FAQs
FAQS
Facts about sun damage:
- Up to 90% of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
- 77% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18.
*Information taken from the Skin Cancer Foundation at skincancer.org
Facts about skin cancer:
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
- Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
*Information taken from the Skin Cancer Foundation at skincancer.org
What is UV (Ultraviolet) radiation?
According to the World Health Organization, UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic spectrum emitted by the sun. Small amounts of UV are essential for the production of vitamin D in human beings, yet overexposure may result in negative health effects on the skin and immune system. By damaging the skin's cellular DNA, excessive UV radiation produces genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer.
What are the different bands of UV radiation?
- UVA: Of all of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth's surface, up to 95% of it is UVA. UVA penetrates the skin in a more invasive fashion than UVB, and plays a major part in skin aging and wrinkling. Additionally, UVA contributes to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers.
- UVB: The chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, UVB usually damages the more superficial, epidermal layers of the skin. UVB plays a major role in the development of skin cancers as well as wrinkling.
- UVC: Does not affect the skin because it is almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer.
What is UPF (Ultra Protection Factor)?
UPF is the testing standard for sun protective fabrics in the United States. Established by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists Consumers, UPF measures the amount of ultraviolet radiation (both UVA and UVB) that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) monitors advertising claims in this area and offers information to help you make the right purchasing decision.
What are the UPF ratings?
UPF 15 - 24 = Good protection (93.3 - 95.9% of radiation blocked)
UPF 25 - 39 = Very good protection (96 - 97.4% of radiation blocked)
UPF 40 - 50+ = Excellent protection (97.5 - 99+% of radiation blocked)
What is SPF (Sun Protection Factor)?
The indication of how much protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays and sunburn.
SPF = The amount of light that causes redness in sunscreen-protected skin divided by the amount of light that causes redness in unprotected skin.
It is important to remember that the SPF - unlike UPF - only measures UVB.
Why Bright Sky UV/PRO TEK™?
Bright Sky UV is an environmentally friendly company that endorses strength, safety and passion through smart clothing decisions. We're inspired by the outdoors, and our primary goal is to provide you with the tools you need to live the healthy life you want beyond the four walls of everyday life. We have achieved this through our very own fabric, PRO TEK. With a 50+ UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating - the testing standard for sun protective fabrics in the United States - PRO TEK blocks over 97% of harmful UV radiation.
In other words: 50+ UPF (97.5% blocked UV rays) = Pro Tek Peace of Mind.
Why Bright Sky UV?
To stay safe, stay active and enjoy life.
For more on the Bright Sky story, click here.
What is the best way to clean/care for PRO TEK products?
Machine wash cold, tumble dry low, and do not bleach.
After 40 washings, PRO TEK fabric maintains a UPF of at least 40 when care instructions are followed.
How do I contact Bright Sky UV?
2400 North Second Street, Suite 111
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55411
Telephone: 800-690-6897 or 763-200-1402
Fax: 612-808-5704
