Which color protects the best from the sun. How to protect yourself from the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. Who is not allowed to sunbathe
Fabric, color and ultraviolet
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"Second skin" against the sun
Everyone has long known the fact that in summer it is better to throw synthetics and black dresses away, and instead put on light natural materials, which, however, is good for both body and mood. Let's try to figure out which colors and materials help to “tame” ultraviolet light.
Color
It is believed that light colors reflect heat and ultraviolet radiation better, while dark ones, reflecting light, transmit harmful radiation itself. And, like dark, bright colors do not protect well from the “harmful” sun. We start from this, making up the palette of the summer wardrobe. Following the fashionable nowadays marine theme in clothes, we will replace blue with sky blue. An elegant beige can become a summer version of a fashionable brown, and it is better to abandon red and hot pink in favor of delicate shades of coral and tea rose. By the way, according to studies, it is the pale pink color that holds the palm in its reflective qualities, dividing it only with pure white, which in summer is generally out of competition in its protective properties.
the cloth
As for the composition of the fabric, here in the summer, of course, you need to give preference to natural materials, which are distinguished by their ability to absorb and scatter ultraviolet radiation. Most synthetic materials do not allow air to pass through at all, creating a sauna effect in the heat and increasing the risk of sunburn. But the notorious polyester, which is part of many fabrics, has good resistance to high temperatures and at the same time is able to remove excess moisture from the body, creating a temperature balance. But all these qualities are more likely to protect from heat than from ultraviolet rays. If you really choose among artificial fabrics, then it is better to give preference to viscose, which is considered the most natural of synthetic materials.
Of course, in the open sun it is better to dress in cotton clothes. Natural cotton, hugging the body, scatters the sun's rays. But thin silk, beloved by everyone in the summer heat, will be a rather poor sun protector. Although its texture is quite durable, silk is very sensitive to ultraviolet rays: without protecting from solar radiation, the fabric itself quickly loses its properties and wears out with prolonged exposure to the sun. The ideal option for summer will be good old flax - this material is much denser than cotton, is a very good light and heat insulator, and in addition is considered a natural antiseptic!
Additional protection
Alas, none of the most natural and durable fabric can guarantee 100% UV protection. Today materials with additional properties come to the rescue. Some Western manufacturers have begun to create specially treated so-called sunscreen clothing that only lets in a few percent of harmful rays. However, the degree of protection of clothing also differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each of these things is necessarily marked with a special sign, for which the UPF index (ultraviolet protection factor or UV protection factor) is used. The higher this index, the better the protection. While the recommended level of protection is 15 points, for a regular cotton T-shirt it is 5-8, and for sun-protection clothing it ranges from 15 to 50, that is, the degree of protection in this case increases 3-5 times. It is usually made of a tighter weave fabric or coated with a special substance. The degree of protection can also be increased with the help of a special composition in the form of Rit Sun Guard powder (not yet found on the domestic market) by simply placing it in the washing machine.
Solarium effect on the beach, or sunbathing under a swimsuit
Well, if on a stuffy street we strive to protect ourselves from the exhausting sun, then on the beach we are annoyed about the need to wear a swimsuit, which is so difficult to achieve an even tan. But, do not rush to be upset - not so long ago, a solution was found in the form of a completely new generation of swimsuits that let in up to 70% of the sun's rays and at the same time provide the skin with protection, which, according to the index already known to us, equals from 4 to 8 units. At the moment, Solar has a monopoly in the production of such swimwear.
The effect of an even tan, which these wonderful swimsuits are good for, is achieved due to a special fabric with thousands of micropores, which, when stretched, allows the rays to reach the skin. In other words, this fabric visually resembles a mesh. By the way, do not forget to apply sunscreen with a slightly lower sun protection factor to the skin under such a swimsuit than the one you use for open areas. So that the material does not shine through, all the swimsuits of this series are made of fabric with a contrasting, usually small pattern, which is very handy. After all, "colorfulness" is at the same time also a fashionable trend that has replaced monochromatic materials. This pattern creates an optical illusion, riveting attention and preventing the eye from seeing anything through the fabric. It is important: the effect persists even when wet.
Bottom line: enjoy the summer sun, but do it either in moderation or in the right clothes! Well, for the rest I advise you to forget about the measure: to have a rest - so to the fullest!
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What color is the best clothes to wear in the summer?
