Sun Protection

While a Summer tan is nice, a sunburn? Not so much. Enter sun-protective UPF clothing. While you may have heard of it, most of us probably don't consider it a wardrobe staple. However, because not all clothing protects equally, UPF gear can make a huge difference, especially for people with sensitive skin. Before you bust out that bikini, let us explain the benefits behind sun-protective clothing; it could be the best addition to your Summer adventures!

• What's the difference between SPF and UPF? Found in sunscreen, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and takes into consideration the time it takes for your skin to redden in the sun. UPF is short for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and measures the amount of UV radiation that goes through a fabric to reach the skin.
• What makes UPF clothing different? While all clothing impacts the transmission of UV rays, some do a better job than others. Most fabrics will protect your skin at the same level as an SPF 30 sunscreen, but those looking for more of a barrier should consider UPF clothing. Compared to standard fabrics, UPF fabric is very dense with a tight weave, minimizing the amount of sun that can pass through. UPF clothing is also made with specific treatments, fibers, and dyes that boost the UPF rating. Lastly, these fabrics aren't prone to stretching, and you probably won't find them available in white; the darker the fabric, the better.
• What's all the talk about this rating system? Just like SPF, there is a rating system, meaning some fabrics protect more than others. Similar to sunscreen, the higher the number, the better. For example, clothing with a UPF range of 15-24 is good, while clothing with a rating of 50+ is excellent!
• Is UPF clothing for me? Wearing UPF clothing won't hurt you; it will only protect you. If you spend loads on time outdoors, then maybe a few UPF tees are right for you. If you have sensitive skin or are severely prone to sunburns, then UPF clothing is a smart choice. UV-protective clothing is great for children, too, especially for beach babes or those who don't like sunscreen. Remember, regularly applying sunscreen, wearing hats, and keeping track of your time in the sun will prevent painful sunburns, sun damage, and maybe even skin cancer, so don't substitute UPF for these important routines.

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you can put away your sunscreen. Even though there are plenty of Winter layers to keep you warm (and covered), don't forget to keep your face, neck, and hands protected from the sun's harmful rays.

Snow and ice reflect UV rays. Sure, it might seem gray outside, but snow and ice reflect the sun's rays. This means you should keep your SPF routine up on a daily basis. Heading to the slopes? You'll definitely want a stronger sunscreen formula made for Winter sports — because windburn is most uncomfortable.

There's a thinner ozone layer. The colder seasons mean the ozone layer is thinning out. So, there is less ozone in our atmosphere to absorb the sun's UV radiation. Even though it feels colder outside, there's actually more of the sun's harmful rays hitting the earth's surface and, yes, your skin. Prevent getting a cold-weather burn by using a product with SPF 30 or more.

While sunscreen companies work on rolling out their new bottle labels — thanks to the new regulations put into place by the FDA — there are still some basic sunscreen terms that are confusing to many. For instance, what's the difference between UVA and UVB? And is water-resistant just as effective as waterproof? Let's get all of our "burning" sunscreen questions answered!

• SPF: SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor." According to WebMD, SPF is the ability of a sunscreen to block UVB rays, which cause sunburns, but not UVA rays, which can penetrate skin more deeply. The number, however, doesn't indicate how long a person can be outside in the sun before suffering from a burn. Some doctors argue that ditching your bottle of SPF 30 for a higher SPF may lead to a false sense of security about staying in the sun longer without reapplying. With the new regulations about labeling, the FDA has proposed a rule that would ban companies from labeling its sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. Research suggests that there aren't any additional benefits once the SPF gets that high.

Find out what other sunscreen terms mean.

Here's a fun and easy way to learn a little bit more about your skin type: the Skin Cancer Foundation has come up with a short Facebook quiz to help you determine which celebrities are your "skin twins," or have undertones and sun care needs most like yours.

The quiz uses the Fitzpatrick skin sensitivity scale to determine your skin type. (Fitzpatrick isn't our preferred measure, because it doesn't offer as many options for deeper skin tones, but it's still the industry standard.) After you answer a few questions, it then tells you which stars have skin that resembles yours, along with info on what you should be doing to protect yourself from skin cancer risk. It only takes a few seconds to fill out, and who doesn't want to be told that she has something in common with Penelope Cruz?