From Beaches to BBQs: Sun-Safe Clothing for Summer Fun

Hello, sweet friends! 🌞 Ready to dive into a topic that’s near and dear to my heart? We’re talking about sun-safe clothing. It isn’t just for beach trips or backyard BBQs, though — your daily morning walk, sightseeing in Europe, or even just doing errands are all times when your precious midlife skin is exposed to harmful UV rays. Today, I’m partnering with Cabana Life to talk about all of the ways you can protect your skin and still look fabulous!

All clothing provides some degree of sun protection, but the amount of UV protection a cotton t-shirt provides is not nearly enough to protect your skin. That’s why I love that Cabana Life makes clothing made specifically to protect our bodies from the sun’s damaging rays. Every single piece of Cabana Life clothing is designed to keep women looking fabulous while shielding their skin from 98% of those harmful UV rays!

Founded by a skin cancer survivor and a former Vanity Fair editor, Cabana Life combines chic, resort-ready fashion with UPF 50+ sun protection. (You can read more about their founding HERE.) The clothing is designed in Florida (I love their tagline: “Designed in Florida for Sunshine Everywhere.”) Since they’re a sun-safe clothing brand, I think it’s only fitting that their clothing is designed in the “Sunshine State.” Still, no matter what state you live in, you know you need sun protection!

This spring, I had the opportunity to meet Alyssa, one of Cabana Life‘s founders, at an event the brand held in Dallas. We figured out that we live only about a mile from each other and we have some mutual acquaintances! I love that one of Cabana Life‘s goals is to be involved in local communities.

Why We Need Sun-Safe Clothing

Sun-safe clothing is an absolute must for everyone, especially empty-nesters who are enjoying life to the fullest! The reason? As we age, our skin becomes more vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV rays. Here’s why:

1. Thinner Skin: As we age, our skin naturally becomes thinner and less resilient. This makes it more susceptible to damage from UV radiation, which penetrates more deeply and causes greater harm than it did when we were younger.
2. Reduced Repairability: With age, the damage caused by UV radiation, including DNA damage, is less likely to be effectively repaired, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
3. Cumulative Sun Exposure: Cumulative exposure over the years increases the likelihood of developing skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
4. Weakened Immune System: Our immune system weakens with age, making it less effective at detecting and repairing precancerous changes in the skin. Again, this can lead to an increased risk of skin cancers and other skin conditions caused by UV damage.
5. Increased Sensitivity to Sunburn: Thanks to changes in skin texture and moisture levels, older adults are more sensitive to sunburn. Ouch!
6. Eye Health Risks: Older adults are at higher risk for serious health conditions, and UV damage can exacerbate issues such as cataracts and other eye conditions.
7. Greater Risk of Hyperpigmentation: Age-related changes in skin pigmentation can lead to an increased risk of hyperpigmentation, (think age spots or liver spots), which are exacerbated by UV exposure.
8. Aesthetic Concerns: It’s no secret that UV damage accelerates the aging process, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin elasticity. These aesthetic concerns become more pronounced with age.

By prioritizing UV protection as we age, we can help maintain healthier, more resilient skin, reduce the risk of skin cancers, and minimize the visible signs of aging. This includes wearing sun-protective clothing, using a good sunscreen, wearing a hat, and seeking shade whenever possible.

No one wants to cover up from head to toe (not to mention, it would be so hot! 🥵)! And let’s face it, sun-safe clothing doesn’t cover all of you. But it does provide effective sun protection on the parts it does cover. If you can wear it and look really cute at the same time, well, that’s just a bonus!

Coral Geo Off The Shoulder Dress (Use code SUZY15 for 15% off) Click HERE for more prints | Women’s Sunglasses | Willow 18K Gold Earrings | Pearl Beaded Apple Watch Bracelet

What About Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is key for protecting your skin against the sun’s damaging rays! That’s why, every year, I pour over Consumer Reports ‘ article about the best sunscreens. (PLEASE NOTE: I still get Consumer Reports magazine, along with online access, but this article will be locked to you if you’re not a subscriber.) They test the efficacy of sunscreens, which like skin care products, supplements, and makeup, are not regulated by the FTC or the FDA. In other words, if a sunscreen says it offers Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 100, that may not necessarily be true!

Consumer Reports tests the efficacy of sunscreens in its labs and reports on how closely the protection offered by a sunscreen matches the SPF listed on the label. This year (as last!), Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen received a score of 100% from Consumer Reports, meaning it actually did offer the SPF 50 protection that it advertised.

UPF vs. SPF – What’s the Difference?

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a standard measurement used to rate the effectiveness of sunscreen. It measures how long it takes for sun-exposed skin to redden. SPF only measures UVB rays — which means most sunscreens only protect you from UVB rays unless they specifically state that they offer broad-spectrum protection.

UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, is the standard measurement used to rate the effectiveness of sun-protective fabrics. The rating indicates the degree to which the sun’s UV rays penetrate a piece of fabric and reach your skin. UPF ratings range from 15 to 50 and only apply to products that claim to be sun-protective.

Aim for a UPF rating of 50+. That means only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays will pass through (that’s 2%!). UPF 50+ fabric will significantly reduce your skin’s UV radiation exposure because UPF ratings take into account both UVA and UVB rays.

Navy Stripe Smocked Waist Dress (Use code SUZY15 for 15% off)—comes in multiple prints! | Women’s Tree Runners (machine-washable sneakers!).

One of the things I adore about Cabana Life clothing is its ability to blend fashion with function. Whether I’m lounging by the pool, taking a beach stroll, or enjoying an outdoor brunch, their collections have got me covered (literally!).

Cote d`Azur Sleeveless Shift Dress (Use code SUZY15 for 15% off) Click HERE for more prints! | Modern Flip Flops

Cabana Life uses high-quality fabrics that are not only sun-protective but also will not wrinkle, making them great for travel! The fabrication is lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making them ideal for hot summer days. And the best part? They’re durable and the designs are classic! That means you can enjoy your favorite pieces season after season.

Provence Smocked Waist Dress (Use code SUZY15 for 15% off) Click HERE for more prints! | Bracelet Stack (Use code ENB20 for 20% off)

The UPF 50+ smocked waist dress I am wearing above is perfect for travel! It’s machine washable and won’t wrinkle! I loved wearing it on my cruise! Read this POST for everything I wore on the cruise!

Algarve Tie Neck Maxi Dress (Use code SUZY15 for 15% off) | Pearlesque Flat Pearl Thong Sandals (Similar to what I am wearing)

I think investing in sun-safe clothing is a smart (and stylish!) way to take care of your skin. Wearing Cabana Life clothing gives me peace of mind. Knowing that I’m protecting my skin (while still looking stylish!) allows me to enjoy my time outdoors and feel confident and cute at the same time.

Cabana Life has generously offered an exclusive 15% discount for Empty Nest Blessed followers with the code SUZY15. Let me know what your favorite Cabana Life look is in the comments, okay?