UK temperatures soar to 30 degrees - how to stay sun safe while enjoying the weather

Finally the UK has been blessed with some warm weather and sunshine. With temperatures reaching 30 degrees in some areas, it's important to stay sun safe and we have you covered with these top tips
Love it or loathe it, temperatures have risen to a staggering 30 degrees across the UK. And now, more than ever, sun safety is essential for protecting you and your body from excessive sun exposure.
While it may seem objectively simple, it is essential to take the proper measures to avoid lifelong damage to your health and accelerated superficial ageing from harmful ultraviolet rays (UV). Melanoma Focus ' latest survey of 2,000 individuals in the UK revealed that 19% reported they 'rarely' apply sun cream from May to September, while 8% indicated they 'never' use it during these months, and shockingly 9% stated they never wear sun cream at all.
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Sunscreen is a proven way to prevent sunburn, and every instance of sunburn further increases the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Unfortunately, 2,000 deaths a year are caused by skin cancer in the UK, but by making some simple changes to the way you enjoy the sun, you can lessen the risks.
Dr. Conal Perrett, London's leading dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, explains: 'It is essential that people understand that skin cancer is preventable by being skin conscious all year round.' He adds: 'The risks associated with sunburn and excessive sun exposure far outweigh the appeal of a temporary tan.'
A sunburn is a skin reaction most commonly caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and is distinguished by redness, pain, and sometimes blisters and peeling. Dr Perret emphasises the significance our skin has on our overall health, stating: 'With the skin being the largest organ of the body, sun exposure can cause thinning over time, making it more susceptible to skin conditions and cancer.'
So, as you enjoy a weekend basking in the sunshine, here are five tips to stay sun smart which don't involve sitting at home all day.
Sunscreen
While it may seem like a tired conversation, there is a reason that sunscreen is the first suggestion for sun safety. Using sunscreen daily is undoubtedly the most effective way to guard your body from damaging UV rays.
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It's essential to invest in a good sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50. However, there's no benefit in having a good sunscreen if you don't use it correctly.
Apply the lotion generously at least 30 minutes before exposure to UV rays. Additionally, it's essential to reapply every two hours, or even more frequently if swimming or sweating.
Last but not least, cover any exposed areas that are not protected by a hat or clothing. The ears, neck, scalp, tops of the feet, and the backs of the hands are often overlooked and are prone to intense sunburns.
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Hats
Hair does not protect our scalps from the harsh UV rays, so wearing a hat is vital. Hats provide ample protection against sunburn, shading your face, neck, ears, and scalp.
While they're not always the most flattering, a wide-brim or bucket hat offers the most protection compared to other styles. Wearing a hat also helps prevent premature ageing, as prolonged sun exposure is one of the leading causes of wrinkles, age spots and hyperpigmentation.
Lightweight layers
On hot days, lighter clothing is essential, so it's no surprise to pull out your denim shorts that were tucked away in your cupboard during winter. However, a great way to protect your skin from sun damage is by creating a physical barrier that either blocks or absorbs harmful UV rays before they reach your skin.
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By wearing a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt instead of a vest, you reduce the amount of direct sun exposure. Although, this depends entirely on the type of fabric, so opt for cotton, wool, silk, or synthetic materials and avoid linens and more opaque garments.
Avoid outdoor activities during high UV hours
Certain times of the day have a higher UV rating. It's essential to check the daily UV index before heading outside. This information is typically found on weather apps or websites.
The rule of thumb is that a UV rating of 3 or above requires sun safety precautions, which include wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing as mentioned above. By keeping informed of the UV index throughout the day, you can plan and protect your skin accordingly.
On average, UV rays are most powerful between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, so try to stay in the shade or indoors during these hours. Simply reducing exposure during peak times can greatly reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Wear Sunglasses
Last but not least, wear sunglasses. Sunglasses are not just for comfort; they also protect your eyes from sun damage. Your eyes can also get sunburned, and unfortunately, it's not as simple as applying sunscreen to them.
Sunglasses can help reduce glare and overall eye strain while protecting the eyes from UV rays. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing UV-protected glasses can significantly reduce the risk of developing one of these conditions.