It is generally accepted that summer clothes should be light colors, as they allow you to reflect the sun's rays, and it is not so hot for a person in them. However, experts strongly recommend wearing dark clothing on hot sunny days. It is she who will protect our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays that can cause skin cancer, scientists say.
The most important task in sunny weather is to protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. To do this, the researchers believe, people should dress in dark clothes, and not in bright Hawaiian shirts. Yellow shirts are the worst protection from the sun. Few people would think to wear black or navy blue clothes on a hot sunny day, but scientists from the University of Catalonia, Spain, advise choosing these colors. The color of the fabric has a tremendous effect on its protective properties from ultraviolet radiation, experts explain.
In particular, dark blue and red are good in this aspect - they protect the skin best.
Most resort travelers rely on clothing to protect them from the scorching sun, although regular sunscreen would be sufficient. Keep in mind that white T-shirts and tight-fitting T-shirts, as well as wet bathing suits, are poor UV protection.
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Everyone knows that moderate exposure to sunlight is very beneficial for a healthy body. Under their influence, the human body begins to produce vitamin D, which is necessary for the formation of bones and protects the body from osteoporosis - the thinning and fragility of bones that many elderly people are exposed to. In addition, a light tan is a great beauty product that goes with most women.
However, excess sun can cause significant harm. Scientists conduct many studies every year, the latest of which have confirmed the fact that ultraviolet light can accelerate the premature aging of the skin.
Despite the fact that the timing of skin aging is inherited through genes, much depends on the amount of sun exposure.
Sun-induced aging begins in the thinnest layer of cells. The cells of the stratum corneum become rough and thickened. Melanocytes begin to distribute melanin unevenly, elastin tissues shrink, collagen structures change, tissues that make our skin elastic and smooth are gradually destroyed. As a result, the skin becomes uneven, rough to the touch.
How do you know if your skin is aging from the sun or not?
Compare the skin where the sun's rays hit with the places where it doesn't: for example, the inside of the hand with the outside and with the face. If you notice a difference, don't be discouraged, but protect yourself from further damage to your skin.
How to protect your skin?
Protecting yourself from the sun's rays isn't very difficult. To do this, it is not at all necessary to spend your whole life in the shade. There are a few simple rules to follow:
do not stay in the sun for too long;
avoid hours of maximum solar activity;
regularly apply sunscreen to the skin.
The main component of sunscreen cosmetics are substances that can absorb ultraviolet rays from the solar spectrum. Depending on the absorption spectrum, they are divided into UVA and UVB filters... In addition, there are a number of universal filters that oppose the rays of both spectra.
Burns and pain are brought to us by UVB filters. Namely, UVA is to blame for the early appearance of wrinkles, reducing the firmness and elasticity of the skin. These rays act imperceptibly, without causing discomfort or pain in a person. And since a person cannot notice them, then, therefore, he cannot avoid them in the future. Therefore, experts consider effective protection from the rays A to be the main means of preserving the youth of the skin.
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Each sunscreen has a sun protection index, which is indicated by numbers. All modern creams have two such indexes. First SPF - indicates the level of protection against ultraviolet b-rays (UVB), the second - UVA - degree of protection against ultraviolet a-rays.
An average person's skin begins to redden on average within 6-10 minutes after exposure to the sun. An SPF 12 designation, for example, indicates that the skin will be protected from redness within 72-120 minutes.
There is another addiction. SPF 15 cream blocks about 93% of UVB rays from getting to the skin. SPF 30 cream blocks 97%. SPF 50 cream blocks 99%. The difference between 93, 97 and 99 percent may seem insignificant, but if the skin is too sensitive to sunlight or is prone to skin cancer, an additional few percent of protection will play a decisive role. In addition, we draw your attention to the fact that no cream is able to capture 100% of UV radiation.
The higher the numerical value of the index, the higher the level of its protection. Accordingly, for people who are not disposed to sunburn, the index should be higher, for well-tanned phototypes - lower.
UVA PF up to 2.7 - low protection (short-term)
UVA PF 2.8 to 5.4 - medium protection
UVA PF 5.5 to 8.1 - high protection (long-term)
UVA PF over 8.2 - ultra-high protection.
For people with skin prone to redness and burns, the optimal values \u200b\u200bwill be - for SPF range from 40 to 50, for UVA -15.
How to properly apply sunscreen?
A very important point is the correct application of the cream, it is not worth saving the cream - if the cream is applied in a thin layer, then it will not work at all, or it will act inadequately to its initial index. The cream is applied to the entire surface of the body in contact with solar radiation (do not forget about the ears, the area around the eyes and mouth).
