Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage With MISSION Clothing

Protect your skin from the sun with UPF clothing. Dermatologist recommended sun protection, avoid skin damage from UV rays, & reapply sunscreen less!

The right clothing can make all the difference when it comes to sun safety. MISSION’s apparel combines advanced cooling performance with proven UV protection, helping you stay comfortable while reducing your exposure to harmful rays.

Understanding Sunburn and Its Lasting Effects

Few things ruin a great day outdoors faster than a painful sunburn. What might feel like a temporary discomfort is actually a visible sign of skin damage caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation. When UV rays penetrate your skin, they damage RNA and DNA in the cells, triggering inflammation that leads to redness, tenderness, and peeling. That burning sensation is your body’s immune system responding to injury.

Even after the pain fades, the damage lingers. Repeated sun exposure without protection accelerates skin aging, increases the risk of melanoma, and weakens your skin’s ability to repair itself. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, largely driven by UV overexposure. Long-term sun safety is essential for protecting both your skin and your overall health.

The Science Behind Sunburn: UVA, UVB, and UV Radiation

The sun’s UV rays reach the Earth in two main forms—UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, accelerating wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays cause the visible burns we associate with summer days. Both types of radiation can alter cellular DNA and contribute to skin cancer.

The National Weather Service and Environmental Protection Agency remind us that UV rays can reach your skin even on cloudy or cold days, and they reflect off surfaces such as water, snow, and sand, doubling your exposure. That’s why sun protection is a year round necessity.

Everyday Sun Safety: Simple Steps to Protect Your Skin

Apply Sunscreen Generously: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically block UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply Every Two Hours: Reapply after sweating or swimming, or more often if you’re outdoors for extended periods. Experts recommend using one ounce of sunscreen—about a shot glass full—for full-body coverage.
Don’t Miss Spots: Commonly forgotten areas include ears, the back of the neck, scalp, and tops of feet.
Choose Sensitive-Skin Formulas: If you have sensitive skin, opt for fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested sunscreens approved by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Following these simple steps to protect your skin can reduce the chance of sunburn and help prevent long-term UV damage.

Why Clothing Matters: Understanding UPF vs. SPF

While sunscreen protects exposed skin, protective clothing serves as your first physical barrier against UV radiation. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) on sunscreen measures how long it protects the skin, while Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measures how much UV light a fabric can block.

Most everyday garments—like a thin cotton t-shirt—only offer an SPF of about 5, far below what’s recommended. For real protection, look for UPF clothing made from tightly woven fabrics specifically tested to block both UVA and UVB rays. MISSION’s UPF 50 apparel provides protection from the sun by blocking 98% of harmful UV rays, ensuring you stay safe while outdoors.

MISSION – Clothing That Cools and Protects

MISSION clothing goes beyond ordinary activewear. Each garment is built with advanced evaporative cooling and UPF protection so you can enjoy your favorite activities while staying comfortable and shielded from the sun.

Cooling Hats and Wide-Brimmed Hats: Designed for sun protection on hot days, they offer shade and comfort with breathable fabrics that stay cool even under direct sunlight.
Sleeves: Perfect for outdoor work, running, or hiking, they protect exposed skin from UV radiation while keeping your body temperature balanced.
Long-Sleeve Shirts: Made with tightly woven, lightweight fabric, these pieces provide complete coverage from UV rays without trapping heat. They’re ideal for construction work, yard activities, or outdoor sports where staying cool and protected matters most.

Beyond keeping you cool, MISSION gear helps prevent sun damage through dependable UV protection. With UPF 50 fabrics protecting your skin from the sun, you stay shielded even during extended time outdoors. By keeping more of your body covered by clothing engineered for comfort and cooling, MISSION products significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer while offering all-day wearability and peace of mind in every environment.

Seek Shade and Plan Ahead

Even with sunscreen and UPF clothing, it’s important to seek shade whenever possible—especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV exposure is strongest. Use umbrellas, canopies, or a hat with a wide brim for extra sun protection.

Remember, UV rays can reach your skin indirectly when reflected off bright surfaces, so extra care is needed around water, snow, and sand. Wearing sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays adds another layer of protection for the skin around your eyes—a common spot for sun damage and early signs of aging.

Spotting Sun Damage and When to See a Dermatologist

It’s important to protect your skin and know what to look for after sun exposure. Watch for signs of skin damage, such as persistent redness, peeling, or new moles that change in size, color, or shape. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends yearly skin checks and immediate consultation if you notice irregular growths or sores that don’t heal.

Dermatologists emphasize that early detection of melanoma and other skin cancers significantly increases survival rates. Protecting yourself now not only prevents painful sunburns, but also reduces the risk of long-term skin damage and cancer.

Protect, Cool, and Enjoy the Sun Safely

Sun safety takes consistency. Combine sunscreen, UPF 50 protective clothing, and shade to defend against UV exposure every time you step outdoors. Whether you’re hiking, working, or relaxing, the right gear can make all the difference.

MISSION’s UPF apparel, from cooling hats and gaiters to long-sleeve shirts and hoodies, offers advanced UV protection and temperature regulation that ordinary fabrics can’t match. Stay cool, stay covered, and protect your skin from harmful UV rays—so you can enjoy the outdoors without worry.

Shop MISSION’s collection today and discover clothing that cools while keeping you protected from the sun, no matter the season.