Health Experts Emphasize Clothing and Sunscreen for Effective UV Protection

Health professionals stress that daily sun protection requires a combination of sunscreen, appropriate clothing, shade and UV‑blocking accessories. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas, re‑applied after swimming, sweating or towel‑drying, and used in quantities sufficient to match the product’s SPF rating. The UV index, which varies by time of day and environment, helps guide when and how much protection is needed.

Dr. Miguel Sánchez Viera, director of the Instituto de Dermatología Integral, explains that clothing is one of the most effective physical barriers against ultraviolet radiation. The protective value of a garment depends on fabric density, fiber type, thickness, color and finish; tightly woven, darker, thicker fabrics block more UV rays, while thin or loosely woven materials allow greater transmission. He cautions that a simple T‑shirt should not be assumed to provide full protection without considering these factors.