Well, and, in addition, it must be remembered that you need to apply sunscreens 10-15 minutes before going out into the sun - this is how much time is needed for the protection to start working.
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If, despite all the efforts made, the skin still turns red, you should:
immediately get out of the sun and get dressed;
apply a soothing agent to the burned area of \u200b\u200bthe skin to relieve irritation and moisturize the skin;
you can use folk remedies - milk, kefir or yogurt, strong tea compresses;
in the evening, go to bed naked, sprinkling baby powder on the sheets, which will prevent the skin from rubbing against the bed linen.
In no case should the skin peeled off after a burn be exposed even for a short while to the sun's rays, since it is still too tender and sensitive.
It will be possible to sunbathe again only after a few weeks, when the skin is completely healed. The use of a sunscreen with a high protection factor, at least SPF 25-30, is mandatory.
In addition, do not forget that the risk of developing skin cancer increases with each new burn.
(updated April 2018)
While our ships plow the vastness of the universe (c), some irresponsible citizens are still lying in the sun. But the text below is, in general, not for them, but for those who agree with the latest research on the dangers of overheating and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
When we lived in the States, every visit to the pediatrician ended with a parting word - "just don't take your children out into the sun! Only shade! Closed clothes, or at least cream".
But no matter what you do, it is impossible not to be in the sun - the shadow is not everywhere, and the sea cannot be canceled. According to statistics, people receive most of the sun exposure before the age of 18.
The problem with the sun is that if it is still possible to hide in the shade from the thermal component of the rays, then ultraviolet light has a greater penetrating ability. It is quite possible to burn out even under the clouds on a hot day. So the first way to protect yourself is not to leave the house at all.
The second standard method is creams. There are many subtleties here (time and methods of application, types of cream), as well as more frequent data on the interaction of particles of the cream and the sun with the skin and the negative consequences of this. In addition, it can be difficult to spread the cream evenly on everything and do not forget to renew after intensive wiping, changing clothes and the like.
There remains the third "simple" option - clothing.
The biggest misconception is that any clothing protects the best from the sun well enough. Alas, fabrics differ from fabrics. The material, the type of weave, and even the color of the clothes plays a role - dark things are the best at blocking ultraviolet light (but at the same time they get hotter). The denser the fabric, the more effective it protects, but again, it is hotter in it. White thin pareos are the most unreliable defense. In addition, moisture is also important - wet cotton protects from ultraviolet radiation worse than dry. But there are exceptions: silk and bamboo viscose become denser when wet. Of the most affordable fabrics, blue denim has the best protection, but unbleached cotton is more effective (almost all factory items are made from bleached). Thick linen, hemp and cotton provide better protection than fine silk. And polyester (100%), which has natural UV absorption properties.
It turns out that there is no natural effective fabric that protects against ultraviolet radiation and at the same time does not create discomfort when wearing - it is hot and sweaty in dense dark clothes. As a result, following the demand, there appeared specialized fabrics with enhanced protection - they better absorb and reflect ultraviolet "harmful" rays. Usually, at the same time, the fabric dries easily and / or generally removes moisture from the body, being a membrane. In addition to special fabrics made of synthetic materials, there is also just a special (factory) processing of natural fabrics, mainly cotton.
Name
The correct name for sun protection clothing is of course sun guard... But it so happened that rash guard, which originally existed to protect against abrasions, scratches and other things when doing active sports, actually occupied a niche. And now manufacturers call everything sunscreen and quick-drying in one word - rashguard.
The most famous specialty fabrics for protective clothing are synthetic (nylon) Solarweave, Coolmax UPF and cotton Solarknit.
Protection quality
In 1998, the US introduced a standard and testing for sun clothing. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) shows how many "units" of UV light will pass through the fabric. For example, UPF 40 - one unit in 40 will reach the skin, and UPF 50 - one in 50, that is, 98% of the ultraviolet radiation will be reflected or absorbed by the clothing. Unlike SPF (sun protection factor) marking, which is visually measured by distinguishing between protected and unprotected skin, UPF is tested with special equipment. Unfortunately, SPF and visual detection of skin damage do not make it possible to understand how effective protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) is, as it does not leave the immediate visible effects on the skin, unlike ultraviolet B (UVB).
Most of the sun protection garments produced are labeled 30-50 UPF. The standard implies that the manufacturer tests his fabrics himself, simulating two years of use (including sun fading, washing, wear and tear, etc.) and indicates the lowest result obtained on the garment. In comparison, regular bleached cotton has a UPF 4.