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• Daily Record

Popular sun cream fails safety tests as families warned 'don't buy'

A popular sun cream aimed at families and costing £28 a bottle has failed safety standards as consumer group Which? warns shoppers "don't buy" it. A sun cream on the market for £28 and aimed at families has been deemed unsafe. Consumer group Which? Is urging people to avoid the Ultrasun Family SPF30 due to the fact it failed safety tests. Which? revealed the product failed to meet minimum UVA (ultraviolet A) protection levels. The Ultrasun lotion, which comes in a 150ml bottle, had a UVA score of 9.1 which was then 9.5 in a retest. ‌ Ultrasun markets the cream as 'perfect for the whole family' and 'especially suitable for children and those with sensitive skin'. Products need to get a 10 or more in the safety tests to pass. ‌ The product did pass the UVB protection test. SPF, which stands for sun protection factor, is a measurement of how well a sunscreen product protects skin against UVB rays—the type of UV rays that can cause sunburns. Another brand that failed the safety tests and was labelled a 'don't buy' by Which? was Morrisons' Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30m which costs £3.75 for a 200ml bottle. The sun block passed for UVA protection but failed for SPF against UVB. Which? Was carrying out an annual study into sun creams available to buy and conducted lab tests on 15 popular brands using what it says were industry-recognised methods, as reports the Mirror. They state that if a product fails first time round, the test is repeated. If it passes a second time, a third test is then carried out. Goods that fail the SPF or UVA test twice become a 'don't buy' product. ‌ Those that passed include budget giant Aldi's Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, which costs just £2.99 for 200ml. The researchers revealed that it protected skin from both UVA and UVB rays, as claimed. Aldi's offering also earned the supermarket chain a Which? Great Value badge. ‌ Lidl also had a one of its own brand sun sprays achieve success, garnering the same rating as Aldi with their Cien Sun Spray 30 SPF High, £3.79 for 200ml. Natalie Hitchins, Which? head of home products and services, said: 'It's really concerning that widely available sunscreens could be putting families at risk by failing to offer the level of sun protection claimed on the packaging. There's no need to splash out to keep you and your loved ones safe in the sun as we've found cheap reliable options at Aldi and Lidl.' ‌ A spokesperson from Ultrasun told Which? it was fully confident in its testing protocols and that its detailed testing processes continued to not only meet, but fully surpass industry standards. They also stated their testing protocol is one of the "strictest" available. Morrisons told Which? that it will be looking closely at the results of the testing programme and is working with its supplier to independently verify the findings with additional independent testing. Full list 'Don't Buys' Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF30, £3.75/200ml Ultrasun Family SPF30, £28/150ml Passes SPF30 sunscreens Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion, £5.50/200ml Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Spray SPF30, £5.50/200ml Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF30, £7.90/200ml Lidl Cien Sun Protect Spray SPF30 High, £3.79/200ml Sainsbury's Sun Protect Moisturising Lotion SPF30, £5.50/200ml Superdrug Solait Sun Spray SPF30, £5.50/200ml ‌ PF50/50+ sunscreens Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray SPF 50+, £11/150ml Sainsbury's Sun ProtectMoisturising Spray Lotion SPF50+, £5.75/200ml Aldi Lacura Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF50+, £2.99/200ml Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Suncare Lotion SPF50+, £5.50/200ml Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Spray SPF50+, £7.90/200ml SPF50/50+ kids sunscreens Childs Farm Sun Cream Fragrance-Free SPF50+, £12/200ml Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, £5.50/200ml Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.

