Sun protection has advanced significantly since the days when we had to cover ourselves in thick, heavy, and frequently ineffectual creams. How did we get here? UPF50+ sun protection is now a requirement for outdoor gear and apparel. Let's discuss the evolution of UPF50+ sun protection throughout the years.
Ancient civilizations used plant-based oils and extracts to shield their skin from the sun. But it wasn't until the first decades of the 20th century that scientists began to understand the risks posed by UV radiation and the necessity of skin protection.
In the 1960s, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, developed the notion of ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) as a way to gauge how well clothing protects against the sun. The UPF rating system was created to help customers choose the right apparel for their needs and to promote the creation of increasingly sophisticated sun-protective textiles.
Today, a wide range of items, including wide brim hats, sun hats, beach hats, and outdoor gear, now contain UPF50+ fabrics. These materials are made expressly to reflect damaging UV rays, helping to shield users against sunburn, skin cancer, and other side effects of prolonged exposure. For example, sun hats for women, ladies' sun hats, and men's wide brim hats offer stylish and effective protection.
UPF50+ sun protection has advanced along with the creation of new materials and technologies. The availability of UPF50+ materials in various colors, patterns, and designs has made it easier than ever to incorporate sun protection into your everyday wardrobe. Additionally, UPF50+ materials are being used more frequently in cutting-edge applications, such as athletic products and even car windows.
The importance of educating clients about the benefits of sun protection has been emphasized more in tandem with the development of UPF50+ fabrics. Organizations like The Skin Cancer Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now offer advice on how to protect your skin from the sun.
In general, UPF50+ sun protection has seen positive progress and innovation. From the early days of plant-based oils to today’s cutting-edge materials and technology, we have made enormous strides in UV radiation protection. Whether you’re wearing a wide brim hat for women, a sun protection hat, a ponytail hat, or an infant sun hat, UPF50+ sun protection is essential for any outdoor activity, including going to the beach, hiking, or simply running errands.
Fun fact: People in ancient Egypt made sunscreen from a mixture of grains and herbs, notably rice bran, lupine, and jasmine. They applied these substances for cosmetic reasons, but it turns out that they were actually on to something. Particularly in rice bran, there is a compound that provides weak UV protection. Even though the Egyptians didn't fully understand the dangers of the sun's rays, their use of these natural ingredients shows that they were ahead of their time in terms of sun protection!
