Safe in the sun

We love summer and the sun! The sun is the foundation of all life. It has obvious benefits as provider of vitamin D and mood enhancer. However, it is important to treat the sun with caution as the UV rays may cause sunburn and skin damage that can ultimately lead to skin cancer. And since children skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, they are even more sensitive to UV rays.

What is UPF?

The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. UPF 50+ is the highest fabric rating available, providing maximum sun protection by blocking out more than 97% of the sun’s harmful rays.

Petit Crabe swimwear garment offers a sun protection factor of 50+. The sun protection properties in our products come from its thread density, weave structure and dye components. No chemicals or treatments are added to the fabric to provide the rating.

Sun safe tips

While your babies are tiny, it is best to keep them out of direct sunlight. If your baby is not mobile yet, she will probably be happy to lie and kick in the shade of a tree, an umbrella, or a sun tent.

If your children are crawling or walking, encourage them to sit and play in the shade when the sun is at its strongest.

Our recommendation to sun protection, when the UV Index reaches 3:

  • Wear Petit Crabe UV-swimwear 🙂
  • Apply sunscreen to areas left uncovered such as hands, feet and face. Put on the sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards – or after swimming.
  • Seek shade between 10 AM and 3 PM
  • Use hat and sunglasses. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects face, neck, and ears.

UV Index

The UV Index is describing the daily danger of solar UV radiation intensity.

Factors such as latitude, ozone, cloud, reflection from surfaces, time of year and time of day determine UV levels. Heat or high temperatures are not an indication of UV levels.

The UV Index scale is a great tool to tell you how quickly sunburn can occur if you are not applying proper protection. UV index apps can give you the daily level in your local or favourite destinations – or send warning if the UV index has large fluctuations.

Facts about UV Radiation

  • The sun emits UVA, UVB and UVC radiation. The ozone layer blocks all UVC radiation, most UVB but none of the UVA radiation.
  • UVA penetrates deep into the skin causing damage like wrinkles and discolouration. Exposure to UVB causes sunburn, which can cause permanent skin damage.
  • Skin cancer is a disease of the skin cells caused mainly by overexposure to UV radiation.