North Wales Live

15-06-2025

• North Wales Live

Anti-blemish SPF has shoppers 'feeling so much more confident' going makeup-free

There's a reason why beauty and skincare gurus consistently recommend wearing SPF every day. Without it, our skin is vulnerable to harmful UVA and UVB rays, which can cause premature ageing, dark spots and increase the risk of skin cancer - even on overcast days when the sun's UV rays don't seem particularly strong. Applying sun cream to our faces isn't always the most pleasant experience, as some can feel heavy and oily on the skin, often leading to unwanted breakouts. But customers are heaping praise on 47 Skin's Daily SPF 30 cream, hailing it as a dermatologist-approved summer essential that is non-greasy and is said to help clear skin instead. The SPF cream is powered by Silver Chitoderm, a unique ingredient clinically tested in the UK, works to soothe visible inflammation, promotes a visibly clearer, more even complexion and locks in hydration - all while protecting from the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays, infrared radiation and pollution. This Silver Chitoderm, known for combating 99% of breakout-causing bacteria, forms the foundation of all 47 Skin products, according to the Express. The lightweight product, with a non-sticky, fragrance-free finish, is packed with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, allantoin and vitamin E to hydrate and soothe. Its gentle formulation allows skin to glow without clogging pores - a common issue with many sun-protection creams - and can be worn alone or under makeup for calm, clear and healthy-looking skin. And according to customers, it doesn't pill underneath cosmetic products either, which is always a plus. Usually £24 for 30ml, shoppers can nab the 47 Skin SPF 30 with a 10% discount when they subscribe on the website. This reduces the price to £21.60, or customers can opt for the larger 50ml bottle, which works out at £31.50, down from £35. Sun worshippers eager to enjoy all the benefits of 47 Skin's protection can pocket even more savings with the 5-Step Sun Proof Bundle (which also aids in keeping skin spot-free). The bundle includes the brand's iconic cleanser, a silver mask, serum, daily moisturiser and the daily SPF 30 cream, and is priced at £202, down from £224, for subscribers. Protecting skin from the sun's UV rays, particularly in summer, is vital for everyone and while 47 Skin's is a strong contender for keeping skin both shielded and blemish-free, other products promising to keep skin safe include La Roche-Posay UVMUNE Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+. Available at Lookfantastic for £16 (down from £20), it's cheaper than the 47 Skin cream, but some users feel it requires frequent reapplication. Shoppers at SpaceNK are snapping up the BYOMA Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 for £15, singing its praises as an ultra-lightweight sunscreen that leaves no greasy feel or white residue. Meanwhile, Look Fantastic is offering a deal on the Heliocare 360° Oil-Free Gel Sunscreen Protector Original SPF 50. Usually priced at £31, it's currently available for just £23.25 and provides top-notch broad-spectrum protection with a sought-after matte finish. Budget-conscious beauty buffs will be thrilled by Boots' e. l.f. SKIN Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 offering. It acts both as a primer and SPF cream and costs only £14 for a 50ml bottle. Delighted customers have been broadcasting their rave reviews over Trustpilot about the 47 Skin SPF 30's effectiveness. Eljee shared: "This is a light and non-greasy SPF. Effective in high humidity but you do need to reapply if you sweat a lot. It feels light and great for a daily moisturiser." Elaine exclaimed her satisfaction stating: "I like this as it doesn't cause my skin to break out as much as other SPFs." And Ann Marie hailed the product, saying: "I usually end up with outbreaks of spots when I have to use sunscreen on my face, but this continues to manage my complexion whilst providing effective sun protection." Suzanne, however, was not as impressed, stating: "Love the serum and face wash. They had great results and lasted well. I've been using the SPF moisturiser for a month, and sadly, it doesn't suit my skin at all. It has a much thicker consistency and clogs my skin rather than soaking in." Nonetheless, the overall consensus among buyers is that the dual benefits of the 47 Skin 30 SPF are impressive. Zoe echoed the positive response and shared her thoughts: "It's the first SPF that I've used that is anti-blemish, which is so important to me because all other SPFs clogged my skin. I used to be so self-conscious about going make-up free in summer/at the beach, and now I feel so much more confident - definitely recommend!".

