UV Protection

“SunSiblility provides not only comfortable UV protective products, but comfortable,
comprehensive SUN PROTECTION; clothing that protects beyond the UV range,
well into blue light, visible and infra red.

This distinction becomes more and more important as the awareness of skin damaging effects
of visible light increases. There is also the safety aspect, that with clothing we do not have
to worry about any absorption of any ingredients into the skin.”

Uli Osterwalder, *World Scientific Adviser on Sun Protection*

The UV Rays the Sun Release.

UVA

UVA rays penetrate the middle layer of the skin, ( the dermis) they also contribute to skin damage and skin cancer and are responsible
for around 80% of the visible signs of premature ageing. skin burning, skin cancer and wrinkling.

UVA levels are consistent during daylight hours, maintaining almost the same level of strength throughout each day and throughout the year.
UVA accounts for up to 95 per cent of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface and it can penetrate ( pass through ) cloud cover
and most glass and plastic. During our lifetime, we are therefore all exposed to high levels of UVA radiation.

UVB rays are known as the burn rays and are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer.

UVC rays are blocked by the ozone layer

We highly recommend monitoring UV Levels especially if sun sensitive.

UV Index Forecast

The UV Index Forecast is highly informative and incredibly useful.

The app identifies the strength of the ultraviolet ( UV ) radiation from the sun at a particular place on a particular day,
allowing you to take the necessary precautions to help reduce the impact of UV on your health.

Sunlight is essential for health, but it also carries its risks.

UV index throughout the year

The UK met office produces a UV index forecast for nearly 500 world cities. In the UK the forecast is predominantly throughout the summer months.
The forecast is designed to guide you so you can enjoy the sun safely, prepare for those warmer days and prepare accordingly.
The Solar UV Index is a system based on the position of the sun in the sky, it forecasts cloud cover and ozone amounts
in the stratosphere and is produced by the World Health Organization.

Index exposure is then identified in an easy to view number basis of 1-11.

The higher the number, the stronger the UV levels and the less time it takes to damage our skin.
We would always advise using an SPF on your skin all year round, even in the winter months … and especially if participating in high altitude winter sports where the snow can reflect the sun’s UV rays by up to 80%, making it just as damaging on the slopes as it is on the beach.
Do particularly concentrate on applying around the eyes, ears, nose, lips and neck if exposed. These areas are so vulnerable and often neglected and remember to reapply every few hours. Remember to protect your scalp too if uncovered. Wraparound sunglasses are always a good idea too !

You can also get UV forecasts for the UK and worldwide locations on the Met Office app for the next 7 days.
For iPhone the app is available from the App store.
For Android the app is available from the Google Play store.

Taking Care

The simple fact is that if you fail to protect your skin from UV radiation you’re putting yourself at risk.

If you allow your skin to become red and burn, this risk can dramatically increase.

Check your skin in good lighting after a shower, there are many guides on the internet.
No one knows your body like you so it is extremely important that you do look out for the signs of skin cancer.
The best way is to ascertain where your moles and birthmarks are along with any other marks being aware of their ‘typical’ look and feel
so that you can detect any differences over time. Early detection can be life saving !
Any concerns please don’t delay contacting your GP or dermatologist as soon as you can.

Children

Encouraging your children to use sun protection and teaching them about the effects of the UV rays early on really does set them up for a lifetime of safety and awareness.

For our range of UV protective products for babies, children and teens please see below.