How Much Is Your SPF Really Costing You? Why UPF Clothing May Be the Smarter Choice

Sunscreen Is Non-Negotiable—But the Costs Add Up

Think your $14 sunscreen is no big deal? If you’re reapplying the way dermatologists recommend, those bottles can quietly add up to hundreds every year—and that’s just for your upper body: neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands.

We all know sunscreen is non-negotiable for healthy, radiant skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises wearing SPF 30 or higher every day — rain or shine — and SPF 50 for extended outdoor exposure.

“Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.” ~skincancer.org

That means applying generously to all exposed skin — and reapplying every two hours.

Here’s the shocker: if you’re diligent (and you should be!), you’re using far more sunscreen than you might think—and spending far more than you realize.

SPF vs UPF: The Key Differences Explained

While both help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, they work in completely different ways.

• • SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures protection against UVB rays—based on how long it takes for skin to burn compared to unprotected skin. It’s time-based and requires frequent reapplication.
• • UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how much UVA and UVB radiation can penetrate fabric. UPF clothing offers consistent coverage without reapplication, as long as the fabric remains intact and undamaged.

In other words: SPF = chemical or mineral lotion on your skin, works for hours. UPF = built-in shield in your clothing, works for years.

How Long Does UPF Last? What You Need to Know

Durability depends on the fabric quality and how the UV protection is built in.

• • Many garments with surface-applied UV treatments maintain protection for about 30–40 washes (around a year of regular use).
• • High-quality UPF clothing—like ours—is made with inherent UV protection in the fibers, so the protection lasts for the lifetime of the garment with proper care.
• • Visible wear like thinning fabric or fading can signal reduced protection, so it’s smart to inspect your garments regularly.

The takeaway? Choose UPF clothing with permanent protection to make the most of your investment.

The True Cost of Sunscreen (And How to Calculate Yours)

A $13 bottle of sunscreen quickly turns into over $1500 a year with daily use:

When you calculate how much you apply, how often, and what you pay per bottle, the numbers get... eye-opening.

That’s why we created the Sunscreen Cost Calculator. Just pop in:

• • Ounces per bottle
• • Price per bottle
• • Applications per day

In seconds, you’ll see your daily, monthly, and yearly sunscreen costs. Many of our readers are shocked at how fast it adds up—and how much they could save.

Think Sunscreen Is Cheap? Think Again.

Why Permanent UPF Clothing Can Save You Time, Money, and Effort

Replacing repeated SPF applications on covered areas with UPF50+ garments means:

• • Zero reapplication time
• • No greasy residue on skin or clothing
• • Consistent protection that can’t “sweat off”
• • Lower long-term cost
• • Environmental benefits—less sunscreen runoff into oceans and coral reefs

And unlike the sporty or utilitarian look many brands offer, we design elegant, fashion-forward UPF clothing you’ll actually want to wear—at brunch, on vacation, or just walking the dog.

Other UPF Gloves & Sleeves to Explore

Your style is personal, and so are your UPF choices. In addition to our UV Sun Gauntlets, check out:

• • Coolibar – known for athletic and travel styles.
• • UV Skinz – family-friendly and swim-oriented.
• • REI – outdoorsy, adventure-ready options.

Each offers a different aesthetic—and shows just how versatile UPF gear can be.

The Smarter, Stylish Solution to Everyday Sun Protection

It’s not about giving up sunscreen—it’s about using it wisely. Apply SPF to exposed areas, and let permanent UPF fashion do the heavy lifting everywhere else.

Our designs blend runway-level aesthetics with dermatologist-approved sun safety, so you can protect your skin without sacrificing style.

Try the Sunscreen Cost Calculator today and see how much you could save—while keeping your glow and your peace of mind!