As an expert in the world of surfing, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of the sun on surfers' skin. While riding waves and enjoying the ocean is an exhilarating experience, it also exposes us to harmful UV rays. That's why it's crucial for surfers to understand the importance of sun protection and how wearing wetsuits and rash guards can affect their need for SPF.
The Basics of Sun Protection
Before delving into the specifics of how wetsuits and rash guards affect SPF, let's first understand the basics of sun protection. The sun emits two types of UV rays - UVA and UVB.UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Both types of rays can also lead to skin cancer.
SPF
, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. For example, an SPF 30 sunscreen will block 97% of UVB rays, while an SPF 50 sunscreen will block 98% of UVB rays. It's important to note that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection.The Role of Wetsuits
Wetsuits are a staple in the surfing world, providing warmth and protection from the elements.But do they also protect against the sun? The answer is yes, but to a certain extent. Wetsuits are made from neoprene, a type of synthetic rubber that is designed to insulate and retain body heat. This material also has some level of UV protection, with most wetsuits having an SPF rating between 30-50. However, this rating can vary depending on the thickness and quality of the neoprene. While wetsuits do provide some level of sun protection, it's important to note that they only cover a small portion of the body. Most wetsuits only cover the torso and arms, leaving the face, neck, and legs exposed to the sun.
This means that surfers still need to apply sunscreen to these areas for complete protection.
The Impact of Rash Guards
Rash guards are another popular piece of clothing among surfers. These tight-fitting shirts are made from a lightweight, quick-drying material and are designed to protect against rashes caused by friction with the surfboard. But do they also protect against the sun?Similar to wetsuits, rash guards also have some level of UV protection. Most rash guards have an SPF rating between 30-50, depending on the material and thickness.However, like wetsuits, they only cover a small portion of the body and should not be relied upon as the sole form of sun protection. One benefit of wearing a rash guard is that it can reduce the amount of sunscreen needed on the body. By covering a large portion of the upper body, surfers can use less sunscreen on their arms and torso, which can be beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies to certain sunscreen ingredients.
The Importance of Reapplication
No matter how much sun protection you have on your body, it's crucial to reapply sunscreen every two hours while surfing. This is because water and sweat can wash away sunscreen, reducing its effectiveness. Wearing a wetsuit or rash guard can help prolong the effectiveness of sunscreen by providing an extra layer of protection. It's also important to note that even if you are wearing a wetsuit or rash guard, you should still apply sunscreen to any exposed areas, such as the face, neck, and legs.These areas are still vulnerable to sun damage and need to be protected.
