A group of skin cancer experts have issued a warning to those heading out to the sun to be aware of how harmful its rays can be.
It's important to lather up in sun cream before heading out the door, but the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can still damage skin through clothing.
Cancer Research states that melanoma skin cancer rates are projected to rise by nine per cent between this year and 2038. Around 86 per cent of all skin cancers across the UK can be attributed to excessive sunlight exposure, Essex Live reports.
According to experts at The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), the colour of your clothing and what it's made of can actually make a difference to how protected you are from the sun.
The organisation explained: "The colour of your clothing can affect how well it protects you from UV rays.
"Dark or bright colours, including red, black and navy blue, absorb more UV rays than lighter colours like whites and pastels.
"For example, an everyday white cotton T-shirt has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of only about five.
"As a rule of thumb, the more intense the hue, the better protection the clothing will provide."
The material your clothing is made out of also makes a difference, as dense material makes for a better option in the sun - but this can be difficult to wear in the heat.
The SCF explains: "Like colour, the material, weave and texture of your clothing can affect how well it protects you from UV rays.
"Synthetic and semisynthetic fibres like polyester or rayon are the best choices for sun protection, as are dense, heavy, tightly woven fabrics like wool, denim or corduroy.
"On the opposite end of the spectrum are natural and lightweight fabrics (think: bleached or refined cotton, crepe, and silk), which tend to be thinner and let more light pass through."
The organisation added: "Shiny polyesters and even lightweight satiny silks can be highly protective because they reflect radiation."
Loose fitting clothes can better protect skin from sun damage, as tight fitting garments see the fibres stretch and allow UV rays through.
If you work outside during the summer, or will be spending a lot of time in the sun, it might be worthwhile buying UPF-specific clothing.
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