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Staying sun safe: UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is the best solution

This blog looks at the best solution for sun protection. The diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer and melanoma costs the Australian Government around $1bn annually. Sunscreen is an effective tool in sun protection, but we believe it should be considered as a last resort measure when you have no option but to expose your skin directly to sunlight. It is beyond debate that sun protective clothing is a more reliable means of sun protection.

Ordinary Clothing vs. UPF Clothing: What's the Difference?

This blog post compares the protection offered by normal clothes and UPF clothes in order to understand the importance of sun protective clothing.

Wide brim sun hat or sunscreen: which is better for sun protection?

This blog outlines a number of compelling reasons why UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is recommended to protect you from UV overexposure.

5 common skin cancer myths busted

When it comes to skin cancer, there are a few misconceptions which can potentially put your skin at risk. We've debunked 5 common skin cancer myths that you may not know.

Sun Damage Prevention: Don't Forget These 4 Body Areas

Did you know that small changes to the way you protect yourself from the sun can have a significant impact on your skin health? Prevention is the best approach to reducing your risk of melanoma and skin cancer, and can be done by simply wearing UPF50+ clothing and accessories, and broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. UPF50+ fabrics block up to 98% of all UV rays, and all bespoke Solbari UPF50+ fabrics are tested and certified by the Australian Government. However, some areas of our body are more susceptible to UV exposure and rates of skin cancer differ between men and women. Melanoma and skin cancer can show up in both the most obvious and least expected places on the body, even areas that don't usually get much sun exposure.Follow our easy checklist to protect all of your body, all year round: The Head Though it might seem obvious, sometimes the simplest area of the body to forget is the head. The head, face, neck and ears are exposed daily to the sun. Getting into the habit of choosing to wear UPF50+ hats daily that protect these areas can help to reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer. For men, the head is one of the more common places for skin cancer to occur. Men typically have thinner hair than women and differ in their daily sun protection habits, meaning that 23% of all skin cancers found in men are located on the head, compared to the 14% found on women. Always remember a hat! 2. The Arms If we think about our everyday sun exposure, the arms are commonly exposed, leading to cumulative damage. Keeping coverage front of mind can reduce this risk — think UPF50+ long sleeves, arm sleeves, driving gloves and sunscreen. Did you know that 25% of all skin cancers in women are discovered on either the left or right arm? 3. The Torso Whilst we might wear sunscreen on our face daily, but we often forget to protect our torso from the sun’s rays. 41% of all skin cancers in men are located in the torso area (defined as the front and back of the chest and back from the shoulders to the hips. Opting for UPF50+ rash guard protection when by the water, and UPF50+ t-shirts, polos, hoodies and jackets elsewhere. 4. The Legs For women, the legs are an easily forgotten area when it comes to sunscreen application and re-application. Fashion choices and individual lifestyle mean the legs are commonly exposed and can see the effects of sun exposure over time, with 38% of all skin cancers found in women appearing on the legs. That’s why Solbari offers UPF50+ clothing and swimwear to protect the lower body, such as our range of sun protective active and swim leggings and trousers. Source:Melanoma skin cancer incidence statistics. (2015, May 15). Cancer Research UK. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/melanoma-skin-cancer/incidence#heading-Three

Can UV go through clothes?

Have you ever wondered if your clothing is protecting you from the sun? And if it is, just how much is it really protecting your skin from UV rays? It’s possible for UV rays to pass through clothing and reach the skin. In fact, a regular white cotton t-shirt may only provide a UPF rating of 5 – that means roughly 20% of UV radiation passes through the fabric and penetrates your skin.

The A B C D E of skin checking

It is very difficult to the untrained eye to identify melanomas and skin cancers because they can come in many different shapes and sizes. As Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon from the Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. says, "the earlier a skin cancer is identified and treated, the better the chance of avoiding surgery, or in the case of a serious melanoma or skin cancer, potential disfigurement or even death."

Dr. Michelle Rodrigues answers your questions on melanoma

What are some risk factors that you may not be aware of? Are you at risk if a parent or sibling has had melanoma? Australian dermatologist Dr Michelle Rodrigues joins us for this Q&A.

Cure Cancer Researcher Dr Marjan Naeini on trends in skin cancer treatment

As a skin cancer researcher, Dr. Marjan shares a similar mission to Solbari in helping people prevent skin cancers, melanomas, and sun damage.

What is the best way to protect your neck from the sun?

The neck is an often overlooked part of the body when it comes to sun protection. Dermatologists agree that the most effective form of sun protection is UPF 50+ sun protective clothing.

How many sunburns does it take to get skin cancer?

In this blog we discuss how experiencing sunburn increases the chances of being diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer later on in life. Brown University in the US undertook research monitoring 100,000 women who had been sunburnt to varying degrees over a 20 year period and measured their incidence rates of melanoma.

UPF 50+ clothing explained

This blog explains what the term UPF 50+ sun protective clothing means. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor. The Australian Government tests and rates fabrics for sun protective properties. Fabrics are considered to be sun protective is they are rated between UPF 15 and 50+.

Your story series: Josh

Josh’s story is a testament to the dangers of prolonged sun exposure without the use of adequate sun protection. His close calls with melanoma make clear the risks posed to individuals of all ages by UV overexposure.

International Women’s Day Q&A with Melanoma UK Founder Gill Nuttall

"Once I realised that Jon was not going to survive, I decided that I would do something to raise awareness of melanoma and make the lives of future patients somewhat easier."

Prevention Saves Lives: A Report into Melanoma

Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) has released their 2022 State of the Nation Report addressing the current state of skin cancer and melanoma amongst Australians.

Content Disclaimer: All content on the Solbari website is for informational purposes only. It does not consitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Reliance on any information provided on this website is solely at your own risk. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions about your health or a medical condition.

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