NBC News

13-06-2025

• NBC News

How to find UPF clothing and swimwear for the whole family, according to dermatologists

It takes one bad sunburn to realize that sunscreen isn't always enough. That's where sun-protective UPF clothing can come in. 'Sun-protective clothing adds an extra layer of defense from the sun, and unlike sunscreen, it doesn't necessarily fade with time,' says Dr. Anna Guanche, FAAD, and founder of Bella Skin Institute. Since sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently, and chemical sunscreens must be fully absorbed for 30 minutes before they perform optimally, our experts recommend wearing UPF clothing, including swimwear, as the first line of defense against UV radiation. Yet not all UPF clothing is created the same, says Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D., and CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance. 'High-quality UPF clothing achieves its sun protection through the fabrics or weaves used to create it and is designed to last the full lifetime of the article of clothing,' he explains, adding that 'lower-quality UPF clothing uses a chemical add-on that may become less effective as you wear and wash it.' To understand how UPF works and what determines its quality rating, we spoke to dermatologists about what to look for when shopping for clothing and swimwear. We also rounded up some top-rated pieces to buy for men, women and kids based on their advice. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. What is UPF? UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor and measures a product's ability to block sunlight. It's assigned to clothing and accessories, like UPF hats, by how well it keeps out both UVA and UVB rays. 'With UPF, use the number as a denominator. So a UPF of 50 means it will allow only 1/50th of the sun's rays to penetrate the clothing,' says Dr. Charles Crutchfield III, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. 'The bigger the number, the better, but most UPF products stop at 50.' The Skin Cancer Foundation requires clothing to have a UPF rating of 30 or higher to be considered 'sun protective.' A UPF of 30 to 49 is considered 'very good' protection, and a UPF of 50+ provides 'excellent protection,' says Guanche. How we picked the best UPF clothing and swimwear While The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a UPF rating of at least 30, we chose to look only at swimwear that had a UPF rating of 50+. Our experts also recommended we look for pieces with the following: A tight weave, since denser material permits less UV rays to pass through. Dark colors, which deflect rays better than light colors. Materials like polyester, nylon or lightweight satin silks that deflect UV rays Quick-drying materials, since studies show that UPF can be less effective when wet. Top-rated UPF clothing and swimwear All of the recommendations below are either recommendations from experts or have at least a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon or 100 reviews on another retailer. We made sure to include pieces across a range of price points and styles, such as rash guards, cover-ups, bikinis, board shorts, fuller-coverage suits and more. All have a UPF of 50+ and are quick-drying. This UPF hoodie provides full coverage of your arms, neck and ears (when wearing the hood), making it perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing and working out. It's made of a flexible polyester and spandex material and has one pocket on each side, ideal for a phone, wallet or earbuds. It also has a 4.5-star average rating from 4,296 reviews on Amazon. This versatile UPF dress, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 1,111 reviews on Amazon, is ideal for a range of settings, including the beach or a casual night out with friends. It has pockets, one on each side, and a split hem for flexibility and range of motion, according to the brand. It's also made of a quick-drying polyester-spandex material and comes in many color and pattern options. This breathable, moisture-wicking one-piece provides full arm coverage. It's also quick-drying, according to the brand, which our experts say is a must, since studies show that UPF can be less effective when wet. This swimsuit, which has a 4.3-star average rating from 821 reviews on Amazon, comes in 17 patterns and colors, ranging in size from 4 to 14. It has a front zipper closure and a built-in bra for extra support, too. This UPF 50+ Coolibar shrug is a clever way to provide extra coverage over a sleeveless bathing suit. It ranges in size from XXS–XXL and has a mock neckline with full-length sleeves that have thumbholes — it also has a 4-star average rating from 151 reviews at Coolibar. Plus, it has four-way stretch and is chlorine- and saltwater-resistant, according to the brand. Originally created to protect surfers from abrasions when slipping on and off their boards, rash guards are a popular swimwear item for anyone who wants ultimate protection from the sun's rays. This brand uses an environmentally friendly dyeing process, and its