Stay Protected on the Course: Benefits of Sun Protection Golf Shirts
Protecting yourself on the golf course against the sun is of utmost importance. Learn how to stay protected on the golf course with sun protection golf shirts.
Every year, 5.4 million basal and squamous cell cancers are diagnosed. People are constantly exposed to harmful UV rays. This is especially true for golfers who spend hours in the sun.
You shouldn't have to give up your passion because of the potential threat of skin cancer. The good news is you don't have to. There are several solutions and we're going to dive into them in this guide.
Below, you'll learn about sun protection golf shirts, how to reduce your risk of skin cancer, and more. Whether you're a novice, a pro, or somewhere in between, keep reading.
Understanding Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is common but preventable. It develops when the skin's cells are damaged and can form anywhere on the skin.
There are three main types of skin cancer.
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common. Be on the lookout for areas that appear pearly or look like a waxy lump.
BCC can also be a pinkish patch of skin. It doesn't grow quickly and really spreads to other parts of the body. However, if left untreated, it can cause disfigurement.
Squamous cell carcinoma is also very common. It can be a firm red nodule, a scaly crust, or even a lump.
It will likely grow quickly and can spread to other parts of the body. However, it's highly treated if treated early.
The most aggressive and least common type of skin cancer is melanoma. It usually develops from an existing mole.
It can appear as a new unusual-looking mole. Unfortunately, it can spread to other organs quickly and become life-threatening.
Causes of Skin Cancer
There are a number of causes of skin cancer. The most common is exposure to UV radiation. The rays from the sun can do a lot of damage to your skin without you realizing it.
This is why being informed about sun protection is so vital. You may not know your skin's cells are mutating and forming cancer.
If you have fair skin, you have less natural protection from the sun. You'll need to take extra precautions to prevent cancer from forming when you're playing golf.
Family history is another big factor that people tend to forget. If you have a family member who's had melanoma in the past, you're at risk. This makes wearing a sun protection shirt, glasses, and hats even more important when you're playing the course.
You may do everything right when you're outside now. However, if you didn't use sunscreen or protect your skin when you were younger, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer as well. Frequently, sunburns early in life can cause a lot of damage later on.
This can be valuable information for you as an experienced golfer. You can share with the younger generation who are starting to play the sport how important suncare is.
How to Avoid It
There are many strategies that you can and should use when keeping your skin protected. When you're on the course, it's recommended that you use more than one. This will ensure you're completely safe from UV rays.
Sunscreen
The best thing you can do to avoid skin cancer when you're playing golf is to reduce exposure to the sun.
Using sunscreen is easy and effective. When you're playing your round of golf, it's easy to get distracted and forget about reapplying.
However, it's vital that you remember. Repeatedly letting your skin burn in the sun will only cause you more harm.
Set a reminder on your phone or ask one of your friends to remind you. Take the time to reapply every two hours. Even on cloudy days when the sun isn't out much, it's important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen.
If you're sweating a lot, you may want to reapply more frequently to be safe.
Wear Protective Clothing
Another method that is easy to add to your golf routine is to wear protective gear. This is an easy step and unlike sunscreen doesn't have to be reapplied.
You may think wearing long sleeves is good enough, but there's some clothing that is more protective than others. Some fabrics and colors will absorb UV rays while others won't.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and indicates how much UV radiation a material will allow to reach your skin. A long-sleeved shirt with a UVP 50 will provide excellent protection.
A shirt with UPF 30 will give you good protection but won't be as effective as UPF 50.
Seek Shade
It can be challenging to avoid peak sun hours when you're playing golf. Early morning tee times are also available or the afternoon may work better for your schedule.
However, it's best if you can limit your time in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
If you are playing during those hours, stay in the shade as much as you want. Opt for a golf cart instead of walking the course. You'll be surprised how much this can help limit your time in the sun.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking a lot of water may not seem important, but it's crucial for your overall skin's health. Water will help flush out toxins and waste products.
Proper hydration is key to maintaining the body's cells. This includes your skin cells.
It can help the skin repair itself and maintain its protective barrier. This is vital since your skin is damaged by the sun.
Be Sun Smart Year Round
As we briefly mentioned before, you should take measures to protect your skin even on cloudy days. The sun can penetrate through the clouds and can damage your skin greatly.
On cool fall days, you may not realize your skin is burning because you're not sweating or hot. It's easy to let your guard down on cooler and cloudier days. These can be the most dangerous times, so sun smart every day.
What Makes Clothing Sun Safe?
Now you may be wondering, "What makes the clothing sun safe?". Well, there are a number of factors to be on the lookout for when you're looking for the right shirt.
