Dermatologist's Guide to Total Sun Protection: Favorite UPF Clothing, Hats, Sunscreen, & More!

We all know sunscreen plays an important role in sun protection, but is there more you can do to prevent sun damage and skin cancer? As a dermatologist, I always tell my patients about other ways they can protect their skin from the sun (like wear UPF clothing!). Watch this video to find out what they are!
More Sun Protection Videos:
Sunscreen Mistakes to Avoid: • 10 Sunscreen Mistakes ...
Sunscreens for Your Skin Type: • Dermatologist Shares t...
SHOP:
Skinnvi Solara Crop Top: amzn.to/3rywSGK
Soleil Crop Hoodie: go.shopmy.us/p-1854594
Solbari Base Layer Upf 50+*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854597
Solbari Quarter Zip Top UPF 50+*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854598
Solbari Long Sleeve T-Shirt UPF 50+ Sensitive Collection*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854600
Bloquv Women's Long Sleeve 24/7: amzn.to/44TzTj0
Coolibar Women's Morada Everyday Long Sleeve T-Shirt Upf 50+: amzn.to/3XXz46C
Bloquv Women's Relaxed Mock Zip Top: amzn.to/3rDmb5K
Lands' End Women's Long Sleeve Rash Guard UPF 50*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854607
All in Motion Women's Stretch Woven Taper Pants*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854621
Solbari Fingerless Driving Gloves UPF 50+*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854627
Solbari Hand Covers UPF 50+*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854628
Coolibar Sanibel Everyday Beach Bandana UPF 50+: amzn.to/3rA7xvW
Coolibar Women's Sanibel Everyday Beach Shawl UPF 50+: amzn.to/44oT70d
Coolibar Vermilion Uv Layered Mask UPF 50+: amzn.to/3rF29rg
Bluestone Sunshields Full Lux Sunshield*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854643
San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid Large Brim Visor*: amzn.to/3OmlgiS
Lack of Color the Cove Hat*: rstyle.me/+8SgJOtKlQDxuUGoV7f...
Jenni Kayne Cotton Canvas Sun Hat*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854649
Eric Javits Hampton Sun Hat*: rstyle.me/+1vrwfbflvcv6OqFGrt...
Solbari Wide Brim Beach Hat Upf 50+*: go.shopmy.us/p-1854652
Sunday Afternoons Latitude Hat*: amzn.to/46YauXu
Lack of Color Canvas Holiday Bucket Hat*: rstyle.me/+caUBv0uYaA5WHWdDh5...
CONNECT WITH ME:
Instagram: / drsamanthaellis
Website: www.mybeautymd.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
00:48 About UPF Clothing
05:36 Favorite UPF Clothing
12:42 Sunscreen
12:57 Favorite Hats
19:20 Seek Shade
20:50 Eye Protection
22:02 Subscribe!
DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician. Some of the links in this description may be affiliate links (marked with *). Affiliate links help support my KZbin channel so I can continue to create fun, informational skincare videos for you. Also, some products may have been received as PR. Thanks for watching!

[@lillianbarker4292]

I’m a 70 year old example of an outdoorsy person who didn’t protect her hands and arms enough. Nobody believes it but you will still care what you look like when you’re older. I wish I had taken better care of my hands and arms.

[@dermlover1]

Your face is fine? How did you protect your face?

[@maureengreen8695]

My friends all think I overdo it with my UPF clothing and accessories. They also compliment me on my skin. And they don't see a bit of irony there. 😄

[@louiseaf1]

As an Aussie living in the US, I’m loving seeing you bring the slip slop slap campaign to more people!

[@Roll587]

I was recently on vacation in Puerto Rico and while many people gave me side eye for my UPF hat/sunglasses/pants/jacket outfit, a woman who worked at the resort complimented me and told me that she appreciated that I did what everyone should do. (The UV index was somewhere between 12 and 14 each day.)

