WHY IS SUN PROTECTION SO IMPORTANT?

Warnings about the ongoing thinning of the ozone layer have long been resounding in the ears of inhabitants in the southern hemisphere. It is only in recent years however that this has become a global problem – as the hole in the ozone layer has grown resulting in increases in UV radiation.

WHY DOES THIS MATTER?

It matters because the ozone layer protects the Earth from the harmful effects of the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation, which contributes to skin cancer and cataracts in people. The United Nations environment programme estimates that for every 1% thinning of the ozone layer there is a 2-3% increase in skin cancer.
Playing outside in the fresh air is a vital part of growing up and for most children, 23 percent of their lifetime exposure to the sun will happen before the age of 18. Consequently, it has become vital to protect children’s skin from the potentially lethal effects of the sun and children’s UV protection habits should become as routine as brushing their teeth. Skin cancer is the becoming the most common form of cancer.

Skin cancer is very common worldwide. Because the sun causes most skin cancers, it has been estimated that at least 75 % could be prevented by adequate skin protection in childhood alone. While appropriate SPF sun creams are indispensable to protecting delicate skins from sunburn, there are downsides. No matter how good the cream, its effectiveness is only as good as its application. In other words, there is no guarantee that all relevant body parts get their fair share – and even the best sun creams wear off.

WHEN IS A SUN PROTECTION GARMENT NOT JUST A SUN PROTECTION GARMENT?

When it is made by SecondSkins.US !
Why? Because cover provided depends (amongst other things) on the fabric used. Tightness of the weave, weight, fibres used and colours all have a bearing on how effective a garment is at keeping out harmful rays. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is a scale developed to rate protection provided by fabrics against solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and is comparable to SPF for sunscreens. With an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50 guarantee, Second Skins Sun Protection garments ensure 50 times the protection against UVR compared to unprotected skin. In real terms, this means that only 2% of UV rays can penetrate the fabric, thus radically reducing exposure and possible sunburn. Safer sun, hour after hour, with Second Skins Sun Protection garments – but don't forget to apply a good quality high SPF factor sun cream to exposed areas.

DID YOU KNOW ?

1. Children spend more time outside and get an average of three times more sunrays than adults. Consequently, over a lifetime, most people will get 80% of their exposure to the sun in their youth
2. ONE blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a child’s chances of developing skin cancer in later life
3. Globally - melanoma incidence has increased from one person in 1000, forty years ago, to one person in 75 today.

SECOND SKINS SUN PROTECTION AT A GLANCE

• Endorsed by the South African Cancer Association (CANSA)
• Scientifically tested for sun safety to a minimum UPF 50
• Quick Drying
• OEKO-Tex Enviromental Certification from the Swiss Textile Testing Institute (Testex)
• Made of 83/17 nylon/elastane – four way stretch and finer, more comfortable finish
• Made by pioneer specialists in sun protection wear
• Unfailing quality
• Trendy surfer styles and colours