If you’re a cyclist, then you know the importance of sun protection. Not only does cycling in the sun expose riders to harmful UV radiation, but it also increases your risk of skin cancer by up to 80%. In this post, we’ll discuss why upf uv sun protection cycling clothing is so important when cycling and what you can do to protect yourself while still enjoying some time outside.
Table of Content
Difference between UVA and UVB rays
UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn. But UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause premature ageing and skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for 95% of all skin cancers. While UVA is thought to be a contributing factor in 80%-90% of cases.
Damage caused by extended UV exposure when cycling
Skin damage caused by UV exposure can be as serious as sunburns and skin cancer.
UV rays also have the potential to cause cataracts, which are clouding of the eye lens. Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations performed worldwide.
Skin aging caused by UV exposure increases the risk of developing wrinkles and age spots. It makes your skin look older than it actually is – this can affect your self-esteem, confidence and body image.
What does UPF mean?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It is a measurement of how well UV radiation is blocked from passing through the fabric. This can be found on clothing labels, and will show you how much protection your garment offers against the sun’s rays (UVA and UVB rays). The higher this number is, the more protection it will give you when out in the sun.
A higher UPF rating means that more of the sun’s harmful rays are blocked. The higher the UPF rating, the better the upf UV sun protection cycling clothing.
The best cycling jerseys come with UPF ratings of at least 50, which is enough to protect against the majority of UV radiation. Higher-end models may feature special fabrics that offer greater protection and even moisture management properties.
Find below some more info on the different UPF rates:
- Up to 6: Very low protection. Avoid prolonged exposure.
- 6-20: Moderate protection. Minimize exposure at midday when rays are strongest and reapply sunscreen often.
- 21-40: Good protection. Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and re-apply as needed.
- 41+: Excellent protection. You can spend extended time in the sun without additional precautions or risk of burning (but still wear sunscreen!).
UPF vs SPF… what is the difference
Have you ever wondered what the difference between SPF and UPF is? If so, you’re not alone. And does the UPF or SPF rate also apply to cycling clothing? We get a lot of questions about this topic. That’s why we have decided too deepdive into this topic.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburns and skin damage, which can lead to wrinkles and skin cancer. An SPF 30 product lets through 1/30th of the sun’s UVB radiation, which means that it prevents 97% of UVB rays from hitting your skin. An SPF 50 product lets through only 1/50th of the sun’s UVB radiation, meaning that it prevents 98% of UVB rays from hitting your skin.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures how much ultraviolet radiation passes through fabric and clothing to reach your skin. If a piece of clothing has an UPF rating of 50+, then only 2% of ultraviolet radiation will pass through it.
So I hope it is clear UPF applies to fabric and clothing like cycling wear and SPF applies to sunscreen.
Cycling in the sun: preventive measures
You may think that you’re safe just because it’s cloudy outside, but you aren’t. UV exposure is cumulative, and even on cloudy days your skin can be exposed to high levels of damaging UV rays. This is especially true when you’re cycling in the sun for extended periods of time without proper protection.
To make sure that you’re getting adequate protection from those harmful rays, make sure to cover every inch of your body that could be exposed to sunlight: face and neck, eyes (especially if you wear glasses), ears, hands and feet! Some cycling clothing brands offer speciall designed cycling clothing for those hot and sunny days. The higher the UPF rating number is, the better a garment will shield your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation while still allowing some air through so you don’t get overheated or sweaty.
A UPF 50+ cycling jersey as part of your upf UV sun protection cycling clothing
Do you love the feel of fresh air on your skin? Do you like to ride your bike in the sunshine? If so, then you’re probably already thinking about buying a UPF 50+ cycling jersey.
But why do some jerseys have more UPF than others and what are the benefits of a UV sun protection cycling jersey. Because they have more benefits than only sun protection abilities.
Why Should You Buy a Cycling Jersey with High UVA Protection?
If you’ve ever been outside in the sun, you know how damaging UV rays can be. But if you’re riding your bike outdoors, those rays are even worse! That’s because when you’re riding a bike, your body is moving at high speeds and putting strain on your skin—and that makes it more likely that the UV radiation will penetrate deep into the skin and cause damage over time.
So what does this have to do with cycling jerseys? Well… everything!
Benefits of UV upf sun protection cycling clothing jersey?
- A good cycling jersey will protect your body from UVA rays by using fabrics that block them out. As well as fabrics that reflect them away from your body back into space. This means that when you use a high-quality cycling jersey with a UPF rating of 50+ you protect yourself against sunburn and skin cancer.
