Slip versus Slop: A Head-to-Head Comparison of UV-Protective Clothing to Sunscreen

Abstract

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the most important modifiable risk factor for skin cancer development. Although sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are essential tools to minimize UVR exposure, few studies have compared the two modalities head-to-head. This study evaluates the UV-protective capacity of four modern, sun-protective textiles and two broad-spectrum, organic sunscreens (SPF 30 and 50). Sun Protection Factor (SPF), Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), Critical Wavelength (CW), and % UVA- and % UVB-blocking were measured for each fabric. UPF, CW, % UVA- and % UVB-blocking were measured for each sunscreen at 2 mg/cm2 (recommended areal density) and 1 mg/cm2 (simulating real-world consumer application). The four textiles provided superior UVR protection when compared to the two sunscreens tested. All fabrics blocked erythemogenic UVR better than the sunscreens, as measured by SPF, UPF, and % UVB-blocking. Each fabric was superior to the sunscreens in blocking full-spectrum UVR, as measured by CW and % UVA-blocking. Our data demonstrate the limitations of sunscreen and UV-protective clothing labeling and suggest the combination of SPF or UPF with % UVA-blocking may provide more suitable measures for broad-spectrum protection. While sunscreen remains an important photoprotective modality (especially for sites where clothing is impractical), these data suggest that clothing should be considered the cornerstone of UV protection.

Novel Schiff base transition metal complexes for imparting UV protecting and antibacterial cellulose fabric: Experimental and computational investigations

“…HL was prepared in our previous work. [37] Ethanol solvent 0.54 g (5 mmol) of p-aminoaniline gradually added to 5…”

“…[ 4 ] As skin cancer rates rise globally, limiting UVR exposure is a key to reducing morbidity and costs. [ 5 ] UV‐B (280–315 nm) and UV‐A (315–400 nm) cause skin cancer. The 95% of solar UVR is UV‐A.…”

“…So the American Academy of Dermatology recommends sun avoidance, sunscreen (sun protective factor 30 or higher), and wearing of protective clothes and caps. [ 5 ] Cellulose is biodegradable and biocompatible. It is used in tissue scaffolds, biosensors, protective coatings, packaging, flexible electronics, and antimicrobial materials.…”

Exploring Mycosporine-like Amino Acid UV-Absorbing Natural Products for a New Generation of Environmentally Friendly Sunscreens

“…Daily use of sunscreen reported a significant decrease (rate ratio 0.62) in actinic keratosis, which is a precursor to the development of squamous cell carcinoma, as compared to controls [54]. Sunscreens were found to be more efficient in reducing skin cancer prevalence compared to UV-protective clothing [55,56], although in some cases, UV-protective clothing was the preferred option [57].…”

Correlation of skin cancer and actinic keratosis‐related knowledge and sun protection behaviors and sunscreen use among a sample of Jordanian population

“…Most skin cancers are preventable with consistent use of effective sun protection strategies, including avoiding UVR between 10 am and 4 pm, application of topical antioxidants, 10,11 application of a broad‐spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB with SPF ≥ 15, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding indoor tanning 12 . The clothing is the cornerstone for UV protection 13 . It provides different range of protection depending on their color, material, and fabrics structure 14 .…”