Denim 'best protection from sun'

[Guest guest]

This summer's way of keeping safe in the sun?

As the UK heads for yet another hot summer, scientists say fabrics

such as denim and wool offer the best protection against the sun's

rays.

Traditional summer fabrics such as cotton and linen are much less

effective, they say.

 

The Swiss researchers reviewed 500 studies from around the world on

how people protect their skin.

 

Writing in a study published online by the Lancet, they say using

sunscreen is the least effective option.

 

UK cancer experts agreed sunscreen should be the " last line of

defence " .

 

Of course it can't be recommended to wear woollen fabrics on the

beach

 

Dr Stephen Lautenshlager, researcher

 

The team from the Triemli Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland, said wearing

clothes which cover the skin - plus hats and staying out of the sun -

was the best method of protection.

 

But, as well as linen and cotton being less effective, light-coloured

fabrics and those that are wet also offer low levels of protection.

 

Dr Stephen Lautenshlager, who led the research, told the BBC: " Of

course it can't be recommended to wear woollen fabrics on the beach.

 

" But it should be kept in mind that not every shirt blocks the UV

radiation sufficiently. "

 

'Unacceptable solution'

 

Writing in the Lancet, the team led by Dr Lautenshlager, say that,

while covering up and staying out of the sun may well be the best

option, it is " deemed to be unacceptable in our global, outdoor

society " .

 

" Sunscreens could become the predominant mode of sun protection for

various societal reasons, for example healthiness of a tan,

relaxation in the sun. "

 

 

Sunscreen should not be used to prolong time spent soaking up rays

 

They advise that when sunscreen is used the most important factor for

its effectiveness is the application of a " liberal quantity " .

 

But they warn that people tend not to apply sunscreen properly, only

putting it on once they have already been exposed to the sun and

applying too thin a layer.

 

And they add: " Sunscreens should not be abused in an attempt to

increase time in the sun to a maximum. "

 

Dr Kat Arney, Cancer Research UK's senior science information

officer, said: " This study confirms what we already know.

 

" Our SunSmart Campaign has always said that sunscreen is the last

line of defence in protecting skin against the sun's harmful rays.

 

" Many people do not use sunscreen properly and do not reapply it

regularly and after swimming.

 

" Some believe sunscreen is an invisible shield that will give them

carte blanche to lie out in the sun all day. "

 

Cancer Research UK advise staying in the shade when the sun is

hottest - between 11am and 3pm - plus covering up with a T-shirt,

hat, and sunglasses and using a factor 15 plus sunscreen.