Lately, scientists in the sunscreen industry have been in the metaphorical hot seat. Sunscreen use is at an all time high (good) but so are skin cancer rates (bad).  'Sunscreen causes cancer' would've made a much more sensational title for this post but it's actually misuse of sunscreen that's adding to cancer's success. People have a false sense of protection with sunscreens. Instead we should be getting smaller doses of sun and covering up more.

common misconceptions

 

• my high SPF sunscreen blocks the sun's radiation

  There are different types of radiation from the sun. SPF (the sunscreen measurement we're most familiar with) refers to the level of protection against Ultraviolet B rays (UVB). This is great for stopping the burn because UVB rays are the ones that damage the skin and cause sunburn. Unfortunately, roughly 95% of the sun’s rays are the dastardly UVA rays that cause wrinkling and sagging. More importantly, they also trigger cell mutations that may initiate skin cancer. Sunscreens offer such minimal protection against UVA rays that in most cases is not even indicated on the bottle.

• I'm not burnt so I'm fine

  Sunscreen provides a filter allowing us to spend all day in the sun and moderate the rate of tan, from beige to brown sugar. But the sun's rays that burn you are different from the ones that contribute to cancer. Think of sun burn as a smoke alarm. If you've been in the sun long enough to get burnt, you've been out long enough for UVAs to do damage. If you turn off your smoke alarm (aka putting on sunscreen) you won't know if the kitchen's on fire.

• the sun is bad for you

  Staying out of the sun all day could be as detrimental to your health as staying in the sun all day. When sunlight touches your skin, your body makes vitamin D (you may not have heard about it because no-one's worked out how to make money out of it). Vitamin D plays an amazing role in preventing osteoporosis and breast cancer. Try to get small doses, often. Don't try to cram a year's worth of sun into one day at the beach.

   

   

   

   

protect yourself against uva

Sunscreen messes with your body's natural defenses against the sun's radiation: a sunburn is a gentle reminder to get out of the sun before the bad radiation shows up. The best way to protect yourself from UVA radiation but still get a good dose of vitamin D is to adopt the philosophy of “everything in moderation”. Go out in the sun (sans sunscreen) but don't stay out too long. When determining 'how long is too long' take these factors into consideration:

• your skin tone
• the heat of the day, cloud coverage etc.
• the time of day (burn time will be longer in the evenings and early mornings)
• location (In New Zealand the burn time is announced as part of the weather report and is usually under 10 minutes)

Make the most of hats (to protect the delicate skin around your eyes), shady trees or a shirt to enjoy the outdoors without putting yourself at risk. Maybe we can even bring back the parasol.

avoid wrinkles (& the big C) with this gear

Our Sunbeam and Sun Blocker tops have a UPF rating of 45- 50 (the top rating possible). This means that they block upwards of 97.5 of UVA & UVB rays.

• Sunbeam Pullover
• Sun Blocker Long Sleeve
• Women's Cross Training Cap
• Women's Reflection Run Visor

why we made this

The Run:Sun Blocker LS was designed for running in the sun without worrying about UV (Ultraviolet) rays harming your skin. It is constructed of UPF Sheer Jersey and Circle Mesh.

Lightweight UPF sheer jersey provides sun coverage and wicks moisture with an excellent UPF rating. The UPF Sheer Jersey has been strategically placed in high-exposure areas, such as the forearms and chest, to give additional sun coverage where you need it most.

Made with circle mesh panels along the sidebody, with an anti-stink Chitosan finish, which provides extra breathability. Circle Mesh has excellent wicking and anti-stink capabilities, but does not offer UPF coverage (it has holes!). The top is also flat seamed for chafe resistance & comfort in your runs.

Body skimming fit so it won't cling as you get moving.

Hidden back pocket for lightweight belongings.

Thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place, and your arms fully protected from the sun's rays.

Here is a video from our Product Trainer with more information about UPF Sheer Jersey:

Although the Sun Blocker LS was not made to be a replacement for sunscreen, it was made to give you additional sun coverage where you need it most. So go have an active, fun and safe summer! Namaste.

January is an ambassador from our La Jolla store, and she is wearing:

Run:Sun Blocker LS in Angel Blue/Coal

&

Run:Empower Crops in Coal