The History of Sun Protection: How We've Come a Long Way

Sun protection has advanced significantly since the days when we had to cover ourselves in thick, heavy, and frequently ineffectual creams. How did we get here? UPF50+ sun protection is now a requirement for outdoor gear and apparel. Let's discuss the evolution of UPF50+ sun protection throughout the years.

Ancient civilisations used plant-based oils and extracts to shield their skin from the sun during years of practise. But it wasn't until the first decades of the 20th century that scientists began to understand the risks posed by UV radiation and the necessity of skin protection.

Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley created the notion of ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) in the 1960s as a way to gauge how well clothing protects against the sun. The UPF rating system was created to help customers choose the right apparel for their needs and to promote the creation of increasingly sophisticated sun-protective textiles.

A wide range of items, including apparel, hats, sunglasses, and outdoor gear, now contain UPF50+ fabrics. These substances are made expressly to reflect damaging UV rays, helping to shield users against sunburn, skin cancer, and other side effects of prolonged exposure.

UPF50+ sun protection has advanced along with the creation of new materials and technologies. For instance, the availability of UPF50+ materials in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs has made it easier than ever to incorporate sun protection into your everyday wardrobe. In addition, UPF50+ materials are being used more frequently in cutting-edge and creative applications, such as sunscreen, athletic products, and even car windows.

The importance of educating clients about the benefits of sun protection has been emphasised more in tandem with the development of UPF50+ fabrics. The Skin Cancer Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are just two of the organisations that now offer advice on how to protect your skin from the sun.

In general, UPF50+ sun protection has had positive progress and innovation. Since the early days of plant-based oils to the cutting-edge materials and technology of today, we have achieved enormous progress in UV radiation protection. Any outside activity, including going to the beach, hiking, or simply doing errands, requires UPF50+ sun protection.

Fun fact: People in ancient Egypt made sunscreen from a mixture of grains and herbs, notably rice bran, lupine, and jasmine. They applied these substances for cosmetic reasons, but it turns out that they were actually on to something. Particularly in rice bran, there is a compound that provides only weak UV protection. Even though the Egyptians didn't fully understand the dangers of the sun's rays, their use of these natural ingredients shows that they were ahead of their time in terms of sun protection!