What's the difference between UPF 50 fabric vs SPF 50 fabric?

As Skin Cancer Prevention Month is in full swing this May, it's crucial to understand the difference between UPF 50 fabric and SPF 50 fabric. Both offer protection against harmful UV rays, but their mechanisms and effectiveness vary significantly.

What is UPF 50 Fabric?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, which measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. UPF 50 fabric is considered the ultimate protection on the market, blocking out 98% of UV rays. This means only 2% of the UV rays can penetrate the fabric, providing excellent protection against sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer. 

The HeartGlass Swim Shape Collection offers UPF 50++ fabric, blocking out over 99% of UV rays. This means that less than 1% of UV rays can penetrate the fabric, providing the best protection that you can find on the market. This power is woven in the material itself, so it is a completely natural process with no chemicals or sprays included.

What is SPF 50 Fabric?

SPF, on the other hand, stands for Sun Protection Factor and is commonly associated with sunscreen. SPF indicates how long it takes for skin to burn when exposed to UVB rays compared to when not wearing any protection. SPF 50 fabric can protect the skin from sunburn, but it is only effective for a limited time, typically within a matter of minutes when the sun is directly hitting the fabric.

The Key Difference

The main difference between UPF 50 fabric and SPF 50 fabric lies in their protective capabilities. While SPF measures the time it takes for skin to burn, UPF indicates the amount of UV rays that are completely blocked by the fabric. UPF fabrics have special coatings or are tightly woven to prevent UV penetration, offering more comprehensive and long-lasting protection compared to SPF fabrics.

It's important to note that not all clothing provides adequate protection against UV rays. Thin or loosely woven fabrics may allow UV rays to pass through, leaving your skin vulnerable to damage. By choosing clothing with a high UPF rating, such as UPF 50++ in the HeartGlass Swim Shape Line, you can ensure that you are effectively shielded from the sun's harmful rays.

Conclusion

During Skin Cancer Prevention Month and beyond, prioritize your skin's health by opting for UPF 50 fabric for maximum protection. By understanding the difference between UPF and SPF ratings, you can make informed choices to safeguard your skin against the damaging effects of UV radiation. Stay sun-safe and keep your skin healthy all year round!