When Style and Healthy Skin Meet….Protect Your Skin with Style!

What do your clothes say about you? Casual and comfortable? Trendy and put together? Just trying to find something flattering and in style? Most of us fall somewhere in those categories.

But here’s something you might not think about when getting dressed: your clothing choices can actually help protect your skin.

You can protect your skin from the sun — helping prevent skin cancer and slowing down wrinkles, sun spots, and premature aging — just by making a few smart wardrobe choices. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice your style.

Choose Color and Fabric Wisely

When choosing outfits, think about color and fabric. Darker or brighter colors absorb more ultraviolet light than pale shades, which means they actually provide more protection from the sun. So don’t be afraid to go bold with color.

Fabric matters too. Denser fabrics like denim, canvas, or tightly woven materials provide more protection than sheer or loosely woven fabrics. One easy way to check is to hold the fabric up to the light — if you can see through it, the sun can get through it too.

You may also see clothing labeled with a UPF rating, which measures how much ultraviolet light the fabric blocks. Similar to sunscreen SPF, higher numbers mean better protection, with UPF 50+ offering excellent sun protection.

Don’t Forget Accessories

Accessories aren’t just for style — they can also help protect your skin.

Scarves can help protect your neck, which is one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Wide-brimmed hats are perfect for summer and early fall, protecting your face, ears, and eyes from ultraviolet light while also reducing glare.

And don’t forget sunglasses. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, which is why crow’s feet and frown lines often develop there first. Sunglasses with proper UV protection not only protect your eyes, but also reduce squinting, which helps prevent lines from forming over time.

Think in Layers

Layers aren’t just for fashion — they’re practical for sun protection too. It may be hot outside, but air conditioning is often running full blast in offices, stores, and restaurants. A lightweight long-sleeve cardigan, a quarter-zip over workout clothes, or a lightweight cover-up at the pool or beach can provide extra protection from the sun while still keeping you comfortable.

Make Sunscreen Part of Your Daily Routine

Sunscreen isn’t exactly a fashion item, but we like to think of it as part of your wardrobe. Try getting into the habit of applying sunscreen before you get dressed each morning. Think of sunscreen as a base layer — just like a primer under makeup — but for your skin.

Keep an extra bottle in your purse, car, or gym bag so you’re always ready to reapply and avoid a damaging sunburn.

Style and Sun Protection Go Together

If you really want to have a great sense of style, start thinking about sun protection when choosing what to wear. There are even clothing lines specifically designed for sun protection.

The better you protect your skin now, the better it will look for years to come — no matter what you’re wearing.

So get inspired, get creative, and remember: style and sun protection can absolutely go hand in hand.