Can you get sunburn through black clothes?
Sunburn is a common occurrence during the summer months, as the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate our skin and cause damage to our skin cells. But can you still get sunburned through clothing, even through dark-colored items?
Understand Uv Radiation
To understand whether you can get sunburned through clothing, it’s important to understand some basic facts about UV radiation. UV radiation is composed of three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays are long-wave and can penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles and age spots; UVB rays are short-wave, and are responsible for sunburns; and UVC rays are the shortest of the three, and are blocked by the atmosphere.
Risk of Sunburn Through Clothes
Although most clothing can act as a barrier between our skin and UV radiation, the risk of sunburn through clothing is still present, even if it is a darker color. Darker clothing may offer more protection than light-colored clothing, but even black clothing cannot block all UV radiation. It is important to note that depending on the weave of the fabric, some clothing can provide more protection than others.
Minimize Sun Exposure Risk
In order to minimize the risk of sunburn and other skin damage, it is important to follow some simple guidelines:
- Wear protective clothing: Wear clothing that is made of tightly-woven fabric and covers as much of your skin as possible. Sun-protective clothing may also be helpful.
- Wear a hat: Wearing a hat with a brim will help protect your face and scalp.
- Use sunblock: Sunscreens should be used routinely when outdoors—even on overcast days—and should have an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
- Avoid peak hours: UV radiation is most intense between 10 am and 4 pm. It is best to stay out of the sun during these hours.
In conclusion, while dark clothing may offer some protection from the sun’s UV radiation, it is not enough to completely protect from the risk of sunburn. It is important to take steps to minimize the risk, such as wearing protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen.