5 Surprising Facts About Sun Protection

Introduction

We all know to slather on sunscreen and seek shade during peak sun, but sun safety goes far beyond these basics. In fact, research shows that UV exposure is responsible for as much as 80–90% of visible skin ageing. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just about avoiding a painful burn – it’s about preserving your skin’s health, youthful looks, and even lowering your long-term cancer risk. Yet some of the sneakiest sun dangers are ones you might not expect in daily life. Here are five science-backed facts that may change how you think about sun protection. Each one is a reminder that staying sun-safe is a year-round lifestyle, and that a few smart habits (like covering up) can make all the difference.

Cloudy or Cold Days Can Still Damage Your Skin

Don’t let a cool breeze or overcast sky fool you. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning you can get UV damage even when the sun isn’t glaring. That’s why people sometimes end up with “unexpected” sunburns on hazy days or during winter activities. UV intensity depends on the sun’s angle and atmospheric conditions, not on temperature – so you can still get significant exposure on a chilly day.

In fact, UV levels increase about 10–12% with every 1,000 metres of altitude, which is why skiers need sunscreen even in the cold. The takeaway? Make sun protection a daily habit regardless of weather. On overcast or cool days, remember to use broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective accessories like a brimmed hat or UV-blocking sunglasses. Your skin will thank you – even when the sky looks grey.

Surfaces Like Sand, Snow, and Water Intensify UV Exposure

Sunburn isn’t only caused by direct sunshine; UV rays also bounce off surfaces and can hit you from unexpected angles. Certain environments actually double up your dose of UV. For example:

• Snow – Reflects anywhere from about 50% up to 88% of UV radiation.
• Water – Waves and sea foam can reflect roughly 25–30% of UV rays.
• Sand – Dry beach sand reflects around 15–18% of UV.

Ever got a sunburn even while under a beach umbrella? Those sneaky reflected rays off the sand are why. In these reflective settings, be extra vigilant. Seek shade when you can, but also cover up with UPF clothing, wear a wide-brim hat, and reapply sunscreen diligently. Sun-protective clothing is especially handy at the beach or on the slopes because it keeps working even when wet.

UV Rays Can Pass Right Through Glass

Think you’re safe from UV damage just because you’re indoors or riding in a car? Think again. Most standard windows block UVB (the rays that cause burns) but allow a lot of UVA to pass through. You won’t feel UVA rays burning your skin, but they penetrate deeper and over time can lead to wrinkles, sun spots, and even skin cancer.

Whether you’re working by a sunny window or on a long drive, remember that glass alone won’t fully protect you. Consider applying a daily moisturiser with SPF on your face and arms. If you spend extended time in the car, you might also wear a light long-sleeve shirt or add UV-blocking film to the windows. These little steps help guard your skin against the “invisible” UV exposure that sneaks through glass.

Darker Skin Tones Still Need Sun Protection

It’s a myth that people with naturally darker skin are safe from sun damage. Melanin does offer some protection, but even the darkest skin provides only about the equivalent of SPF 13 on its own – far below the SPF 30+ dermatologists recommend for everyone.

In other words, no one is naturally immune to UV rays. People with deeper skin tones can and do experience UV-related damage: unprotected exposure can lead to DNA damage, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancers over time. Unfortunately, when skin cancer occurs in people of colour it’s often detected at a later stage, making it more dangerous.

Everybody, regardless of complexion, should use sun protection. That means applying broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin and taking advantage of hats and UPF clothing. Sun-protective clothing in particular is a great equaliser – a UPF 50 fabric will block 98% of UVA and UVB rays for you, greatly exceeding even the protection that dark skin’s melanin provides.

Your Go-To T-Shirt Might Not Be Protecting You Enough

Throwing on a regular tee is better than nothing, but you’d be surprised how much UV can slip through a typical cotton shirt. A thin white cotton T-shirt has only about a UPF 5 rating – roughly equivalent to wearing an SPF 5 sunscreen. In practical terms, that shirt might block only ~80% of UV radiation, letting 20% reach your skin. And if the fabric gets wet or stretched, it protects even less.

The good news is, you don’t have to overheat in heavy clothes – it’s about choosing the right fabrics. Certified UPF clothing is specifically designed to provide high UV protection while staying lightweight and breathable. For instance, a quality UPF 50+ long-sleeve shirt blocks 98% of UV rays yet can feel just as comfortable as any regular tee. And unlike sunscreen, you never need to reapply your shirt!

Conclusion: Why Sun-Smart Habits Matter

Sun protection is more than a one-season effort – as these facts show, UV radiation can find you year-round in surprising ways. The upside is that a few simple habits make a huge difference. Stay mindful of the UV index, use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, and embrace sun-safe accessories and clothing as part of your everyday style.

With a combination of sunscreen and UPF fabric shielding your skin, you can enjoy the outdoors knowing you’re well protected. By being sun-smart, you’ll keep your skin healthier, happier, and looking great for years to come – all while living life under the sun to the fullest.

You can find UPF clothing and swimwear for the family below

• Women's Sun Protection Clothing, Swimwear & Hats
• Men's Sun Protection Clothing, Swimwear & Hats
• Children's Sun Protection Clothing, Swimwear & Hats
• Infant/Baby/Toddler Sun Protection Clothing, Swimwear & Hats

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