You might meticulously follow your skincare routine and watch what you eat, but have you considered how your clothing choices affect your aging process?
The clothes you wear also help keep your skin and body looking youthful. “How?” you might be wondering. Well, these are the benefits of UV-protective clothing.
Here’s how thoughtful clothing choices slow down signs of aging while keeping you comfortable and stylish.
Dress for Physical Comfort to Reduce Stress on Skin
Clothes that are too tight or poorly fitted irritate the skin and cause chafing, which can leave skin marks or irritation over time. It also restricts blood flow. Tight clothing made from synthetic fabric is the worst culprit, as it keeps the skin from breathing, making it highly susceptible to fungal infections.
Fabrics that trap moisture can trigger skin irritation and breakouts, which speed up aging by causing inflammation. Fabrics like cotton, linen and bamboo are breathable, allowing air to circulate and keeping your skin cool and dry. This is especially beneficial during exercise or in hot weather when sweat can exacerbate skin issues.
By contrast, wearing well-fitted, comfortable clothing helps your skin breathe naturally. So, look for options with a bit of stretch that allow for movement, especially if you’re active during the day.
Sun Protection: More Than Just Sunscreen
Although the body needs adequate amounts of vitamin D from sunlight for healthy bone development, too much exposure is one of the top causes of skin aging — photoaging. Long-term sun exposure can cause sunburn, wrinkles and sunspots and decrease skin elasticity. In severe cases, overexposure kills the skin’s cells, putting you at risk of being among the 20% of people in the U.S. who develop skin cancers.
You might already be a dedicated sunscreen user, but you might not know that your clothing provides an extra layer of defense against harmful UV (ultraviolet).
While all clothes provide some protection, certain fabrics are more effective at blocking UV rays. Consider this — The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of a regular cotton garment is around 5, whereas clothing specifically designed for sun protection can have a UPF of up to 50. This means that only 1/50th of the sun’s rays can penetrate the fabric, providing far greater protection than typical fabrics. Wearing these high-UPF fabrics on sunny days can significantly reduce the risk of sun-induced aging and skin damage.
Dark Colors for UV Protection
Believe it or not, color also plays a role in UV protection. Darker colors, such as navy, black, deep greens ad red, offer better UV protection than lighter shades like white or pastels. This happens because darker colors absorb more UV rays, keeping them from reaching your skin.
Because up to 80% of the sun’s UV can penetrate your skin, consider wearing darker-colored clothing during peak sun hours, especially if you spend a lot of time outside. Pair dark colors with lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay cool and protected.
Quality Over Quantity: Long-Lasting, Skin-Friendly Pieces
Fast fashion might be appealing, but investing in quality clothing has benefits beyond durability. Quality fabrics tend to be softer and less likely to irritate your skin. Natural fibers and high-quality synthetic fabrics often withstand washing better, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Additionally, clothing that lasts longer reduces the impact of wear and tear on your skin. Old, worn-out fabrics can become rough or less flexible, increasing the likelihood of skin irritation or discomfort, especially around sensitive areas.
If you already have a wardrobe full of UV-protective clothes, try mixing and matching existing pieces to create “new” outfits. With the rising cost of inflation, cutting back on unnecessary shopping will help you save more
The Power of Layering and Accessorizing for Added Coverage
Layering is a simple and effective way to protect sensitive skin areas like the neck, chest and hands. Scarves, hats and gloves shield your skin from exposure to the elements, including sun and wind, which can dry out and damage your skin. A wide-brimmed hat, for example, can provide shade for your face, preventing sun spots and fine lines.
When spending time outdoors, especially for activities like gardening or walking, layering with sun-protective clothing can be an easy yet effective way to protect your skin from premature aging.
Accessories like sunglasses and gloves can significantly protect your skin. Sunglasses, for example, help prevent the fine lines that can develop around your eyes from squinting in bright sunlight. Gloves can protect your hands, which are often exposed to the elements and can show signs of aging quickly.
The next time you’re shopping for accessories, consider those that not only complement your style but also provide that extra layer of protection against environmental factors.
Confidence Builders
Clothes that flatter your figure can boost your self-esteem and confidence, which impacts your overall well-being. Research shows a strong link between confidence and a positive outlook, contributing to a more youthful approach to aging.
Embrace the Benefits of UV-Protective Clothing
Remember, aging gracefully isn’t just about what you put in your body — it’s also about what you put on it. By making thoughtful choices about your clothing, you’re adding another layer of protection to your anti-aging routine.
Your wardrobe can work as hard as your favorite kitchen tools to support your health and comfort. So, take time to evaluate your clothing choices and make adjustments that will serve you well in the years to come.