The first thing to look at is the fabric. Fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and nylon typically offer good protection. There are specialized fabrics that are made and engineered for superior UV protection.
Density also plays a role. However, when you're playing on a hot summer day, you don't want to be wearing knits.
The color also matters. However, it's not the most important factor to consider.
Typically, darker and brighter colors will absorb more UV radiation. However, there are exceptions.
A white shirt made of a UV protection material will likely be more effective than a dark shirt that is made of a loosely woven material. Color alone is not a foolproof protection method.
Importance of Sun Protection
There are a number of reasons why sun protection is important. The most obvious is to reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, there are several other benefits of investing in sun protection golf shirts.
It's easy to become overheated when you're playing golf. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very dangerous. Wearing lightweight, sun protection clothing will help you avoid overheating.
Besides the long-term negative effects of sunburns, they are also very painful.
If you have a tee time for two days in a row, think about how uncomfortable you'll be the second day if you let your skin burn. You won't be able to enjoy your time on the course.
Benefits of Sun Protection Shirt
One of the best things about BLOQ UV sun-safe clothing is that it offers consistent protection. It's reliable throughout the day. Unlike sunscreen, which requires replication. A sun-safe shirt shields your skin from UV rays without needing adjustments.
Sunscreen can also contain harmful chemicals. Your skin will absorb these, which comes with risks too.
A sun shirt doesn't have this risk, as they don't rely on chemicals to be effective. If you have sensitive skin or want to avoid chemical exposure, is this the best option for you?
Sun shirts for golf are an investment. The best ones may not be affordable; however, they will last you a long time.
If cared for properly, you can use your shirt for an extended amount of time. This not only makes it cost-effective, but also sustainable.
Another benefit of sun-protective clothing is that it's simple and easy to use. How many times have you put on sunscreen and missed a spot?
Sunscreen isn't always easy to use, especially if you're playing alone. When you're wearing a sun shirt, you don't have to worry about reapplying.
Finding the Right Shirt
Finding the right sun protection golf shirts to add to your closet can be overwhelming. There are a lot of sports clothing brands.
However, they are not all created equal. Take the time to do your research and find the best shirt.
The Skin Cancer Foundation provides a seal on products that have been deemed effective against the sun. Be on the lookout for shirts with their approval.
UPF Rating and Fabric
Now that you understand UPF ratings better, you'll want to look for clothing that has a high rating.
You'll also want to find a material that is designed for sun protection. The fabric should be moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable.
This will help keep you cool and protected from the sun.
Fit and Style
Sun protection golf shirts should fit you well. It shouldn't be too tight or too loose. Being uncomfortable with your clothing is the last thing you want, especially will you're playing the sport you love.
Be sure to consider your preferences. Do you like a regular fit, slim fit, or a relaxed fit? This will make a difference when you're shopping.
You may have a different style than your golfing buddies. You'll want to keep your personal preferences in mind. Sun shirts come in a variety of different colors for you to choose from, so you'll be able to find what you like.
Pick a shirt that you like as it increases your likelihood of wearing it regularly.
Collar and Sleeve Length
There are some shirts that are made with long sleeves and collars. This can provide extra protection. This type of shirt will reduce your concerns about sun exposure to these areas, which are quick to burn.
Breathability
The last thing you want is to overheat on the course. In the summer, it can be easy to get hot, so having a breathable but protective shirt can be beneficial.
Look for shirts with fabric that will cool you down when it gets wet.
Brand Quality
You may not want to spend a lot of time shopping for new golf clothing, but researching a brand before investing in it is key.
One of the best golf sun protection tips is to look at several brands before making your final purchase. Brands that are known for high-quality materials are more likely to provide durable and effective sun protection shirts.
Reading through reviews and asking for recommendations will help you find the best golf sun protection shirts.
More to Look For
It can be easy to become discouraged when you're searching for the right sunshirt. If you purchased some in the past that haven't lived up to your expectations, you may be hesitant to buy another one.
However, we have several other factors that will help you in your search. While the fabric, fit, and quality are crucial, you have forgotten to think about price, care instructions, and the buying process.
Price
You've likely heard the saying "quality of quantity". This saying holds true when it comes to sun protection golf shirts.
Quality shirts are going to be more expensive. Instead of buying four or five cheap, less effective sunshirts, consider buying one or two high-quality, more expensive gear.
They do come in a range of price points, so you won't have to blow your budget for a protective shirt.
Care
Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Your shirt may require extra or special care in order to maintain the UPF rating.
Try It On
Trying it on a try before you buy isn't always an option. Some of the best shirts are online only.
If this is the case, read the fine print before you make your purchase. Do they offer returns?
This will give you peace of mind, knowing you can send it back if you don't like the fit or style.
