Sunscreen + UV Clothing

Why Sunscreen Alone Isn't Enough

Sunscreen is an essential part of sun protection. In practice, however, there are systematic weak points.

Trail Running
49.7%
of athletes do not reapply sunscreen during exercise — even though dermatologists recommend every 2 hours.
Buller et al. 2022
01
Application Gap
Studies show most people apply significantly less sunscreen than recommended.
Autier et al. 2007
02
Reapplication During Sport
Nearly half of athletes do not reapply sunscreen during exercise — even though every 2 hours is recommended.
Buller et al. 2022
03
External Factors
Sunscreen can be reduced by water, sweat, sand or abrasion.
04
Environmental Consideration
Less sunscreen usage can reduce the potential burden on water bodies.
Sunscreen + UV clothing = optimal protection.
UV protection clothing provides an additional, reliable layer of protection — independent of application amount, sweat or water.
Sunscreen remains essential on uncovered skin areas.

Sunscreen is an essential part of sun protection. In practice, its effectiveness depends heavily on correct application. Studies show that most people apply significantly less sunscreen than recommended (Autier et al. 2007).

The SPF value quantifies UVB protection. UPF values measure protection against both UVA and UVB simultaneously. Note: EU broad-spectrum sunscreens also provide UVA protection.

UV
UV Radiation

Invisible. But Not Harmless.

Ultraviolet radiation consists of two types that affect the skin in different ways. Both contribute to skin damage — but in different ways.

UVA
315-400 nm wavelength
~95%
of UV radiation reaching Earth

UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis. They are present year-round, penetrate clouds and glass, and are the main cause of premature skin aging.

  • Premature skin aging (photoaging)
  • Penetrates deep into the dermis
  • Present year-round, even through clouds
  • Increases long-term UV-related skin damage
UVB
280-315 nm wavelength
~5%
of UV radiation reaching Earth

UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and directly damage the DNA in skin cells. They are strongest at midday and in summer.

  • Sunburn (erythema)
  • Direct DNA damage in skin cells
  • Primary cause of cellular skin damage
  • Strongest at midday and in summer
UPF measures protection against both UVA and UVB. UV protection clothing blocks both types of radiation simultaneously — without reapplication, independent of sweat or water. — D'Orazio et al. 2013, International Journal of Molecular Sciences
VS
The Difference

Not All Clothing Protects Equally

A regular cotton T-shirt provides surprisingly little UV protection. The difference to certified UV protection clothing is enormous.

Unprotected
Regular White Cotton T-Shirt
UPF 5
  • 80% of UV radiation penetrates the fabric
  • When wet, protection drops to UPF 3
  • Stretching opens gaps in the weave
  • No standardized UV test
VS
Certified
UVEEKAI UV Protection Clothing
UPF 80
  • 80x natural protection of the skin
  • Certified wet, stretched and worn
  • Dense yarn structure blocks UV rays
  • Tested under UV STANDARD 801 — the strictest standard worldwide

Source: Crews et al. 2001 — "Evaluation of Sun Protection of Textiles"

05
Advantages

Five Reasons for UV Protection Clothing

Why more and more outdoor athletes and sun-conscious people are choosing UV protection clothing.

01
Instant Protection
Put on and protected. No waiting time, no application errors, no forgotten spots.
02
Continuous Protection
All day, without reapplication. Protection does not decrease through sweat, water or time.
03
Uniform Protection
The same protection level everywhere. No thin spots, no missed areas.
04
Sustainable Protection
Less sunscreen usage can reduce the potential environmental burden on water bodies.
05
Permanent Protection
UV protection is built into the fiber. It doesn't wash out or wear off over time.
UV
Facts & Figures

UV Radiation: The Invisible Danger

UV damage accumulates over a lifetime. The consequences often only become visible after decades.

230,000+
New skin cancer cases per year in Germany
RKI / GEKID
80%
UV radiation penetrates even through clouds
BfS
+12%
More UV radiation per 1,000m altitude
WHO
Decades
Until UV damage becomes visible
BfS
UV
UV Protection Collection
UPF 80 certified under UV STANDARD 801

Protection You Wear

Discover UV protection that works — without reapplication, without gaps, all day long.

Discover Collection Learn About UV STANDARD 801
Important Notice
UV protection clothing does not replace comprehensive sun protection. We additionally recommend:
  • Sunscreen on uncovered skin (minimum SPF 30)
  • Avoid direct midday sun (11 AM - 3 PM)
  • Wear a sun hat and sunglasses
  • Regular skin cancer screening
Sources & References
  • 1 Autier, P. et al. (2007). Quantity of Sunscreen Used by European Students. British Journal of Dermatology.
  • 2 Buller, D.B. et al. (2022). Sun Protection Practices of Trail Running Athletes. Journal of Athletic Training.
  • 3 D'Orazio, J. et al. (2013). UV Radiation and the Skin. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
  • 4 Crews, P.C., Kachman, S. & Beyer, A.G. (2001). Influences on UPF of Undyed and Dyed Fabrics. AATCC Review.
  • 5 Robert Koch-Institut / GEKID — Bericht zum Krebsgeschehen in Deutschland.
  • 6 Bundesamt für Strahlenschutz (BfS) — UV-Strahlung und Gesundheit.
  • 7 World Health Organization (WHO) — Ultraviolet Radiation and the INTERSUN Programme.
  • 8 Hohenstein Institut — UV STANDARD 801: Test Methodology and Certification Guidelines.
  • 9 Gambichler, T. et al. (2006). Ultraviolet Protection by Summer Textiles. British Journal of Dermatology.
  • 10 Regulation (EU) 2016/425 — Personal Protective Equipment. Official Journal of the EU.