[@Roll587]

Note: The hat and jacket are from Coolibar. The pants are from L.L. Bean. Swimsuit wasn't UPF. Sunglasses I got from Amazon (I need new ones).

[@sonyawix5871]

Another option is summer umbrellas! They are cute, and were used for centuries to protect from the sun damage! P.S. sorry, you have mentioned it yourself already) Now, imagine this: Walking your dog with big sunglasses, cute wide-brimmed hat, umbrella and gloves. What a fancier outfit can be imagined? I am ready for my old money socialite era💅

[@scugradjen1997]

I wish UPF protection was a default feature in run clothes. It’s been so hard for me to find good run gear with UPF (especially for women-there are a lot more options for men!). Given how much sun exposure runners get, this should be a huge priority for manufacturers when they design run clothing.

[@polarvortex880]

Look at backpacking outdoor gear. UPF sun hoodies and hiking/trail running pants are almost a standard, and these fabrics are often really good at wicking sweat too, of course! Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, The North Face all have items in these categories :)

[@mollers92]

You can actually get detergent that washes in UPF, I also really recommend UPF sleeves for running

[@eobrien1]

I’ve watched your channel for years, and imo this is the best video you’ve ever done. I am the sunscreen queen & a hat + upf clothing connoisseur (like to the point where my friends make fun of me about it lol), and you’ve even given me tons of ideas and brands I didn’t know about. Thank you! Bless you also for driving home the point that it’s not just about sunscreen! It takes a lot of tools in your tool belt & mixing them all to have true protection. People just seem to think it’s sunscreen & that’s it, and that’s gotta change

[@cynthiapowers8139]

It's not just skin damage. This past weekend I went to a softball tournament. The weather and sun were brutal. I was wearing a sun hat and sunscreen which I reapplied faithfully. By the end I was fading in and out of sleep or something. I wasn't back to my usual self until the following afternoon. The only sunburn I had was on my scalp (through my hat and hair) but I wore out my body. I felt helpless. Yesterday I bought a Coolibar shawl so that wherever I am, I can cover myself. It was great seeing that you have one too!

[@edcatt9196]

My favorite sun protection hat is the Tilley Paddlers Hat. The brim is well designed with 3.5 inch wide rear brim, 2.75 inch sides and 3.25 inch wide from brim. In addition, it floats if it comes off in the water, but it has a rear head strap along with a front chin strap. You don't have to wear them when not windy (I tuck them up inside), but when really windy, using both straps at the same time, I've never had the wind take the hat off. Your more relaxed in the wind and your not moving your head constantly to keep the hat on. The brim is semi stiff, not rigid. You can pack it in luggage pretty easily by laying it flat. The underside of the brim is tinted darker and seems to help in absorbing reflected light (but I use a 50 SPF sunscreen on the front of my neck, and the tip of my nose. The fabric is dense, and there's a strip of mesh around the top of the hat to let out a little extra body heat. I think the hat looks nice. Kind of outdoorsy, but I like that.

[@cynthiavalenzuela4477]

The slip-slop-slap is an excellent slogan to mention, and I appreciate you breaking it into sections for us to understand. Few people are aware of it. Great, thorough video on sun protective alternatives we can incorporate alongside wearing sunscreen.

[@Alexellis738]

I love UPF clothing it reallly saves you money in the long run and you don’t have to worry about reapplying I wear sunscreen every day reapply 3 times a day and especially summer in Texas i wear head to toe UPF

[@JKRBW]

One of my absolute favorite UPF garments is sun sleeves. I have them for all of my kids (Coolibar for the big kids and Eclipse Glove in toddler size) and keep them by the door with sunglasses and hats and they are able to very quickly protect themselves when they're running in and out of the house as children do.

[@wanger23]

I recently discovered outdoor tribe for hats and I love them cause it has a ponytail hole, is wide enough brim, has a chin strap, foldable for travel and machine washable!

[@littlegeo1]

I was wondering about this hat. I wasn't sure how good it was since I noticed there's mesh on the side and back of the hat. I'm glad you like it and feel it's protective!

