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What Does UPF Stand For?

Woman Standing on beach in UPF Sun Safe Swimwear
Woman Standing on beach in UPF Sun Safe Swimwear

So, What Does UPF Stand For?

The UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) is a rating used for clothing and other fabrics that protect you from the sun. The higher the rating the more protection you will have from UV radiation.

There are two types of harmful rays that can penetrate through a fabric and reach our skin. Long wave ultraviolet A & short wave ultraviolet B.  The UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin and can course premature skin aging and skin cancer while the UVB rays affect the skin’s top layer and cause sunburn & sometimes blistering.

There are approximately x500 more UVA rays in sunlight than UVB rays.

Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UV Sun Protection Range: has been created not only to look great but also to protect you from the harmful Ultra Violet sun rays. The fabric has been specially manufactured from UV resistant fabrics which have been ‘tightly woven’ to help block the radiation. A special chemical is then embedded into the fabric that can reflect, scatter or absorb ultraviolet rays even when the fabric is wet. This process means that the fabric is ideal for swimwear and sportswear.

Ocean Road Swimwear’s +50UPF label means that this item is rated at the highest level of sun protection. Classed ‘excellent protection’ with 98% of UV radiation blocked.

 

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7 Ways To Stay Sun Safe

How to be sunsafe in Australia & Protect your skin from UV Sun Rays

DON’T HIDE IN THE SHADOWS THIS SUMMER

Sun Safe Facts:

There are many reasons to hide in the shade this summer. Too much exposure to the sun is the main cause of premature aging and skin cancer. The Sun’s uva rays and uvb rays damage the elastin and cause a loss of collagen in our skin; this in turn creates wrinkles. The sun rays can also cause skin discoloration and roughness. But when the risk goes beyond purely cosmetic it can cause anxiety and stress. I have put together a list of 7 ways you can stay sun safe so you don’t have to give up your summer fun.

USE SUN BLOCK – Always wear a lotion that protects against UV sun rays. Apply SPF 15 or a higher sunscreen on all exposed areas to get great sun ray protection. When swimming or enjoying water sports a water-resistant sunscreen should to be used. Reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming.

sun safety sun hat for women

WEAR A HAT – Select a wide-brimmed hat or legionnaires hat that shades your face, neck and ears.

CUT DOWN THE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT IN SUN – If simply staying out of the sun isn’t practical or fun. Cutting down your time in direct sunlight can benefit you greatly. Seek out shaded areas under awnings or trees and minimize your time in the direct sun.

sun-protective-sunglasses-for women

WEAR SUN GLASSES – Use UV-filtering sunglasses with a sun protection factor of at least 30.

TRY TO AVOID MIDDAY SUNSHINE – The best time to avoid sun exposure is midday sun is when the UV rays are most potent. If you can, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

buy sun safe swimwear online

PURCHASE SUN SAFE SWIMWEAR – Look for swimsuits with a UPF of at least +30 so that you know you’re getting effective sun protection. Choose garments that cover more skin consider a rash guard, swim shirt & swim shorts or pants. Ocean Road Swimwear products are made out of close knit, elasticated fabrics that cover your body without weighing you down. Make sure you purchase the right size. Overstretching will lower the Ultra Violet Protection.

BE AWARE OF DOUBLE UV EXPOSURE – UV light can bounce off surfaces such as water, and glass hitting your skin twice and increasing the intensity of exposure.

Remember, you don’t have to hide in the shadows to be sun safe. If you follow these 7 sun safety rules you can enjoy UV protection all summer, stress free. At Ocean Road Swimwear we design sun protective swimwear so you can have peace of mind, whist feeling comfortable and looking fantastic.