From a medical perspective, we need UV stimulation, particularly UVB, to produce the essential vitamin D. How-ever, for people with skin types 1 to 3, just 20 to 30 minutes of solar radiation on limited parts of the body are already sufficient, depending on the season/climate. Every skin has its own memory. Thus, everybody should protect yourself from repeated exposure to aggressive solar radiation. Sitting in the shade instead of in direct sunlight is not sufficient.

The renowned Portuguese dermatologist Osvaldo Correia:

“It is very important to bear in mind that not all types of shade are the same. With shade created through a sunshade or clothing, it is not sufficient that it has a UV protection factor (UPF) of 50, it must also show the validation characteristics of UV Standard 801.”

The textile industry, in collaboration with the fashion sector, has offered clothing with UV protection for many years. The textiles achieve UV protection factors which are much more effective than the strongest sun creams. The criteria of the “UV Standard 801” should be considered in this regard. Only clothing with the label “UV Standard 801” has been tested in wet, stretched and used conditions during the testing process. Sensitive persons, children and seniors in particular, but also anyone else who spends time outdoors, can thus effectively protect themselves against aggressive solar radiation. Correia specifically recommends workwear with the UV Standard 801 as a benchmark for outdoor occupations. By labelling the protective function against UV radiation, workwear can be considered as Personal Protective Equipment in accordance with directive (EU) 2016/425. It should thus meet the highest requirements for all different predictable usage conditions.

About Testex Group

Founded in 1846 and originally known as the “Seidentrocknungsanstalt Zurich” (Silk Conditioning Institute), the Testex Group now operates more than 25 branches with more than 250 employees worldwide (including Testex and Oeti) from its head office in Zurich. Testex is a member institute of the Oeko-Tex Association and the official representative in Australia, Canada, the P.R. China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Switzerland, South Korea and Taiwan.