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Our mission is to provide information about sun protection, skin care and skin disorders and to feature topics in the fascinating field of photobiology. We also cover news and information on the sun and benefits of light.

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UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is a standard that rates fabric’s ability to protect the skin from skin reddening caused by UV-B rays. UV-B radiation, which is partially filtered by the ozone, can damage the surface of the skin and cause skin cancer.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “because of the thinning of the ozone layer, the effects of UVB radiation will pose an increased threat until the layer is restored in the latter half of the 21st century.” (“The Burning Facts, 430-F-06-013,” Sept. 2006.

UPF values

15 to 24 good sunburn protection (93.3--95.9 % of UV blocked by fabric)
25 to 39 very good sunburn protection (96.0--97.4 % of UV blocked by fabric)
40 to 50 excellent sunburn protection (97.5% or more of UV blocked by fabric)

A new white cotton t-shirt has a UPF of about 5, but one wash with Rit Sun Guard can increase the UPF to 30.

For more information about Rit Sun Guard, visit http://www.sunguardsunprotection.com/.
To learn more about Dr. Hatch, visit her website at http://ag.arizona.edu/abe/khatch.html.
For information about sun protective garments and labels, visit http://ag.arizona.edu/research/uv-protective-clothing/

UPF values (Source: Labels on Sunburn-protective Garments: Relationship of UPF Value to Protection Category. University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. http://ag.arizona.edu/research/uv-protective-clothing/labeling.html Accessed June 4, 2007, updated December 2005)

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Last modified: 06/23/07