Amazing about cotton and others
But with cotton, as always, not everything is so simple. Studies carried out in 2005 showed that if we take unbleached cotton dyed (treated) with natural pigments (green, brown, beige), then its UV protection properties are at a very high level - UPF 46-64! Green cotton is best, and I suspect that if the study included indigo cotton, the result would be even more interesting. Moreover, from wash to wash, the level of protection only increases due to the deposition of optical brightener on the fabric, which is present in almost all washing powder-liquids. However, even if you wash ordinary cotton, the optical brightener will help to increase the protective properties at times (there have also been studies and tests on this topic). Do not confuse common bleach type bleach (it impairs UV protection) and optical brightener.
Natural flax also shows good results. But only with natural dyes. White linen - UPF 10, dyed dark - more than 50. But silk was out of luck - UPF \u003d 0. And dyes, bleaches, in principle, will not help.
Well, the obvious: no matter how natural and high level of protection the material has, mesh fabric will never protect against ultraviolet radiation.
Well, now about the clothes
In general, everything is simpler with clothes than with fabrics. Since we are talking about protecting the skin from the sun's rays, then there is only one option - to cover everything as much as possible, not forgetting small details like the back of the neck and ears.
Depending on their skin type and the speed of reaction to the sun, everyone chooses a different closeness for themselves. But long sleeves, long legs, closed neckline and ears are a must. A burqa-abaya would also be comfortable, but I'm afraid the people at the beach resort will just get scared. Almost all sports brands have a line of civilian clothing with UV protection. The assortment includes pants, shirts, dresses, underpants, T-shirts. In general, whatever you like. Usually lightness of fabrics and moisture-wicking properties are attached as a bonus. I personally really like columbia and exoficio.
The easiest way is with clothing for constant wear. But, if we are talking about staying on the beach, swimming or outdoor activities, then you cannot do without synthetics. It is very unpleasant to swim in a cotton T-shirt with long sleeves, no matter how natural it is. Clothes should not dry quickly, but instantly, and should fit the body without interfering with free movement. This is especially true for children and those who are actively moving (for example, when walking in the mountains).
What you should pay attention to: a high collar for T-shirts - cover the neck (mostly the back part suffers).
Pants should have a high waist or a long T-shirt so that the lower back does not sparkle when seated. A hat-cap should not only cover the top of the head, but also create maximum shadow on the face. "Veil" around the neck is a comfortable thing.
outdoor research 
A hood instead of a cap is perfectly acceptable, as long as you put it on, and not hold it for beauty.
Columbia UPF50 Hooded T-shirt 
One-piece overalls for children are very comfortable - the belt does not press on the stomach and the back is guaranteed to be closed. But overalls have a much shorter lifespan - a T-shirt and pants can be worn even when they are large or small, unlike overalls.
jumpsuit tuga UPF50 
By the way, REI thin thermal underwear is perfect for use on the beach. It is UPF50, it dries quickly and there are no grains of sand in the fabric (and this, by the way, is a rather critical thing). Long pants for a beach bathing are almost impossible to buy. So you just need to take the longest you can get, or a suit.
The easiest way to swim for adults is to use long boarder shorts and a long sleeve T-shirt. An unexpected option is Muslim (burkini) or Orthodox bathing dresses.
However, the idea that light clothing in summer is the best and saves from the sun is wrong. This was proved by scientists from the University of Catalonia.
Color matters
In particular, they believe that lovers of such clothing in the summer may put themselves at risk of development in the future. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of skin cancer is on the rise. Every year, specialists around the world register more than 132 thousand new cases and about 2-3 million cases of other types of skin cancer.
The fact is that ultraviolet light penetrates very well through it. Especially through white and yellow fabric. What color should you choose? Experts say red and dark blue shades protect the skin better.
Scientists specially dyed pieces of cotton fabric in different colors, and then tested its ability to absorb ultraviolet light.
The matter is in the fabric
The denser the fabric, the more efficiently it protects, but at the same time it is hotter.
White thin pareos are the most unreliable defense.
Humidity also matters - wet cotton hardly protects from harmful rays, but silk and bamboo viscose become denser when wet.
