Skincare Facts
SPF Meaning
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is used for rating sunscreen products. A sunscreen’s SPF rating is a relative measure of how long it will protect you from UVB rays, the chief cause of sunburn, when used exactly as directed. Unless a sunscreen offers “broad-spectrum coverage”, it does not protect against UVA ray damage.


UPF Meaning
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is used for rating fabrics. The UPF rating indicates how much of the sun’s UV rays are absorbed by the fabric before it reaches your skin. A UPF rating of 50 means that 98% of UV radiation (both UVA and UVB rays) is blocked by the fabric. This indicates that UPF50 clothing is an effective form of sun protection.
UVA/UVB Meaning
Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to visible skin damage and the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns and play the greatest role in causing skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate the skin deeper and are most associated with aging signs of sun damage like sun spots and wrinkles.


Mott50 Certification
Mott50 fabrics undergo a rigorous certification process in accordance with AATCC, ASTM and ANSI UPF rating standards. We test every run of fabric against multiple UV transmittance standards and use independent, third-party testing as part of our evaluation process.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.
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1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
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An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun.
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One blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma.
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Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. Skin cancer in patients with skin of color is often diagnosed in its later stages, when it’s more difficult to treat.
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90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.
Sources: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Academy of Dermatology
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