Dive into our comprehensive guide on UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and discover how it differs from SPF. Learn how UPF is tested, its importance in protecting against UVA and UVB rays, and how it maintains effectiveness through wear and tear. Read more...
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What is UPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This measure indicates how effectively clothing and textiles block ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Unlike SPF, which only measures protection against UVB rays, UPF assesses the fabric's ability to block both UVA and UVB rays, providing a more comprehensive measure of sun protection. Clothing is rigorously tested to determine how much UV radiation is absorbed or blocked by the fabric.
How is UPF Tested?
To measure UPF, a UPF tester shines UV light through a textile and records the percentage of each wavelength of light transmitted through it. The process is repeated across multiple samples and orientations of the fabric to ensure accurate and reliable data. This standardized testing provides consumers with assurance about the level of sun protection offered by their clothing.
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When a UPF is assigned to a textile, the value for the UPF will vary based on the testing protocol used. Most clothing with UPF testing is subjected to 40 laundering cycles with the UPF assigned as the lowest UPF seen after 40 washes. Textiles used for hats, awnings, shade structures, and umbrellas may or may not be subjected to use before reporting the UPF values. The decision as to which UPF to report is up to the company reporting. Some may report the UPF value when a product is first purchased without taking into consideration weather and environmental stresses that the fabric will be subjected to. Others may report the UPF value for the textiles they use after stressing the textile so that consumers gain more insight into the quality of their product. The testing protocol used is not always disclosed.
Are UPF and SPF the Same?
While UPF and SPF (Sun Protection Factor) both measure sun protection, they apply to different products and have different scopes. SPF is specific to skincare products like lotions and creams and is regulated by the FDA. It quantifies how much a product can protect skin from sunburn, primarily caused by UVB rays. The SPF does not provide information on the UVA blockage by a product. In contrast, UPF applies to fabrics and provides information on the ability of textiles to block both UVA and UVB rays. This is an important distinction because UVB rays are associated with sunburns and specific skin cancers such as Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma. UVA rays are associated with Melanoma, premature aging of the skin, photosensitivities, autoimmune conditions, and pigmentation changes in the skin.
Is the Same Device Used to Measure SPF of Skincare Products?
The same type of device is used to measure both SPF and UPF, although an accessory tray is utilized for SPF testing to ensure even distribution of skincare products. This allows for consistent and reproducible SPF ratings across different product tests. For UPF the fabric can be placed in an unstressed condition or subjected to stretch for testing purposes.
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