What is UPF?

I get asked all the time, what in the world is UPF, why is it important and what is the different between SPF and UPF?

SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is the ratio of UV radiation dose required to produce recognizable redness on skin that has been protected with a sunscreen from the UV radiation dose required to produce the same redness on unprotected skin (using a clinical test procedure on human skin). SPF tells you how much longer it will take for your skin to begin to redden with the product on than if your skin was unprotected. The percentage of burning UV rays that a product blocks does not increase proportionally with the SPF value. So SPF values indicate a function of skin reddening.

UPF
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is the ratio of the average effective ultraviolet radiation (UVR) irradiance transmitted and calculated through air to the average effective UVR irradiance transmitted and calculated through fabric. In other words, it is the amount of ultraviolet radiation that a fabric blocks. Hence UPF values are used in the Fabric's UV transmittance test by spectrophotometer equipment

The Australian Government, a leader is UV research for over two decades, has stated that, "Over-exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can cause sunburn, skin damage and an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Clothing provides one of the most convenient forms of protection against UVR but not all garments offer sufficient sun protection"

UPF protection is very important to babies because many sunscreens have nasty chemicals in them that they absorb very quickly.  Babies and children also do not have great cooling systems in their bodies, and the sunscreen does not allow them to sweat so they cannot cool themselves.  So, why not zip your baby or child up in a SwimZip and let them play for hours at the pool without a worry?

You will see that SwimZip has tags on all its apparel that will show that it is UPF 50+!

Thanks!

Betsy Johnson

SwimZip Founder & President