Photoprotection by clothing: A review

Abstract

Clothing is a mainstay of photoprotection and is commonly assessed by an ultraviolet protective factor (UPF) rating. We present original data on the increasing interest in photoprotective clothing as assessed by Google Trends and the frequency of UPF-rated clothing among a sample of Fortune 1000 companies. We review photoprotective clothing and occupational health, international standards governing UPF ratings, parameters of fabrics guiding UPF in clothing, synthetic and naturally occurring materials being explored for creating photoprotective clothing, and research in visible light and clothing photoprotection.Photoprotection is an important topic for the general public globally due to the ubiquitous presence of solar radiation. 1 Solar radiation that contributes to skin photodamage is primarily comprised of spectra in the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) range (280-400 nm), visible light (VL) range (400-700 nm), and possibly the infrared range (700-4000 nm). 2 Irradiation with UVB (280-320 nm) and to a lesser extent UVA (320-400 nm) result in DNA damage, erythema, and tanning. Chronic UVA and UVB radiation lead to photoaging and the development of keratinocyte carcinomas. 3-5 UVB exposure is well associated with melanoma. [6][7][8] A causal link between UVA and melanoma is less clear, with support in only some animal models and in epidemiological studies connecting tanning bed use and melanoma. 8-10 Globally, fair-skinned individuals constitute the majority of the estimated 6.4 million keratinocyte carcinomas and 300,000 malignant melanomas cases per year, which account for 62,000 deaths and 56,000 deaths per year, respectively. 11 In skin

A multicenter case‐control study comparing sun exposure habits and use of photoprotection measures in patients diagnosed with different types of skin cancer

“…Soto et al 16 compared the photoprotective behaviors of patients before and after being diagnosed with melanoma and found that clothing was one of the least used photoprotection measures before diagnosis, and Aleisa et al 17 reported that this measure was less used than other photoprotection measures after diagnosis of melanoma. The use of clothing for photoprotection is increasing 18 . Lycra and elastane fabrics can both have an ultraviolet protection factor >50, although cotton clothing can also provide adequate photoprotection 19 …”

“…The use of clothing for photoprotection is increasing. 18 Lycra and elastane fabrics can both have an ultraviolet protection factor >50, although cotton clothing can also provide adequate photoprotection. 19 Our findings indicate that the use of photoprotection measures was lowest in patients with melanoma, except sunscreen and sunglasses, which were used less by SCC patients than any other group.…”

The Impact of Routine Laundering on Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) Values for Commercially Available Sun-Protective Clothing

“…UV protective clothing is increasing in popularity in recent years with more consumers seeking options [6].…”

“…UV protective clothing is increasing in popularity in recent years with more consumers seeking options [ 6 ]. Although intuitively, most fabrics will offer some degree of UV protection by creating a physical barrier between the skin and UV sources, such as the sun, UV protective clothing is rated based on testing for the amount of UV-A and UV-B blockage provided by the textile.…”