How to know if your clothes are reliable
If you still want to wear bright clothes, then ask why sports firms produce a bunch of summer clothes in such aggressive colors? It's simple - it can be UV protected. Such things have appeared in stores relatively recently, but have become especially popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
The correct name for sun protection clothing is sun guard... But gradually it merged with a different name - rash guard (fabric that protects against abrasions, etc. in sports). Manufacturers call all sunscreen and quick-drying in one word - rashguard.
The most famous specialty fabric for protective clothing is synthetic nylon and cotton.
In addition, the labeling of the garment shows how it protects from the sun. There is a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) which shows how many "units" of ultraviolet light will pass through the fabric. For example, UPF 40 - one in 40 will go to leather, and UPF 50 - one in 50. Most are labeled 30-50 UPF.
Bleached cotton has a UPF 4. But unbleached cotton, dyed natural - for example, brown, beige and green, already has a higher indicator - from 46 to 65 UPF.
In summer, linen clothes are popular - if the dyes are synthetic, then the indicators are not very good, and natural white linen - UPF 10, dyed dark - more than 50. But silk was out of luck - UPF \u003d 0. So if you are going on vacation, forget about silk robes. And on the beach, silk scarves will not save you from sunburn and other things, no matter how pleasant they are to the body.
But not everything is so sad, technologies do not stand still. British scientists from Belfast have developed a bracelet that is designed to help people enjoy the sun in peace and not be afraid of its rays. Many people prefer to give up sunbathing for fear of skin cancer - and remain without the important D.
The new bracelet is made of plastic and is inexpensive. It contains ink, and it disappears the moment a person receives his dose of bright rays. So the owner of the bracelet can be sure that he does not tan more than the norm. This will help balance vitamin D in the body. One bracelet is enough for a vacation for two weeks, they will be on sale in a year. The device will be released in three versions for different skin types.
Before going on vacation, we routinely purchase sunscreen to minimize the harmful effects of solar radiation. But skincare experts are increasingly saying that in a hot country, one cream is not enough. Firstly, few people use it outside the beach, and secondly, not everyone regularly applies the cream after each swim.
The sun's rays burn every unprotected part of the body, adding to the risks of premature aging or skin cancer. Therefore, doctors more and more often say that one should literally hide from the sun: in the shade of trees or with the help of clothes.
Alas, most of the traditional summer clothes do not protect us from the sun. American scientists have created a standard by which the protection factor of clothing is determined, like that of sunscreens. So the beloved by many white thin cotton shirt has the lowest degree of protection - only 6. This means that about 90% of ultraviolet radiation reaches the skin even through the fabric. And best of all, it absorbs ultraviolet light and prevents it from penetrating the skin, a dense thick black fabric. It is clear that it is not the best choice for a vacation. What to do?
T-shirts versus shirts
Australian scientists, concerned about the high percentage of skin cancers in their country, studied the characteristics of tissues and their ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation and came to interesting conclusions.
It turned out that the structure of the fiber is of paramount importance. The more space between the threads, the more access for the sun's rays. Denim and thick silk clothes are UV-resistant. Cotton, linen or rayon will only protect from the sun if they are dyed. And the darker the paint, the less UV light it will pass through.
In the process of numerous washes, things gradually deteriorate and the structure of the fibers becomes loose and permeable to ultraviolet radiation. But this only applies to old things. If you wash the cotton fabric a couple of times, it will slightly “shrink”, that is, the space between the threads will decrease.
Wet things, regardless of the quality of the material, transmit ultraviolet light better than dry ones. So even a closed swimsuit, if not changed after swimming, will not protect against the harmful effects of solar radiation.
Choice for the summer
Skin care experts recommend that in the summer, you should first of all make sure that the back of the neck and shoulders, ears, décolleté and lower back are covered from the sun. It is these places that are most often bare.
To take care of them, it is enough to choose T-shirts with a collar, without a deep neckline. And to buy skirts and trousers not with a low waist, but ordinary ones.
Don't forget about hats. At the same time, wide-brimmed hats are preferable to baseball caps and even more bandanas, which even does not cover the face from the sun.
Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement. It also takes care of the eyes. With age, the eyes become less moisturized, and in the open sun they become completely dry. Hence the discomfort, pain, redness.
For normal hydration - both eyes and skin - it is necessary to drink at least 1.5 liters of ordinary drinking water per day.
On a note
Who is not allowed to sunbathe?
- People suffering from hypertension, varicose veins, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, thyroid gland;
- women diagnosed with fibroids or endometriosis;
- people who often have herpes (the so-called fever);
- people taking antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines and antiarrhythmic drugs.