rash guards have four-way stretch and are quick-drying, according to Axesea. This suit has a 4.4-star average rating from 1,583 reviews on Amazon and comes in 15 patterns and colors and range in size from small to xl. This cover-up dress is embedded with zinc-oxide protection, a broad-spectrum UV absorber that enhances sun protection in textiles, according to Coolibar. It also has a hood, V-neckline, loose front pockets and side vents. It also has a 4.6-star average rating from 508 reviews at Amazon. Made from cotton, bamboo and elastane, it's very lightweight and comes in 17 bold colorways, has a 4.6-star average rating from over 600 reviews on Amazon. These high-waisted board shorts are 100% polyester, breathable and quick-drying, according to the brand — all key elements that defend against the sun's rays, according to our experts. The side pockets each have a drain hole for water flow when swimming. They come in 16 colors, including plum, khaki, black, aqua and slate green and have a 4.4-star average rating from nearly 3,561 reviews on Amazon. Best UPF clothing and swimwear for men This quick-drying, long-sleeve UPF t-shirt for men is perfect for outdoor activities like kayaking, climbing, fishing and more. It also has flatlock seams to prevent chafing, according to the brand, and a relaxed fit, so it's breathable and perfect for humid weather. The versatile Columbia Men's Silver Ridge Pant is perfect for several outdoor activities — thin fishing, kayaking, exploring and more. They're available in many lengths and have a multitude of pockets and loops. It has pockets on the back, sides and by the hips. They also turn into shorts by unzipping them around the knee, providing more breathability on humid days. They have a 4.5-star average rating from 14, 251 reviews on Amazon. These swim shorts, which have a built-in knit compression liner for additional support, come in eight colors, range from small to 3XL and have a 4.4-star average rating from 266 reviews at Coolibar. They have a back zipper pocket and an elastic waistband with a drawstring. According to the brand, its Aqua Plus Lite fabric repels water and is quick-drying. Coolibar says its products are all rigorously tested to ensure high-quality UV protection. For years, Kanu has been catering to surfers with its fun and functional designs, and this long-sleeve rash guard is no different. It's breathable, lightweight and quick-drying, according to the brand, and has a 4.4-star average rating from 4,952 reviews on Amazon. Plus, it's 82% polyester and 18% spandex, which helps deflect the sun's rays, our experts say. It comes in eight bold colors, ranging in size from small to XXL. This short-sleeved version is 100% polyester, which is excellent for deflecting UV rays, and has a crew neck and contrasting panels on either side. It comes in 16 colors, ranging from small to 5XL and has a 4.5-star average rating from more than 33,559 reviews on Amazon. These UPF 50+ swim tights offer an added layer of protection during water sports. We chose these leggings not only for their full-coverage protection but also because they come in navy and black, which deflect UV rays better than light colors, per our expert guidance. These are lightweight, chlorine- and saltwater-resistant and quick-drying, according to the brand and they have a 4.8-star average rating from 322 reviews. These also have a four-way stretch, an elastic waistband and an internal elastic drawstring for added comfort. They range in size from XS to XL. Lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, this hooded shirt with a built-in neck gaiter is an ideal men's cover-up for extreme sun exposure. It has mesh breathing holes to keep your sunglasses from fogging up and thumbholes to keep your sleeves in place for extra sun protection, according to Baleaf. It also has a 4.6-star average rating from 3,400 reviews on Amazon. Willit Boy's UPF 50+ Sun Protection Shirt Long Sleeve Rash Guard $16.99 $19.99 Amazon Now 15% off What to know This youth-size long-sleeve UPF shirt is perfect for days at the beach and other activities that call for being in the sun for hours. The shirt also has a 4.7-star average rating from 1,024 reviews on Amazon. It has raglan sleeves and flat seams for more comfort, especially when fishing or walking outdoors. This long-sleeve shirt is perfect for both swimming and everyday wear outside in the sun. