen. Thinkbaby Sunscreen is made for children’s sensitive skin. It can be used by children six months or older and is also used by adults whose skin remains sensitive. This is a broad spectrum sunscreen offering UVA and UVB protection. We all know that using sunscreen is important, but if we want it to work, we need to follow the instructions. Thinkbaby recommends reapplying after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, otherwise we should reapply every two hours. It spreads easily on the skin and if you’re at the beach, there are no known ingredients that can cause damage to reefs.

So there you have it, a brief sampling of a few of the sun protection essentials you'll find at Whole Earth. If you're planning a trip where you'll be spending time in the sun or you live in a sunny place like Texas, consider taking full advantage of the protection offered by UPF clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen. If you'd like help determining what type of protection might be best for you, our knowledgeable staff will be glad to help.