- It also means that when the weather gets hot and muggy outside, your UPF 50 cycling jersey will help keep you cool as well as protected. Airflow through the back of the jersey . Cycling jerseys have open backs and side panels to allow air circulation through them. The mesh fabric used in the construction of some cycling jerseys allows air to pass through easily. This allows you to stay cool even during periods of high exertion. In addition they often excel in moisture management . Cycling jerseys have moisture-wicking properties that draw sweat away from your body and keep you dry. This helps to regulate your temperature while exercising and also helps reduce chafing between your skin and clothing.
- UPF 50 clothing also offers more protection against other elements than regular clothing does—like rain and wind. If it’s raining outside while you’re biking, an UPF 50 cycling jersey will keep your skin dry even though it won’t keep water off your clothes underneath it. And if there’s a breeze blowing during a hot summer day when temperatures are above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), then wearing an UPF 50+ cycling jersey will prevent you from having a cold…imagine that 🙂
Cycling sun sleeves as part of your upf UV sun protection cycling clothing
As cyclists, we know that the sun can be our worst enemy. Not only is it dangerous to ride in hot conditions, but it can also fry your skin and make you feel miserable. Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there for cycling sun sleeves that will keep you cool and protected from the sun’s rays. Cycling sun sleeves should be a standard part of your upf UV sun protection cycling clothing.
What are Cycling Sun Sleeves?
A cycling sun sleeve is a piece of clothing designed specifically for cyclists. Usually made from lightweight material like spandex or nylon, these sleeves fit over your arms and shoulders to protect you from UV rays. They’re often made with mesh material at the top so you can see your hands while riding. The sleeves are usually much shorter than regular sleeves. This ensures they don’t interfere with your ability to control your bike or steer safely around traffic.
Why should you wear cycling sun sleeves?
There are many reasons why cyclists should wear cycling sun sleeves:
- They protect your skin from harmful UV rays—especially if you have fair skin or plan on riding in harsh sunlight for an extended period of time (like when touring across country).
- They keep you cooler while riding because they allow air to pass through them easily; this helps prevent overheating during long rides or runs on hot days when temperatures.
- Sleeves are versatile: They’re lightweight and easy to fold up and throw in your backpack when not needed. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns so you can match your outfit or team jersey!
Why would you buy a UPF 50+ cycling cap?
With the popularity of cycling caps on the rise, we’re here to help you make an educated decision about where to buy your next cap.
There are many factors that go into choosing a cycling cap: style, durability, fit, and functionality are all important considerations. You’ll also want to take into account the quality of stitching and overall construction of the cap.
But what about UPF protection? The ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of a fabric is a measure of its ability to block UV radiation from reaching the skin. While most fabrics block some UV rays, those with a high UPF rating block significantly more than low-rated fabrics. This is important because overexposure to UV radiation can lead to sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging.
When buying your next cycling cap, look for one that has a UPF rating of at least 40 or 50+. A higher rating means that it will protect you from more UV radiation—which means less time in the sun before you get too much!
How to choose the best bike helmet for sun protection?
Choosing the best cycling helmet for sun protection is a great way to protect your skin, eyes, and head from the sun’s rays. Many people are unsure of how to choose a helmet that will provide them with adequate protection from the sun. It’s easy to find a helmet that is stylish and comfortable. But it can be difficult to find one that meets all of your needs.
What to consider when buying a bike helmet for sun protection
There are many things to consider when choosing a cycling helmet for sun protection. These include:
- The material used in the shell of the helmet (plastic, polycarbonate). You can buy helmets made with materials like carbon fiber or solid colored plastic, but we recommend getting one with an outer layer made from a material like polycarbonate because it offers more protection against UV radiation.
- UV blocking test: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, and it’s possible to get a sunburn even on cloudy days. To prevent skin damage while riding, choose a helmet that has been tested by a third-party lab for its ability to block out UV rays.
- Whether or not there are vents on each side of the helmet. Vents allow air to flow through the helmet. This is especially important in warm weather. In warm weather sweat can build up inside the helmet and make it uncomfortable to wear. Vents can also help keep you cooler by allowing air to flow across your head and over your ears. Aerodynamics is an important factor for competitive cyclists who can shave time off their race times by riding faster with less effort. Vents can help reduce drag by allowing air passing over the helmet to move smoothly instead of being disrupted by any vents or other protrusions on the outside of the helmet.
- How much coverage there is around your ears and neck.
