Clothes: Your best bet against skin cancer
MANILA, Philippines – Aside from sunscreens, how else can you shield yourself from harmful UV-ray carcinogens?
The Lancet published a study which asserts that while sunscreen is proven effective against two of the three most common skin cancers (basal carcinomas and squamous cell carcinoma), it has not been conclusively shown to protect against melanoma. Melanoma is considered as the most fatal form of skin cancer, being responsible for 75 percent of its deaths.
Dr Kat Arney, Cancer Research UK’s senior science information officer, said: “This study confirms what we already know. Sunscreen is the last line of defense in protecting skin against the sun’s harmful rays.”
The same study asserts that clothing may be your best bet against the sun. “Wearing sun-protective clothing and a hat, and reducing sun exposure to a minimum should be preferred to sunscreens,” says Stephan Lautenschlager of the Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology at Triemli Hospital in Switzerland. However, the Swiss research team cautioned that not all types of clothes offer enough protection against the sun. They cited linen, cotton, and light-colored fabrics among those that offer low levels of protection. “Of course, it can’t be recommended to wear woolen fabrics on the beach,” quips Lautenschlager. “But it should be kept in mind that not every shirt blocks the UV radiation sufficiently.”
Columbia Sportswear has come up with a way to infuse UV protection into the very fiber of its products. Aptly called Omni-Shade, this revolutionary line of outdoor apparel protects by blocking the majority of the sun’s harmful rays so you can stay out in the sun longer.
“Our products at Columbia Sportswear are synonymous with weather protection. We are proud to enhance our Omni-Shade line for our consumers, allowing them to spend more time enjoying outdoor activities, while remaining protected from the sun’s harmful rays,” shares Dino De Leon, brand manager, Columbia Sportswear.