[@dermlover1]

You sound like the commericial. Do you work for the company or something?

[@wanger23]

Nope I just really like the hat and was specific about what I was looking for 😂

[@chriscaffey5685]

Well done video. I just went on a safari and picked up sleeves from Coolibar. They were GREAT. They kept me warm in the mornings with a t-shirt on. Then I could wear just one when it was warmer depending on which side of the jeep I was on or where the sun was. They run small. I also bought the face and neck screen/mask thing your husband hates. It was GREAT when the dust kicked up or for when we would open the roof and pop up to watch animals for a while. I could see this being really good for intense hiking with dust or for somone mowing their grass who needs a little allergen/dust/grass protection but doesn't want the full on constriction of an N95 mask. Of course I had hats and sunscreen and sunglasses, too.

[@KimofCoventry]

My car windows have an appointment to be tinted. My sun hat is as close to size of an umbrella I can find. 😄 I carry sunblock in my lunch box to reapply at lunch if I go for a walk, and definitely before heading out for the day. Wish I would have started long ago. Thank you for your product list and information. I need to add to my UPF clothing.

[@DrSamEllis]

You’re doing all the right things 🙌🏼

[@amberj3941]

My favorite video you’ve ever done, thank you!

[@leeannlowery5064]

Love this video! So thorough and full of much needed recommendations! Thank you!

[@jodibillingsley]

Thank you for all the links! Much appreciated 🥰

[@christinemack2153]

Right up my alley, thanks Dr. Ellis

[@mwehpakonne]

This is the exact video I was looking for! Thank you for the great reccs!

[@mabmainchannel]

Loved this video! Thanks for sharing your recommendations - so helpful!

[@xiazou4103]

These are gorgeous choices! Thx you! That hat so pretty!

[@armada7883]

wow have not seen such a comprehensive video about this, thank you. i don't like upf clothes usually because they are are not fashionable, so showing styling options was greatly appreciated. also love your new hair colour!

[@sandraheisch1910]

This is one of the best videos about sun protection. Dr. Ellis provides so many great options to protect from the sun. Thank you!

[@klaudiafroncz6759]

Omg I love your videos! You make me spend all my money.. but all of your recommendations are 👌. You helped me so much with my rosacea journey. Thank you for making these videos ❤

[@rachelscott8053]

I have been looking for recommendations like this!! My autoimmune skin thanks you!!

[@rawanb.832]

Thank you! I ordered the Sunday Afternoons hat and love it!

[@aminatabinta3668]

Thanks, Doc I'm now using sunscreen and a hat to protect my face

[@eatandexercise1]

This video was SO helpful! Knowing the width your hat brim needs to be was crucial in picking the right hat for my Europe vacation.

[@emiliebreault3425]

Thank you so much for all these recommendations ! I would love an updated makeup tutorial on your look today, it is very pretty.

[@rebeccamorgan3035]

UPF clothing and SPF makeup has been a game changer for me!! 😊

[@samshareslife]

wow what great, perspicuous advice from a bright individual. thank you lots

[@user46318]

Wonderful information and recommendations.

[@ohjenya]

Thank you so much for this video! So informative, concise, and educational. I recently started taking care of my skin and am purchasing some UPF clothing for the first time.

[@LisaNix2]

Wonderful video!! I am a melanoma survivor, and I do all the things that you have mentioned here. Thank you for the great recommendations. My ophthalmologist suggests that Maui Jim sunglasses are the very best - - and I agree with her! Nothing is more important than our health😄

[@rylans.5365]

I love my Maui Jim’s! So much that I even got a second pair 😮😂.

[@LisaNix2]

@@rylans.5365 great!! In case you want a 3rd or 4th pair😆 Costco sells all their retired styles for a huge discount. Like 75% off. 😀

[@llulypapillon]

That was so thorough, thank you! As a dog walker, I'm outdoors a lot, and I'm preparing for a job as a kayaking tour guide in the summer, so I'll definitely be investing in some of these items!

