Clothing is not just meant to make you look great; what you wear should make a difference in how you feel and manage, especially in the extreme heat of the day. Your clothing should enhance air circulation over your skin and allow evaporation of heat and sweat from your body. Here is why wearing layers of breathable clothing is a great way to protect your skin from getting overheated during summer.
In Milwaukee, Summer always comes with conditions of extremely high temperatures. Clothing is the basic form of protection against the sun. Putting on breathable garments allows air to pass easily, making you comfortable and relaxed on that hot sunny day.
Why Fabric Can Often Outperform Sunscreen and Is More Convenient Over Long Periods
What makes fabric ideal for sun protection compared to sunscreen is that sunscreen will wear off and require constant reapplying, unlike clothing, which is more durable. Sunscreen application can be challenging to some as you must remember to apply it evenly and frequently. According to a study by Dr. Sancy Leachman, Chair of Dermatology, OHSU, fabrics outperform sunscreen because they offer more ultraviolet protection and give great control from UV exposure.
Fabrics That Work Best in Terms of UV Protection
During your outdoor activities, you are most likely to be exposed to Ultraviolet radiation from the sun. It is necessary to choose the right clothing designed for sun protection and tested to have ultraviolet protection factor(UPF). According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing is the ideal way to protect your skin from harmful sun rays. Here are the known best UPF protection fabrics;
- Luminous fabrics-They are the best UPF clothing materials that offer UV protection and comfort.
- Tightly woven fabrics-These fabrics are tightly woven, leaving no open holes between the fibers, offering maximum protection from direct harmful sun rays.
- Polyester and wool-They also have an excellent UPF protection rating. One drawback about polyester and wool is that they do not offer breathability.
Fabrics That Work Best in Terms of Breathability
Breathable fabrics are the ones that promote smooth airflow, and you can easily breathe through them. They can allow evaporation of moisture (sweat) from the skin into the atmosphere. There is quite a wide range of breathable fabrics on the market. These breathable natural fabrics can include cotton, silk, linen, polyester, nylon, rayon, micro modal, viscose, gauze, and Merino wool, to mention a few.
Taking these precautions and directions will guarantee you enjoy and have the coolest time this summer. Your skin will be much healthier, too, in that you will overcome the sun by protecting yourself from the harmful ultraviolet radiation. At Senior Helpers of Milwaukee, our caregivers are expertly trained to assist in making you and your loved one feel more comfortable in their homes or outdoors. Many of the services that we offer are home tailored. We give personal and companion services such as providing solutions on the best clothing for your skin protection against the harmful effects of the sun. For more information, contact us today.