Sun Safety Starts with your Head - Let’s Talk UPF & SPF

At Wallaroo Hat Company, Sun Protection is the Name of the Game - All Year Long

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, but at Wallaroo Hat Company we think about skin protection every single day of the year. In fact, it’s our mission to eliminate the threat of skin cancer through our functional and fashionable UPF 30+ and UPF 50+ headwear. And we take this mission very seriously - our sun hats are tested and rated according to UV radiation blocking capabilities and come in a wide variety of designs to offer protection for almost every activity under the sun. 

The bottom line? 

Our love language is stylish sun protection, and we show that through our collection of UPF 30+ and UPF 50+ hats for men and women. This passion has made Wallaroo a leader in the sun protection headwear industry. 

Every Head, Every Day

It’s important to remember that skin protection isn’t just something to consider on your beach vacation or day at the lake. With an estimated 9,500 people being diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the US alone, and more people receiving a skin cancer diagnosis every year than all other cancers combined, one thing is evident - we need to pay attention.[1] 

Simply put; in order to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays, we need a plan that incorporates UPF and SPF protection from head to toe. You might be wondering… UPF and SPF? What’s the difference? And, what do those terms even mean? 

You’re not alone in your questions - people ask us about UPF and SPF all the time.

UPF & SPF, The Dynamic Duo You Can’t Ignore

“UPF” or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is the rating used for sun protective clothing and headwear. UPF fabric blocks out the UVA and UVB light responsible for sunburns, skin cancer, and skin aging. The higher the UPF number, the more UV radiation is blocked. For example, our UPF 50+ hats block up to 98% of UV radiation. You might wonder, does color affect that number? Well, while color can play a role in UPF rating and protection, the UPF rating is based on how tightly woven a garment’s fabric is. The tighter the weave, the greater the protection. [2] However, a darker fabric does allow for less UV penetration than a lighter colored hat. Other relevant factors include whether the hat is lined or not and the width of the brim. 

“SPF,” on the other hand, stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers to products applied to your skin, such as sunscreen. The number on the bottle tells you how long the sun’s UVB rays take to redden your skin when using sunscreen as opposed to the same amount of time without protection. Using an SPF of 45 would protect you 45 times longer than without sunscreen.

In addition, it’s important to find a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” protection ensuring it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays and apply it correctly. Be generous with your sunscreen and reapply often - especially if you’re in the water or sweating. And don’t forget - sunscreen is recommended for daily use or anytime when you’re in the sun. [3]

UPF & SPF - Do We Need Both?

When it comes to preventing skin cancer, it’s not a matter of choosing either UPF or SPF protection. You’ll get the ultimate sun protection when you combine SPF rated sunscreen and UPF rated hats and clothing that provide additional widespread coverage for the body and head. Further, UPF clothing and hats are a good alternative if you love the great outdoors but don’t love (or just plain forget) to put sunscreen near your lips, hairline, and ears. For example, our kid’s collection is great for kids who might squirm away in the middle of a sunscreen application 

Spoiler Alert - It’s Not Just About Skin Cancer Protection

In addition to harmful effects in the form of skin cancer, the sun isn’t exactly easy on our skin. Exposure to the sun can make us look older - we’ve heard this a million times, and science backs it up. It’s been proven that skin that’s in regular contact with direct sunlight ages more quickly. This shows up in the form of wrinkling, sagging, and bagging around the eyes. And let’s not forget sunspots that crop up after exposure to the sun[4]. None of those sound very appealing, so be sure to cover your face and neck with SPF and UPF rated materials to decrease skin aging by up to 24% [5].

Let’s Fight Skin Cancer Together

As we all try our best to prevent skin cancer, it comes down to this - wearing UPF rated clothing and hats and applying a quality, broad spectrum sunscreen will help you prevent skin cancer. At Wallaroo Hat Company, we’ll continue doing our part by designing functional and fashionable headwear that keeps you protected during all your outdoor adventures. 

In addition, we will continue to donate 1% of all proceeds to skin cancer research, education and prevention programs so we can reach as many people as possible. 

Remember - no matter what your skin protection needs are, Wallaroo has you covered so you can do the things you enjoy with the people you love. 

And remember…

It’s a sunny life. Wear your hat. 

[1] Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics - The Skin Cancer Foundation.

[2] Sun Protective Clothing - The Skin Cancer Foundation

[3] The Parts Of Your Body That Are Most Vulnerable To Getting Sun Damage | HuffPost Life

[4] Just How Much Does The Sun Age Your Skin? - Sunsafe Rx 

[5] Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics - The Skin Cancer Foundation