SUN PROTECTION FOR ALL
Skin cancer is the most common form of skin cancer in the United States, yet most skin cancers can be prevented.
So what's UPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is a rating system to indicate the UV (Ultraviolet) protection provided by fabrics. UPF measures how much of the sun’s UV radiation is absorbed or “blocked” by fabric, effectively protecting the skin underneath. UPF ratings range from 15 to 50, and a higher UPF rating indicates greater protection. Garments that are rated UPF 50+ offer excellent UV protection. Tuga swimwear and accessories (PlayaPup sun shirts) are rated UPF 50+.
For example, a UPF rating of 25 indicates the fabric will allow 1/25th (4% or 96% UV blocked) of available UV radiation to pass through. An UPF 50+ rating offers the highest sun protection for garments, offering 98%+ protection.
UVA vs UVB vs UVC
UV rays come from the sun or from a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get a tan. When UV rays reach the skin’s inner layer, the skin makes more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that colors the skin. It moves toward the outer layers of the skin and becomes visible as a tan.
AVOID SUN TANNING and TANNING BEDS: A base tan is a sign of skin damage.
Most Common
Reaches beyond top layer of skin, leads to skin aging and wrinkling.
Why shop UPF 50+ swimwear?
Broad Protection? Tuga and PlayaPup (sun shirts) swimwear provide sun protection against both UVA and UVB sun rays.
Why UPF 50+ Swimwear? Have fun in the sun knowing that you and your family are protected from damaging UV rays when out at the beach or pool. UPF 50+ rated garments and accessories provide maximum sun protection.
Free of Sunscreen Chemicals? Unlike other swimwear brands, we do not use sunscreen chemicals in our swimwear.
SKIN CANCER RISK FACTORS
Several factors contribute to higher skin cancer risks and they include skin type, light skin, sun exposure, blue/green eyes, blond/red hair, certain types of moles, and family history.
Your skin type is a major factor in your risk for skin cancer. These skin types range from TYPE 1 (very light) to TYPE 6 (very dark).
ABCDEs of Melanoma: Finding melanoma at an early stage is very important. Look for Asymmetry, uneven Borders, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving in size/shape/color, elevation.
SUN SAFETY TIPS
BE SUN SMART
Now that you know the damage that the sun can cause on your skin: from sunburns to pre-mature aging to the most damaging of skin cancers, here are some essential sun protection tips. Be sun smart, sun protection habits can start at any age. It’s never too late.
SUNSCREEN
Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 (but is SPF 50 is recommended) to protect against UVA/UVB, apply at least 15 minutes before going outside, re-apply at least every 2 hours and after swimming, toweling off, and sweating.
SUN PROTECTION CLOTHING
Long sleeve tops, pants and protective accessories are a must! Make sure they offer UVA + UVB sun protection like our Tuga swimwear. An UPF 50+ factor for clothing is recommended.
PROTECT YOUR EYES
Look for sunglasses with a UV 400 label to protect eyes against UVA/UVB rays, sun protection sunglasses reduce cataracts and other eye problems.
SUN HATS
Cover the head, ears, neck, and face with a broad-brimmed sun protection hat. Like clothing, an UPF 50+ factor for hats is also recommended.
REDUCE TIME SPENT IN THE SUN FROM 10am TO 4pm
The sun is strongest during these hours, seek shade if needed under trees, umbrellas. Be proactive about sun protection if you will be outdoors during these peak hours.
CHECK THE UV INDEX
Provides vital information so you can plan your outdoor activities. The UV Index (UVI), according to the World Health Organization, is a measure of the level of UV radiation. Weather apps on your phone provide the UV index.
REMEMBER: Be cautious with reflective surfaces – water, snow, and sand reflect the sun’s rays so pay extra attention around these surfaces and don't sunbathe and stay away from tanning booths.
Tuga Sunwear (and PlayaPup sun shirts) take care of most of those sun safety measures when kids and adults (and pets) are at the beach and in the water. With the increasing rates of skin cancer, it is imperative that we teach good sun care habits at an early age
