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Solbari Blog: What's the difference between SPF and UPF?

What's the difference between SPF and UPF?

This blog explains what SPF and UPF stand for and highlights the differences. It also explains how the SPF and UPF rating systems work. SPF stands for sun protection factor and relates to sunscreen, whereas, UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and relates to fabrics.

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

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?

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?

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. 

Your Story Series: Meet Louisa

Your Story Series: Meet Louisa

My mothering nature of protecting my children has sharpened my perception of the sun which cannot be greeted with a light-hearted attitude. Premature ageing skin and skin cancer risk are my enemies. At the same time, to guard against the sun invasion does not mean I should give up dressing well.

Don't miss these 7 areas when protecting your skin

Don't miss these 7 areas when protecting your skin

Below are 7 areas which people often forget to protect from the sun and can cause serious sunburn and skin damage... 1. Ears: Have you ever had blistering, peeling ears? Well, it's pretty painful and not a good look. Don't forget to apply sunscreen on your ears, the upper area and behind them.  2. Eyelids: It's a very delicate area, where the skin is sensitive and thin. Category 3 sunglasses will help protect the eyes as well as a wide brim sun hat. Click here to read more...

Let's Talk Eczema with Dr. Thivi Maruthappu

Derm Q&A: Let's Talk Eczema with Dr. Thivi Maruthappu

Dr. Maruthappu answers your questions about eczema; what eczema is, what causes it and more.

Dr. Jeriel Weitz portrait

We've got you covered with Dr Jeriel Weitz

Dr Jeriel Weitz is a dermatologist trained in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology based in New York City. Dr Weitz joins us as part of our “We’ve got you covered” series to learn more about her perspective on skin health and sun safety. 

5 common skin cancer myths busted

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.

Solbari blog: What is psoriasis?

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition which is represented by patches of abnormal skin. The affected areas of skin are typically reddish in colour, itchy, scaly and dry. Psoriasis can be localised or cover many skin areas in extreme cases. 

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

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?

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.

Why choose Solbari?

Why choose Solbari?

This blog outlines the reasons why you should choose Solbari sun protective products over any other brand you might be considering. Australia is the global leader in skin cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Australia invented sunscreen and the UPF sun protective rating system. Solbari is the leading Australian UPF 50+ sun protection clothing brand with customers in over 70 countries.

Solbari blog: Why do professional golfers wear arm sleeves?

Why do professional golfers wear arm sleeves?

When watching a golf event it's noticeable how many professional golfers wear arm sleeves or sun sleeves. You may wonder, why do they wear them? In our latest blog, we discuss how Adam Scott and Rory Sabattini have been affected by skin cancer and the attitude shared by Rory Mcilroy in regards to sunburn and sun protection.

Solbari blog: Protecting our oceans from sunscreen chemicals: UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is the answer

Protecting our oceans from sunscreen chemicals: UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is the answer

This blog describes how sunscreen chemicals have adversely impacted the ecology of our oceans. Mineral based sunscreens are less impactful and are a better alternative. Dermatologists agree that UPF 50+ sun protective clothing is the best way to prevent sunburn, skin ageing and skin cancer without damaging the ocean.

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.