Is it really necessary to wear white clothes in summer?
White clothes look light and fresh, and Arab sheikhs also wear them. These items seem ideal for hot weather. But it is not so.
In the “ Yod ” telegram channel we tell you how to take care of your health based on evidence-based medicine.
Why you don’t have to wear white clothes in summer
If you really want to wear something light, you can do it, no one forbids you. The main thing is not to perceive white things as salvation from summer problems.
Does not protect against ultraviolet radiation
White things actually reflect sunlight. Because of this, clothes and the body heat up more slowly. But this can only protect a person from heat stroke .
The main danger of the sun is ultraviolet radiation, which not only causes burns. It is associated with premature aging, the development of melanoma and skin cancer, and suppression of the human immune system. And white clothes will not save you from all this.
Any fabric absorbs some ultraviolet radiation. But light-colored things transmit the most radiation through themselves. White cotton has a UV protection index of approximately 5, while green and brown cotton can have a UV protection index of up to 50.
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Doesn’t protect against ticks
The bad news: White clothing does not repel ticks . On the contrary, bloodsuckers are attracted to light things. But there is also a plus – it’s easier to spot arthropods on such fabric.
It is unclear whether it repels insects
The only insects about which something is clear are mosquitoes. They are attracted to dark colors, as well as yellow and green, red. But it is not clear whether it is worth wearing a white suit at the dacha just to avoid being attractive to a mosquito . Moreover, there are more reliable methods of protection.
Scientists have little information about the preferences of other insects: they mainly studied which light spectrum attracts animals. For example, biting flies, which include bloodsucker, tsetse, midges and horse flies, like blue. Wasps are attracted to black, and ladybugs are attracted to green and yellow. Experiments were carried out with light traps and studied waves that differ not only in color, but also in heat and radiation energy level. Therefore, this information can not be transferred to clothing.
How to choose the perfect clothes for summer
A well-chosen wardrobe will really help protect yourself from both insects and the harm of UV rays.
Choose fabric
The denser the material, the better it protects from ultraviolet radiation. If it’s sunny but cool outside, wear denim, corduroy or silk satin . And if it’s too hot, synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers – polyester and viscose – are great.
Decide on color
Wear something bright for a walk: this will protect you from ultraviolet radiation, but will not overheat. And towards evening you can choose something light or dark.
If you are going to an area where there are a lot of ticks, of course, it is better not to think about color and wear an anti-encephalitis suit. But if it’s not there, it’s better to get something light from the closet. This will make it easier to notice the bloodsucker on you.
Cover bare skin
To protect from ultraviolet radiation, wear covered clothing. Shoes must be without holes. Therefore, instead of sandals, it is better to choose sneakers. It’s also worth wearing a hat: it will hide your face, and if the brim is very wide, it will also protect your shoulders.
Choose free models
The looser the clothing, the less the fabric stretches , which means the density of the material remains maximum. Thus, protection against ultraviolet radiation will be higher.
If you are going outdoors, choose loose clothing that has elastic bands on the sleeves and legs. This will prevent ticks from crawling under things.
Consider models with UV protection
Such clothing protects against UVB and UVA rays – the former cause burns, and the latter accelerate skin aging. Things are made from unbleached cotton, jeans, satin. The protection factor may be indicated on the label next to the composition and care information.
Dermatologists recommend choosing items with UPF ≥30. Indicators from 30 to 49 provide very good protection, and from 50 – excellent.
Clothing with UPF, which can be found on marketplaces. A women’s shirt has a protection factor of 30, and a white jacket and swimsuit have a protection factor of 50. In appearance and in price, the items are no different from ordinary ones. Source: ozon.ru
What else can you do to protect your health in the summer?
You won’t be able to protect yourself just by choosing the right clothes. There are a few more points to consider :
- Apply a thick layer of sunscreen with an SPF greater than 30 to all areas of your skin that are not covered by clothing. You will needabout half a teaspoon for your face . It is better to smear 30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, after swimming and if you sweat heavily.
- Spend more time in the shade and try not to go out into the sun at all from 10:00 to 16:00.
- Don’t get your clothes wet – this will make them stick to your body and make it easier for ultraviolet radiation to reach your skin.
- Throw away items if they become stretched or worn out. As the fabric becomes less dense, the protective properties of the clothing are reduced.
- Use repellent when outdoors and tuck your pants into your socks to protect yourself from ticks and insects.
- A healthy diet will help you lookand feel better. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables—summer is the best time for this—whole grains and lean proteins.
