WHAT DOES UPF MEAN?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, a fabric rating system that indicates how effectively a material blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays before they reach the skin. A UPF50+ rating represents the highest achievable value for a fabric and guarantees blocking at least 98% of UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for the main sun-related skin damage.
Not all fabrics offer the same level of protection. Some common materials, like a classic white cotton shirt, can have a very low level of protection, comparable to SPF 5. Fabrics certified UPF50+ create a highly effective barrier against sun exposure and are a conscious choice for those who want to reduce the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
WHAT ARE UVA AND UVB RAYS?
UVA and UVB rays are two types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun that can damage the skin.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin tissues and are among the main causes of premature aging, promoting the appearance of wrinkles, sunspots and loss of elasticity.
UVB rays act on the surface of the sun and are the main cause of sunburn. They contribute significantly to skin damage and are associated with the development of skin diseases, including skin cancer.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPF AND UPF?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is the index that indicates how much a sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn. Sunscreens work by absorbing and/or filtering some of the UVB radiation before it can damage the skin: in ideal conditions, an SPF 30 means that skin takes about 30 times longer to burn than when unprotected. In terms of filtering, an SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, an SPF 30 about 97%, and an SPF 50 about 98% (no protection is complete). However, SPF primarily concerns UVB rays: to also protect against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and contribute to photoaging and long-term damage, the cream must be labeled as "broad spectrum" or bear the UVA symbol on the label.
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a fabric rating: it measures how much UVA and UVB radiation is blocked by the material before it reaches the skin. The UPF value is based on standardized laboratory tests that evaluate how much radiation passes through the fabric. A UPF 50 garment lets through only 1/50 of UV rays, approximately 2%, and blocks the remaining 98%. UPF 50+ indicates that the fabric exceeds level 50 and guarantees at least 98% protection. It indicates the maximum certifiable level of protection for fabrics. UPF garments are designed to ensure a reliable and continuous sun barrier during exposure, offering a form of passive protection that lasts as long as they are worn, without the need for reapplication.
DO I NEED TO PROTECT MYSELF FROM THE SUN ALL YEAR ROUND?
Yes, it's essential to protect your skin year-round. Although the intensity of UVB rays, which cause sunburn, decreases in the colder months due to less direct sunlight and shorter days, UVA rays remain constant year-round. These rays penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for long-term damage, such as premature aging, loss of elasticity, dark spots, and skin cancer. Furthermore, UVA rays can pass through clouds, windows, and car windows, so even on overcast days or when indoors near a window, your skin is still exposed. For this reason, it's important to wear sunscreen, such as UV-protective clothing, year-round.
SHOULD I APPLY SUNSCREEN IF I WEAR SHORT GARMENTS?
Even when wearing UV-protective clothing, it's essential to use sunscreen on all parts of the body not covered by clothing. This is because UV rays can reflect off surfaces like asphalt, sand, water, or snow, still reaching exposed skin.
HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF NULE GARMENTS?
We recommend following the washing instructions on the labels of our garments. In general, we recommend washing at low temperatures and drying garments completely in the shade.
