| Protecting your skin from the sun's damaging rays is | | | | Also known as rashguards, rashguard surf shirts and |
| becoming more crucial every year. The rash guard | | | | swim shirts, they come in both short sleeve and long |
| shirt allows people to enjoy more time in the sun and | | | | sleeve models. There are rash guard shirts made |
| water without having to constantly reapply sunscreen | | | | explicitly for men, women, kids and toddlers. Unisex |
| to the back and shoulders. (Butyou still need sun | | | | are available also. They come in a variety of colors, |
| blocks, hats and other UV protection for the rest of | | | | mostly solids or two and three tone. There are |
| your body.) | | | | someprint designs as well, though not very many. |
| WHO NEEDS A RASH GUARD SHIRT? | | | | When shopping for a rash guard shirt, consider its |
| Swimmer, divers, surfers, snorkellers, wake boarders, | | | | UPF (ultra violet protection) rating. Cheaper ones may |
| kayakers, skim boarders, body boarders, water | | | | be lighter weight and not offer as much protection. It |
| skiers, windsurfers and just about anyone else who | | | | should fit snugly, but not too stretched, as this |
| likes to play in the water, whether at the beach, | | | | reduces the UV protection. |
| river, lake or a pool. All need rash guard shirts to | | | | WHERE DO YOU FIND ONE? |
| protect their skin form cumulative sun damage. They | | | | Your local sporting goods shop may have a selection |
| also help to prevent chafing rashes obtained from | | | | of rashguards to try on. It's even better if they carry |
| water sports. | | | | more than one brand to choose from. Beach and surf |
| Children who play in the sand by the water's edge | | | | shops that sell swimsuits and wetsuits many have |
| are especially vulnerable. Putting a rash guard shirt on | | | | them also. |
| them means you don't have to reapply their sun | | | | There are many stores on the web now, which carry |
| block every time they come out of the water. Of | | | | rash guard shirts. This is great for finding the most |
| course, their faces and any other exposed areas | | | | variety and selection. The downside is that you can't |
| need it, but that's a lot less hassle than the whole | | | | try them on in advance. Try and use a reputable |
| body, which isoften all sandy or wet or both! | | | | company with a good return policy just in case. |
| Many people with sensitive skin can't wear suntan | | | | MORE SUN PROTECTION ADVICE |
| lotion at all. White tee-shirts with a bathing suit are a | | | | It is still recommended that everyone limit their sun |
| common sight, but provide little protection from the | | | | exposure between the hours of 10 and 4 and to |
| sun, especially when wet. Not to mention, a wet | | | | stay in the shade whenever possible. A wide |
| cotton tee-shirt is very uncomfortable looks quite silly | | | | brimmed hat, sunglasses, lip balm and sunscreen with |
| when wet and saggy. | | | | an SPF of at least 15 and/or protectiveclothing is |
| The rash guard shirt, on the other hand, is sleek, | | | | advisable. Even waterproof sun block comes off |
| lightweight and dries fast. Most importantly, it | | | | through sweat and water play and needs to be |
| provides a good amount of UV protection. Nobody | | | | reapplied every 2 hours. |
| likes to be sun burnt, but skin cancer and premature | | | | So come prepared and your beach vacation will be |
| aging (leathering) of the skin is no fun either. | | | | that much more enjoyable! |
| WHAT TYPES ARE THERE? | | | | |