How does sunscreen clothing work?
If you have a high risk for skin cancer or spend extended time in the sun, consider sunscreen clothing, which works a little differently than sunscreen lotions.ConsiderationsWhen deciding whether to purchase sun-protective clothing, the Mayo Clinic suggests considering two factors: the cost of the clothing and the amount of time you plan to spend in the sun.BenefitsSun-protective clothing works immediately, unlike sunscreen lotions, which sometimes have to be applied 20 minutes before going outside.How It WorksAccording to the Mayo Clinic, sun-protective clothing is different from typical summer fabrics in that the fabric is tightly woven, allowing less of the sun’s rays to penetrate the fabric.Added ProtectionIn addition to the tightly woven material, “Manufactures also may add chemicals that absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation to the fabric,” according to the Mayo Clinic.Range of ProtectionLevels of protection offered by sun-protective clothing range from UPF (UV Protection Factor) 15
