@coolibar_

Most people still don't understand what UV radiation is actually doing to their skin. Let's fix that. ☀️ UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen. That is not an opinion. That is the official classification from the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The sun's invisible rays are directly linked to the most common cancer in America — and most people are still going outside without real protection. Here is what you need to know about the two types of UV that are hitting your skin every single day. UVA has a longer wavelength. It penetrates deep into your skin — breaking down collagen, causing premature aging, triggering DNA mutations. It is present from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year, through clouds, through car windows, through glass. You cannot feel it happening. It is happening anyway. UVB has a shorter wavelength. It is the ray that causes sunburn — and sunburn is not just painful. When UV rays burn your skin, they can alter the gene that suppresses tumors, raising the risk of damaged skin cells developing into cancer. Five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 increases melanoma risk by 80%. Even one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles lifetime melanoma risk. This year, 112,000 Americans will be diagnosed with invasive melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma — the most common cancer in America, not just skin cancer, all cancers — will be diagnosed in 3.6 million people. Squamous cell carcinoma adds another 1.8 million cases. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that most of this is preventable. And when skin cancer is caught early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is over 99%. Protection starts with what you wear. UPF 50+ clothing blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays — all day, without reapplication, without missed spots. UV400 rated sunglasses protect your eyes and the skin around them. A wide-brimmed hat shades your face, neck, and ears. Seek shade between 10am and 4pm. Check your skin monthly. See a dermatologist once a year. Coolibar has been building UPF 50+ sun-protective clothing for over 25 years — trusted by dermatologists and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. This is why we exist. This July, know the facts. Share them. And protect yourself every single day — not just in the summer, not just on sunny days, every day.

On the profile · Jul 6, 2026