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 2,987 reviews on Amazon, and is available in sizes up to 14/16. It's also available in more than 10 styles and is made of a comfortable blend material that wicks away water. The unisex UPF 50+ surf suit offers whole-body coverage for kids sizes 4 to 12. It has a 4.4-star average rating from 101 reviews at Coolibar and resists chlorine and saltwater, according to the brand. It also has a zip front for easy on and off. Coolibar also makes a neck-to-knee version. This UPF 50+ two-piece is made of 82% nylon, a material our experts said deflects harmful UV rays. It also comes with a rash guard for additional sun protection and a matching ruffle bottom. This swimsuit comes in 23 vibrant print options and has a 4.6-star average rating from over 5,897 reviews on Amazon and ranges in size from 2T to 10 years. This swimsuit set ranges in size from 3M to 5T. The loose-fitting shirt provides comfort and also added protection, since tighter-fitting material can stretch, allowing more sun in, says Dr. Mohiba Tareen, FAAD, a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology at Columbia University. The 100% polyester pull-on trunks also have a drawstring closure for easy on and off. This lightweight machine-washable swimsuit is breathable, quick-drying, and lined front and back to ensure UV rays can't penetrate through, according to the brand. With 44 patterns to choose from in sizes ranging from 2T to 14 years, Kanu also sells matching rash guards and board shorts for extra coverage that you can purchase separately. It also has a 4.5-star average rating from 8,118 reviews on Amazon. In addition to the UPF 50+ coverage, this suit comes with a matching waterproof hat to keep your baby shielded from harmful sun rays. It also has a 4.8-star average rating from 5,665 reviews at Amazon and includes a sun hat. The suits are available in sizes 3M to 36M and come in a variety of patterns. This long-sleeve UPF 50+ swimsuit, which comes in 28 vibrant prints, has a zipper back and quick diaper-change snaps for ease. This swimsuit has a 4.9-star average rating from over 637 reviews on Amazon. How to shop for quality UPF clothing and swimwear The best way to know if a garment is safe and effective at blocking harmful UV rays is to look for the The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, according to experts. The foundation grants this seal to fabrics that have a minimum of 30 UPF on the lightest shade in its product range and also pass a number of tests by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Our experts also recommend looking for the following: UPF 30-50+ rating: Although The Skin Cancer Foundation accepts a minimum of UPF 30, the most optimal level of protection is 50+, says Hurlbert. A UPF rating of 30 means the fabric allows 1/30th, or about 3% of UV radiation to pass through. A garment rated UPF 50 permits only 1/50th, or about 2% of UV transmission. Any fabric that permits less than 2% is labeled UPF 50+. Looser fit: Despite what you might think, a looser-fitting garment is more effective at protecting you from the sun, because tighter-fitting material stretches the fabric, allowing more sun in, said Tareen. Full coverage: To maximize sun protection, our experts advise shopping for garments that cover more of your body, like long sleeves, high collars and extendable cuffs. Tight weave: The denser the fabric, the better it blocks the rays, says Tareen. For a quick visual check, Tareen recommends holding the garment up to the sunlight to gauge its transparency. Dark or bright colors: The more intense the hue, the better the protection the clothing will provide,' says The Skin Cancer Foundation. Dark or bright colors, including red, black and navy blue, absorb more UV rays than lighter colors, like whites and pastels, according to the foundation. Type of material: Different types of material matter as well, according to Dr. Naiara Braghiroli, a dermatologist at the Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. For instance, unbleached cotton, rayon, flax and hemp all consist of natural fibers that absorb UV rays, while shiny polyester, nylon or lightweight satin silks deflect the rays and are considered more protective, she says. Quick-drying fabrics: UV protection appears to be less effective when clothes are wet, according to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, so it's best to invest in a quick-drying material treated with UPF, such as polyester and nylon, say experts. What other ways can you protect yourself from the sun's rays? UPF clothing is the first line of defense against the sun's harmful rays, says experts. Here are a few other things they recommend you consider when heading outside in the warmer months. Seek out shade: 'This is especially important between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are strongest,' says Hurlbert. Wear a hat: Hats with a wide brim are preferable so your neck and ears are covered, says Hurlbert. Like swimwear, the best hats should have a UPF rating of 50+, made of a material that is quick-drying and deflects UV rays. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and the delicate skin that surrounds them, says Hurlbert. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Barbara Booth has been covering wellness and health care for over a decade at CNBC and NBC Select, including guides on the best mineral sunscreens, UPF hats, walking shoes, under-eye patches, and more. For this piece, Barbara and a former NBC Select staffer interviewed five experts and researched dozens of swimwear pieces with UPF 50+ on today's market. Included are brands recommended by experts, along with those that are highly rated and meet expert shopping guidance.