Skin Care Products

What is UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor?
How is UPF different from SPF or Sun Protection Factor?

In general, darker fabrics have a higher UPF and offer more sun protection than lighter clothing.
The weave of the fabric also affects the UPF, so that tighter weaves offer more UV blockage.

The article referenced below states that:
“Denim, for example, has a UPF of 1,700 compared to cotton which has a UPF of 5 to 9″.

Some newer fabrics offer more sun protection by adding particles or layers of titanium dioxide particles to the fabric weave.
Other fabrics may also add fluorescent whitening agents to absorb and reflect the ultraviolet light.

SunGuard:
Adding Sun Protection to Clothing and Fabrics.
References:

1.
Dermatol Nursing. 2008;20(4):265-273. ©2008 Jannetti Publications, Inc.

2.
Medscape Dermatology

Ultraviolet Protection Factor measures the ability of clothing or fabric to permit the transmission of ultraviolet light.
The higher the UPF, the less ultraviolet light will pass through the fabric.

SPF or Sun Protection Factor, which is used to measure the protective effects of creams, lotions and spray-on products, measures the ability of skin care products to absorb or block only Ultraviolet B.
Ultraviolet B is the shorter wavelength light that causes sun burning.

UPF theoretically, measures the ability of fabric to block both UVB and UVA.
UVA or Ultraviolet A, is the longer wavelength light, that passes more deeply into the skin.
UVA is associated with long term aging effects of sun damage as well as skin cancer.

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