Sun Protection Facts
Thanks for reading our Sun Protection Facts. All information on this page has been carefully fact-checked by Dr. Daniel Kadouch, our founding dermatologist and skin cancer expert (MD PhD).
Any questions and suggestions for new topics? Email us at info@tenuedesoleil.com, and we’ll get back to you.
Why should my kids wear UV-protective clothing?
Most parents rely only on sunscreen to protect their children, applying it once and in too small amounts. To be completely effective, sunscreen should be generously reapplied every two hours and after every swim. That’s quite a task when you have excited kids ready to enjoy a long day by the water. Children are particularly vulnerable to sun damage because the pigment cells in their skin are not yet fully developed. The good news is that special UV protective clothing is becoming a new trend among young parents today. Look for UV protective clothing with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protecting Factor). UPF 50+ offers the most protection and reflects 98% of the UV-B and UV-A rays. This is especially useful for days at the beach or at the pool.
At what time of the day should I avoid sun exposure?
The UV rays are strongest in the Netherlands between 12 noon and 3 pm. UV-Index apps can inform you of your local UV rates. It is best to avoid the sun during these peak times. Did you know that the shade does not offer complete protection from the reflection of UV radiation? So plan your family trip early in the morning or in the afternoon on hot summer days.
Why should I avoid sunburns at all times?
Did you know that being sunburnt five or more times, especially during childhood, doubles your risk of skin cancer later in life? However, sun damage is not always clearly visible. Did you know that DNA damage occurs when you develop a tan? A sun-tanned skin is, in fact, also sun-damagedskin.
Sunscreen is not enough
Here are three reasons why you should not only rely on sunscreen, especially for your children.
1. Sunscreens focus on skin burning (UVB) but offer limited protection against skin aging and skin cancer from sun rays that penetrate the skin more deeply (UVA).
2. Sunscreens are usually not applied correctly. Research has shown that more than 30% of Dutch children experience at least one sunburn each summer. Did you know that having five or more sunburns, especially during childhood, doubles the risk of skin cancer later in life?
3. Sunscreen should be re-applied every 2 hours and after every swim. That’s a full-time job and a real hassle. That’s why dermatologists worldwide recommend sun-protective clothing as the simplest way to stay safe in the sun. The more skin your outfit covers, the better your protection. And unlike sunscreen, you never need to reapply!
When shopping for sun-protective clothing, look for the UPF 50+ label (98% of UVA and UVB are blocked) and body coverage.
Did you know each year tons of fishing nets end up in the world’s oceans, trapping dolphins, seals and smaller fish?
Our UV-protective swimwear is created with ECONYL® regenerated nylon. Made from recovered fishing nets and other nylon waste, it has the same specs and quality as virgin nylon and can be recycled, recreated and remoulded infinitely.
We care about clean oceans as much as you. And when it comes to sustainability, we’re always open for brilliant ideas, so feel free to reach out.
By choosing Tenue de Soleil, you’re making a conscious choice to contribute towards a cleaner, more sustainable way of shopping.
Sun safe summer
Everything Tenue de Soleil does is to ensure the safety of your children and the environment they play in. We use dermatologically tested UPF50+ UV-protective fabrics. Our clothes offer the best balance of coverage and comfort for safe play in the sun (European EN 13758-2 & Joint Australian/ New Zealand AS/NZS 4399:2017 standards).
While we understand the importance of sun safety, summertime should be about having fun. Whether building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, or splashing around in the water, Tenue de Soleil swimwear lets kids be kids so parents can focus on enjoying the moment, all the while knowing their little ones are protected from the sun.
UV-protective clothing is trending.
More parents are looking for UV-protective clothing for their children. Join the trend.
The market for sun-protective clothing is growing quickly and is expected to triple between 2019 and 2024.
Dermatologists worldwide still recommend UPF clothing as the best way to prevent sun damage that can lead to skin cancer.
How does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen consists of two main parts. The active ingredient — the filter — contributes to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Important to know. The SPF is often misconceived as the strength of sunscreen protection.
However, it refers to how much longer UVB rays take to redden the skin with sunscreen compared to without. Ideally, with SPF 50, it would take you 50 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen.
The second part, the emulsion — the lotion, milk, cream, oil, foam, or gel — works as the active ingredient carrier. Compared to sun allergies caused by direct UV exposure, most allergies to sunscreen are caused by fragrances, preservation ingredients, and other goodies in the emulsion.