Be sure to check the online sizing chart, too. This can be very beneficial and will give you a better idea of how it's going to fit.
Qualities of a Good Sunscreen
Even with the best clothing, you can keep every inch of your skin covered when you're golfing. For areas that are exposed, you'll want to apply high-quality sunscreen.
The best golf sunblock will provide effective protection. There are many brands out there and it can be hard to know which ones to buy.
However, there are several key qualities to look for. First, you'll want to buy a broad-spectrum protective sunscreen.
This means it will protect your skin from UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays can age the skin prematurely, while UVB causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer.
You'll also want to buy sunscreen that has a sufficient SPF rating. This rating measures the level of protection against UVB rays.
The most common recommendation is SPF 30, but SPF 50 and higher is ideal if you're going to be spending a lot of time outside on the course.
While you're golfing, you'll likely sweat throughout the day. Find sweat-resistance or sweat-proof. This will help it remain effective.
If you have sensitive skin, you'll want to find sunscreen that suits your skin type. Avoid sunscreens with fragrances and look for a non-comedogenic label. This will reduce the risk of clogging pores and causing breakouts.
Other Protective Gear
There are other types of sun protective gear out there as well. To maximize your skin coverage, consider purchasing sunglasses and golf hats.
Sun Protection Golf Hats
The top of the head is also vulnerable to the sun's rays. Even if you have thick hair, your scalp can become burnt. Skin cancer on the head is more difficult to detect early, so wearing a hat is recommended.
Finding a broad-brim hat will not only protect your head but your ears, face, and neck. This reduces your risk of sunburn and overheating.
Your hat should also be breathable, just like your golf shirt. The material should be sweat-wicking so you remain cool and comfortable.
Having a hat with an adjustable fit is also important. Most golf hats have adjustable straps for a secure and customizable fit.
The hat should also have the same protective properties as the shirts. They should block harmful rays and offer extra protection to your face and head.
Golf Sun Protection Sunglasses
Your eyes can be damaged by the sun, just like your skin. Wearing high-quality sunglasses can help prevent damage.
Quality sunglasses offer 100% UV protection, which can reduce the risk of cataracts. You'll want to invest in polarized lenses that reduce glare. This will enhance your vision and allow you to track your ball more accurately, too.
Your golf glasses should also be lightweight and comfortable. While you want to protect yourself, you don't want to be distracted during your swing.
Stories to Know
There are several public figures who have been diagnosed with skin cancer. Hearing the stories of others can be beneficial and encourage you to keep your skin protected. No one is completely immune to skin cancer.
Jimmy Buffett
Earlier this year, Jimmy Buffett passed away from a rare skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. Before September 1, many people may not have heard of this cancer. It's extremely uncommon, less than 3,000 people are diagnosed every year.
This type of cancer is known for originating in areas of the body that aren't exposed to the sun. The most common places are the Coles of the feet, palm of the hands, and under the nails. Jimmy Buffett's cancer was located on his left heel. This made it difficult to treat.
Jimmy Buffett was very open about his journey and diagnosis. He demonstrated strength and determination. Instead of retreating from the public eye, he shared his journey with the world. He brought awareness to the disease.
Jimmy Buffett's treatment plan included surgery and regular check-ups. The doctors monitored his skin and looked for signs of recurrence.
He remained dedicated to maintaining a positive attitude, and he stayed committed to his treatment.
Even though he is no longer on Earth, we can still learn a lot from him. It's time to start taking care of your skin now before it's too late.
Getting regular skin checks, wearing sunscreen, and investing in golf sunshirts will reduce your risk of skin cancer. Let his story inspire you to be proactive in managing your health.
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman is known for his role as Wolverine in the X-Men film series. He has also shown a lot of strength through his battle with skin cancer.
He was diagnosed in 2012 with Basel cell carcinoma. Jackman also chose to go public about his diagnosis. He used his platform to raise awareness.
Over the years, he has had several Basel cell carcinomas removed through surgery. He was always reminding his fans to protect themselves from the sun.
He advised wearing protective clothing and regular skin checks. He also supported research and funding for skin cancer treatments. Jackman worked with various organizations to raise funds and awareness.
Defend Your Skin and Elevate Your Game: Sun Protection Golf Shirts
Staying cool and protected on the golf course is essential for both performance and your overall skin health. Sun protection golf shirts offer a practice solution. They allow you not only to protect your skin but to play your best game in comfort and style.
Your skin will thank you in the long run if you start prioritizing your sun protection now. Take the information above and use it to your advantage.
Don't waste any more time here at BLOQ UV we have lots of clothing options for you to choose from. Start shopping here!