What to wear to protect your skin from the sun
In addition to seeking shade and applying sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing goes a long way in protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can increase your risk of skin cancer.
However, some garments provide better UV protection than others. The key is to look for dense fabrics and dark or bright colors and pair those with the appropriate accessories. To help protect your skin from the sun, dermatologists recommend wearing the following items:
Lightweight and long-sleeved shirts and pants: It’s important to cover up as much of your skin as possible when spending time outdoors. Avoid fabrics with a loose or open weave. Darker colors offer more protection than light colors. For even more effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
Sunglasses with UV protection: Look for lenses that offer UV protection. Darker lenses do not necessarily offer UV protection, so make sure to read the label before purchasing. In addition, large-framed or wraparound sunglasses offer more sun protection than aviators.
A wide-brimmed hat: A hat is a simple and effective way to cover up your face and neck. Choose a wide brim hat, which will protect your ears, as well as your head and neck. Avoid baseball hats or straw hats with holes, as these are not as effective in protecting you outdoors.
Shoes that cover your feet: However, if you’re wearing sandals or flip-flops or going barefoot, be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.
In addition to wearing sun-protective clothing, it’s important to seek shade and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.