We’ve been battling the concept of tanning since the 1930s when Coco Chanel made it trendy. Nowadays, we know that unless it’s from self-tanner, a tan is actually a sign that you’ve damaged your skin. “There is no healthy tan,” says Washington, D.C. dermatologist Maral Skelsky, MD. “A tan is your skin’s way of saying ‘ouch.'” So how can we keep our skin fully protected from the sun? Of course the no-brainer is sunscreen, but sun-protective clothing and accessories also play a role.
To maximize your sun protection, whether you’re gardening, running or spending a day at the beach, consider a combination of SPF and UPF. “A common misconception is that SPF and UPF are the same,” says Stephanie Carter, cofounder and CEO of UPF-focused Wallaroo Hat Company. They may be similar conceptually, but there’s a big difference between the two. Here, experts weigh in.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Deborah Longwill, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
- Maral Skelsey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- Stephanie Carter, cofounder and CEO of Wallaroo Hat Company
The Difference Between SPF and UPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. “It measures the level of protection against UVB rays, which are the main cause of sunburn and contribute to skin cancer,” says Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill. “It’s commonly found in sunscreen, skin care and some cosmetic products. The rating system indicates how long a person can be exposed to the sun without getting sunburned, compared to unprotected skin. For example, SPF 30 means you can be in the sun 30 times longer than without protection before burning.”
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), on the other hand, measures the level of protection against both UVA and UVB rays. “It’s used in fabrics for clothing, such as hats, shirts, pants and swimsuits,” says Dr. Longwill. The rating system indicates how much UV radiation—both UVA and UVB—a fabric allows to reach the skin. For example, a UPF rating of 50 means that only 1/50th of the UV radiation can penetrate the fabric.” Unlike SPF, which needs to be reapplied throughout the day, UPF provides constant protection.
Washington, D.C. dermatologist Maral Skelsey, MD is thrilled that “the whole idea of sun-protective clothing” is now finally being recognized. “We’ve always looked at sunscreen as the standard for how to protect ourselves, but it’s largely protecting against UVB rays. The really important part of sun-protective clothing is that it’s protective against all ultraviolet light. This includes UVA rays—aging rays—and UVB rays—those that cause sunburn and skin cancer.”
When you’re wearing UPF clothing or accessories, do you also need SPF?
Yes, says Dr. Longwill. “Typically, UPF clothing only protects portions of the body. I always recommend my patients to apply SPF on any exposed skin to ensure comprehensive sun protection.” Dr. Skelsky adds, “UV rays are the number-one source of aging skin and skin cancer. UPF hats, clothing and sunglasses are not a substitute for SPF. Think of it more as an all-encompassing approach to skin protection.”
The Recommended UPF Rating to Look For
“When selecting UPF clothing, a UPF rating of 30 or higher is generally recommended,” says Dr. Longwill. “However, for the best sun protection, especially if you spend extended periods outdoors, aim for UPF 50+ clothing. Higher ratings offer more significant protection, and UPF 50+ is the highest rating. They are particularly beneficial for individuals with fair skin or those at a higher risk for skin cancer. My favorite brand of UPF clothing at the moment is Claudent. Their clothes are incredibly chic and offer UPF protection!”
“Twenty-five years ago, I had the privilege of founding Wallaroo Hat Company in the United States, and I think it forever altered the landscape of sun-protective clothing and headwear,” says Carter. “At that time, SPF and UPF were scarcely recognized in the U.S. I drew my inspiration from Australia where my husband is from, where hats have always been a staple in everyday life. I uncovered the significance of proper sun protection and fused it with fashion, pioneering our UPF 50+ fabric hats. Our fabric is tested by the Australian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Protection Agency. They shoot a light through the material to see how much UV light can penetrate it. Therefore, the UPF rating has to do with the density of the weave of the fabric. If the product gets a rating of UPF 50+ rating, that means it can block 97.5 percent of UV rays.”
