The Southern Region is currently experiencing widespread intense heat with temperatures ranging from 35-37 degrees Celsius, leading to higher-than-normal exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This direct exposure can cause sunburn, accelerate skin aging, increase hyperpigmentation (melasma, freckles), and raise the risk of skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recognizes sun-protective clothing as one of the most effective protective measures due to its convenience and the lack of need for reapplication, unlike sunscreen.

According to Doctor Le Cao Tri from the Center for Dermatology - Hemangioma, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, to optimize protection, people should consider the following selection principles:

Prioritize coverage area

The core principle is to maximize the area of skin covered. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts significantly reduce the amount of direct UV exposure. The greater the coverage, the higher the protective effectiveness, especially during prolonged periods of intense sun.

Darker colors typically absorb UV radiation better than lighter colors, helping to reduce the amount of rays reaching the skin. Photo: Giang Huy

Consider fabric structure and color

Weave density: Tightly woven fabrics with a high thread count limit UV penetration. You can test this by holding the fabric up to the light: if a lot of light passes through, the protection level is low; conversely, the denser the fabric, the better it blocks UV rays.

Color: Darker colors typically absorb UV radiation better than lighter colors, helping to reduce the amount of rays reaching the skin. However, this effectiveness also depends on the fiber type and fabric treatment, so it is necessary to balance sun protection capability with breathability for comfort.

Material and UPF rating

Fibers like polyester, nylon, denim, or specialized materials often provide better skin protection by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. These materials are less prone to distortion when wet, helping to maintain their protective performance. In contrast, thin, light-colored cotton fabrics offer low sun protection and should not be used for extended outdoor activities.

Users should pay attention to the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF):

Fabric with a UPF 50 rating allows approximately 1/50 of UV radiation to pass through (blocking about 98%).

Unlike Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which primarily protects against UVB, UPF assesses the ability to block both UVA and UVB rays.

The AAD recommends choosing clothing with a UPF of 30 or higher. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests a UPF 50+ rating for the highest protective effectiveness.

Supportive accessories

In addition to primary clothing, accessories play a crucial role:

Hats: Wide-brimmed hats are recommended to cover the face, ears, and neck (more effective than baseball caps).

Sunglasses: Ensure they block 99-100% of UV rays to protect the eyes and the sensitive skin around them.

Additional items: Scarves, gloves, and closed-toe shoes are essential when moving outdoors.

Users should be aware of situations that can compromise clothing's effectiveness:

Wet fabric: When wet, the fiber structure changes, reducing its ability to block UV rays.

Overly tight clothing: Stretched fabric fibers create gaps that allow UV rays to penetrate.

Usage duration: Sun protection effectiveness can diminish after multiple washes, depending on the manufacturer's treatment technology.

Many people still make mistakes, such as believing light-colored clothing offers good sun protection, only applying cream without covering up, or continuing to wear wet clothes at the beach.

For comprehensive skin protection, Doctor Tri recommends implementing a "multi-layered" strategy:

Combine sun-protective clothing with sunscreen for exposed skin areas.

Limit outdoor exposure between 10 AM and 2 PM (peak UV hours).

Actively seek shade when engaging in outdoor activities.

Choosing the right clothing—prioritizing coverage, tightly woven fabric, and a high UPF rating—is a sustainable investment in maintaining skin health, preventing aging, and mitigating serious skin conditions later in life.

My Y