[@laceyballiet6627]

I drive two and half hrs to work each week and I got those gloves you recommended and I love them. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@nml1930]

This was great info - many thanks!

[@ms.ashleylaudo8838]

LOVE this video! Thank you! Are you able to share some of your favourite sunglasses?

[@sonyawix5871]

Sun protection is my holy grail. I believe its literally the most powerful way to prevent so many issues! Its the most basic, and vital part of skin care, in my opinion. I get so frustrated sometimes, because my mom thinks my cautiousness of the sun is funny, and something sm “brainwashed me into”. Like, nope, mom, you can’t get a chemical peel, and then not wear sunscreen, even if the weather isn’t sunny (not that she ever wears it outside of the beach, laying under direct sunlight in peak hours). And what the point of getting salon procedures, apply skincare etc, if you dont wear the only thing that, scientifically, protects you from damaged skin barrier?! And like, my mom looks amazing! I have lucky genes, in some way. But sunscreen is vital! I remember, when I first got into all things skincare and started applying sunscreen religiously (Its was a cheap tube of white, pasty zinc spf, and I was all greasy and white-spotted, but did I care? Nope) on the beach and lay exclusively under the umbrella, no matter the hour, my mom chuckled at me from her spot under direct sunlight, in peak hour, laying there glistening in oil “for the tan”, and was like “who do you heard that from omg?”. And I have been saying to her “lol, I am not a fun of skin cancer or premature aging, mom.” But she would just roll her eyes like I was a dumb kid or something. Not that I cared much, but still. And my dad would be like: you came on vacation and stay as white a a zombie, what the point? Well, Idk, maybe in thousand other fun things that do not include getting cooked under the sun for 11 hours a day, every day? The same story with face sunscreen (which I apply and reapply every day). When I wore it in the colder months, when there weren’t even visible sun, my mom made fun of my “obsession”. But I love sunscreen! I love trying different ones, I love make my younger brother to try different ones with me, and I am proud of getting him into skincare as well, even if my dad sometimes spits dumb stuff like “are you a girl or what? Now you wear lip balm and creams, tomorrow will apply lipstick?!” at my brother, and “You a still young. This things are for mature women” at me. Lol, we will see what you would say in 20+ years. I am ready to up my game against the sun, too! Time to shop for some sunglasses and hat, and maybe upf clothing, too!

[@xiazou4103]

Ok, I just got my order this week and picked up 3 upf clothing pieces! =)Thx for inspiration, hoodie is so cute and love the target line!

[@CJM279]

Fantastic video!!

[@jamilajones8177]

Thank you for such an informative and helpful video, especially with the helpful suggestions for UPF clothing, hats, etc. I have the Jenni Jayne canvas hat an love it-so protective & stylish! Based on your recommendation I purchased the Lack of Color Cove and will def check out clothing recs. Thanks again 😊

[@corgisaan]

thank you! i'll check out the products you've mentioned :)

[@kathysharp7551]

Love this video! Thanks doc!

[@maiaschumacher9142]

Loved this video!

[@nikkikostan6817]

Super helpful Video! Thank you!!!❤

[@inglesyfrances_bylupe]

Loved it! Thank you

[@imyanq9343]

Thank you for the Links 🥰🙏

[@tonic2335]

Another great video

[@elizabethdesjardin7117]

I love Free Fly Apparel UPF clothing. Fantastic and so soft and comfortable! It’s my summer uniform!

[@DrSamEllis]

Ooh I need to check them out!

[@jaym5317]

Solumbra by Sun Precautions is excellent, too

[@samar1462]

Wow what a video! ❤

[@DrCorinneDevin]

Love this video so much

[@Sebastian-xy3xk]

I really live the Solbari Driving Gloves. As someone with OCD and autism, I get overstimulated sometimes knowing I might touch germs outside, but these give a nice layer of protection for me both indoors and outdoors. I go shopping with them all the time and love them for outdoor activities.