- Whether or not there is padding inside the helmet. Padding helps reduce the impact of impacts on your head. It cushions your head by absorbing energy during an impact. Padding also helps distribute energy evenly over the helmet’s surface area rather than concentrating it in one area (like the top of your head). Padding also helps protect against sweat dripping into your eyes by absorbing moisture and keeping it away from your scalp.
How to choose the best uv protection sunglasses?
It’s time to pack up your bike and hit the trails again! But before you start pedaling, take a minute to think about your eyes. It’s important to protect them from UV exposure while out in the sun—especially when you’re on your bike.
That’s where uv protection cycling sunglasses come in. They’re specially designed to protect your eyes from harmful rays while you ride, so you can enjoy the scenery without worrying about damaging your eyesight.
But how do you find the best uv protection cycling sunglasses?
First things first: UV protection is important when it comes to cycling sunglasses because they’re exposed to sunlight all day long while you’re riding. The sun’s rays can cause damage to your eyes over time, which is why it’s crucial that you wear a pair of shades that are up to par with the standards set by both the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
When you’re looking for the best uv protection cycling sunglasses, it’s important to keep in mind that there are a few different types of lenses. Some lenses are specifically designed for cycling, while others can be used for both cycling and other activities like driving or hiking.
If you’re looking for glasses that will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays while you cycle, then it’s important to make sure the glasses have lenses that block 100% of UVA rays and 99% of UVB rays. In addition, they should also have a hydrophobic coating on them so they don’t fog up when you sweat or ride in wet weather conditions.
When choosing glasses with this type of lens, it’s best not to wear them if they’re too large or heavy because they could get in the way while cycling and cause injury if they fall off during an accident or crash.
Some additional tips when buying sun protection cycling sunglasses as part of your upf cycling clothing
First, look for lenses that block 100% of UVA and 99%<of the UVB rays. The most important part of your cycling sunglasses is the lenses—the last thing you want is for them to break and let in harmful rays that could damage your eyes or cause long-term skin damage.
Second, look for models with polarized lenses. Polarized sunglasses are great because they reduce glare from water and other surfaces that reflect light back into your eyes (and therefore decrease eye strain). They also make colors appear more vibrant, so if you like to wear bright colors while biking, this feature might be worth looking into!
Thirdly, choose models with photochromic lenses (aka “adaptive” or “transition”). These lenses automatically darken when exposed to sunlight. The lighter the darker.
How to choose the best sunscreen for cycling?
When you’re cycling, you want to be able to focus on your ride. But there’s one thing that can make that difficult: sunburn.
If you’ve ever been out on the road and gotten burned by the sun, you know how much it can distract you from your ride—and how much it hurts. And if you have fair skin like I do, chances are good that it’s going to happen again.
But there’s good news: there are products out there that will help protect your fair skin while also keeping you cool under the hot sun.
Mineral vs chemical sunscreen
There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens reflect them away from your skin. Mineral sunscreens are better for cycling because they don’t run into your eyes when you sweat (like chemical sunscreens can) or cause skin irritation. They also don’t degrade as quickly when exposed to the elements, so they last longer.
The best mineral sunscreen for cycling is a physical block. This means it uses titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to scatter light waves before they reach your skin. These minerals are safe even if they get into your eyes. This makes them safer than chemical blocks (which can irritate the eyes).
What to consider when buying sunscreen in addition to your upf uv sun protection cycling clothing?
The first thing to consider when choosing a sunscreen is your skin type. If you have oily skin, look for oil-free sunscreens that won’t leave your face feeling greasy. If you have dry skin, look for moisturizing formulas that will keep your face hydrated throughout the day.
Next, think about your activity level. If you bike at a leisurely pace on cool days and don’t spend much time outdoors, then any sunscreen will do. But if you bike year-round and want to protect yourself from harmful rays while out on long rides through the hot summer sun. Then it’s best to go with a water-resistant sunscreen. That won’t wash off easily when sweat gets involved.
Finally, consider whether or not you’ll be sweating while wearing your sunscreen—and if so, how much? Waterproof products tend to be more expensive than those that wash off with water alone
Some additional tips when buying sunscreen for cycling
Sunscreen is a must for cyclists. And with the summer heat in full swing, it’s time to make sure you’re protected from the sun. Some additional tips when buying sunscreen for cycling.
– Choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
– Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside.
– Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
Conclusion upf UV Sun Protection Cycling Clothing
Cycling is a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. But it can also be risky when it comes to UV exposure. You should always wear sunscreen, but if you’re going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time, then wearing UPF clothing will provide even more protection from harmful UV rays. I recommend that all cyclists wear sun protection cycling clothing with a UPF 50+ rate. This should be standard practice when riding outdoors.
