On 13
Sep
2012
Dr. Ross Clevens knows the damage that sun can have on your skin but there are a few ways to reduce the effects of the sun. The sun can actually penetrate through your clothing, which may cause sun damage to you skin. Most cotton T-shirts and most summer weight fabrics allow as much as 50% of harmful UV rays through to your skin when dry and 60-70% when wet.
Sun protective clothing is a great way to practice 'safe sun'—that is, enjoy the benefits of a wonderful sunny day, but avoid the harmful effects of the sun. The well-known clothing dye company, Rit, also makes an additive that you can pour into the washing machine that impregnates your regular clothing with sun protective properties.
Everyday apparel can provide protection. The easiest way to check if a fabric can protect your skin from the harmful UV rays is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through it the rays can penetrate it and the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) would probably be 15 or less. If light gets through, but you cant’ see through it, the UPF would probably be 15-50. If the light is completely blocked by the fabric, the UPF would probably be over 50. Remember, most clothing when wet loses about one third of its sun protectiveness.
If you are interested in learning more about how to reduce the effects of sun damage or cosmetic surgery in Central Florida, call our office at 321.727.3223 to schedule an appointment. We would love to meet with you and discuss the best treatment options available to you.
Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Florida Facial Plastic Surgeon
