Coolibar Offers Winter Sun Protection Mythbusters
This winter, as people head outside for their favorite winter activities or start planning a sunny vacation getaway, Coolibar, the nation's leading sun protective clothing manufacturer, offers health-conscious consumers a guide to winter sun protection myths. Minneapolis, Minn. (PRWEB) December 4, 2008 -- This winter, as people head outside for their favorite winter activities or start planning a sunny vacation getaway, Coolibar (http://www.coolibar.com/index.html?source=habpr-2008myths), the nation's leading sun protective clothing (http://www.coolibar.com/upf-ratings.html?source=habpr-2008myths) manufacturer, offers health-conscious consumers a guide to winter sun protection myths.
"There are many misconceptions about what is healthy behavior when it comes to sun protection," said John Barrow, president and chief executive officer of Coolibar. "We want people to have access to all of the information necessary to protect their skin year-round and to make educated, healthy decisions for themselves and their families. In that vein, we want to clarify a number of common myths about winter sun protection, a time of year when many people leave their sun protective guards down."
Myth #1 - I don't need sun protection in the winter.
FALSE. The intensity of UV rays varies with the changing seasons and is strongest during the summer months. However, indirect or reflected rays add to the amount of UV exposure received. These rays "bounce" from surfaces such as snow, sand, water, concrete and buildings and can still cause burns--especially during winter activities like skiing.
Myth #2 - I need to tan to ensure healthy amounts of Vitamin D.
FALSE. Tanning is not necessary to achieve vitamin D requirements. Studies show that a few minutes of exposure to the sun, two or three times a week is sufficient. Vitamin D supplements are available and as always, speak to a doctor if you are concerned.
Myth #3 - Getting a "base tan" before heading out on a sunny winter vacation, will minimize the risk of sunburn or sun damage.
FALSE. All tans are damage to the skin. What is called a "base" tan would equal an SPF of about 2, which is so low it is counterproductive. You may prevent burning, but you have increased your chances of getting skin cancer.
Myth #4 - You can't get sunburn on a cloudy winter day.
FALSE. Cloud cover reduces UV radiation levels, but not completely. Even on a winter day with full cloud cover, exposed skin can burn.
Myth #5 - SPF ratings measure sun protective clothing.
FALSE. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is the correct rating for clothing. UPF is a similar concept to SPF for sunscreens. UPF is the ratio of how much UV radiation passes through a fabric. If a garment isn't UPF rated, then it isn't guaranteed sun protection.
About Coolibar
Based in Minneapolis, Coolibar (http://www.coolibar.com/index.html?source=habpr-2008myths) was founded in 2001 to bring Australia's world-leading approaches to sun protection (http://www.coolibar.com/sunprotectioninformation.html?source=habpr-2008myths) to the American market. Now, Coolibar is the most recommended and tested sun protective clothing company in the United States. Dedicated to the highest quality sun protective clothing, hats and accessories, Coolibar guarantees 50+ UPF ratings for their products' entire life cycles. The company has extensively redesigned sun protective clothing styles to meet the tastes and needs of active, fashion- and health-conscious American families. For information about Coolibar (http://www.coolibar.com/index.html?source=habpr-2008myths), go to coolibar.com (http://www.coolibar.com/index.html?source=habpr-2008myths) or call 1-800-926-6509.
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