[@traceyherstich6256]

I love swimzip brand. Their swim dress to slip over swimsuit is awesome.

[@maureenbrillon4972]

Thank you for this video! I love that you provided a variety of options in each category. The Coolibar bandana & shawl may be my next purchases! I love sun sleeves as well and keep them in my car & purse. Do you have any recommendations on a good running hat? I see a lot of baseball hat type options out there but would love an athletic hat with more coverage. Thank you!

[@CuriousTashaGeorge]

Thanks So much for this video - its exactly what i was looking for as i invest in protection this Summer - the sizes you take would have been interesting as im a similar build… and thanks for showing what the hats look like! Super helpful ❤

[@DrSamEllis]

Thank you! A small for everything!

[@SB_41]

I am so stoked to make some purchases! Thank you so much.

[@cynthiapowers8139]

I'm looking for a basic sun protection video and I'm having trouble finding one. I'm looking for 1. why protect, 2. what to protect from (inside, cloudy days), 3. how to protect yourself (sunscreen, shade, clothing, peak sun, etc.) 4. A brief talk about sunscreen (how much to use, when to reapply, where to put it, etc.) Also, under 10 minutes which means very little explaining which I love but not necessarily for this video. Note: I just learned from you about wiping our skin removing our sunscreen. I think that needs to be listed more often.

[@aminatabinta3668]

I started using sunscreen when I subscribe to your channel a month ago and I notice a huge difference in my face because I'm acne prone skin I was a

[@grandadslifehacks8992]

Dr. Ellis, Outdoor Gear Lab ranks the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat as the Editor's Choice award for sun hats. It is not as nice looking as some of the hats you listed. It looks more like a hiking hat. The back of the hat covers the neck well.

[@aquariusashley94]

She is so pretty

[@emilyhanson7951]

Thank you for the hand stuff. As a Certified Surgical Technologist, my hands are more sensitive the older I get. All those scrubs make my hands so dry. I have a few go to hand creams, but I typically don't cover them when I hike. Something to consider now.

[@littlegeo1]

Loved this video Dr. Ellis! Do you have any recommendations for a UPF hat with great coverage that you can wear a ponytail with? I'm definitely a hair up kind of girl! 😊

[@nunu9417_]

I’m going to look insane this summer in Ibiza😎😎😎

[@ellegirl87]

I have a cotton wide brim hat from uniqlo that offers great shade and travels well. Would recommend. Also have a fancy wide brimmed borsalino hat for holiday strolls in nice places, but that one is more delicate when it comes to travel unfortunately

[@nzsnyc]

great video, thank you! could you recommend some sun protective clothing brands for children?

[@kathysharp7551]

I keep a black bath towel in the car. I use it to cover my legs on the way to the gym (when wearing shorts). It also doubles to conceal items left in the car on the floor board and as a protector if I have to eat in the car.

[@DrSamEllis]

Perfect!

[@claudiabastante5520]

I have my Coolibar gloves in my car and it feels weird when I don't use them at night. They have such a good grip that it makes driving easier for me :D

[@godsrunnerup]

Fabuloussss

[@deborah972]

Beautiful dr ellis love you put a youtube today 😊 ❤ xx

[@deborah972]

Thank you Dr sam ellis for everything 😊

[@Sub-515]

Solbari now have an ultra wide brim hat, I think it's 5" front 6"back

[@LampWaters]

Good advice I'm photosensitive and looking for clothing but most I have to save for. I do think I'll get the bandana and shawl to get by while I save. I think I might get a separate hood too. I wear scarfs and hoodies but the option to wear with a hat and not as much to deal with as a scarf. I personally love bonnets a hood with a brim. If they look OK or not who knows but the practicality of it and less hot than a turban

[@mariaminari1341]

You’re perfect

[@pamelak9941]

Can you address the issue (if there is one)of cancer causing properties of UV lamps when getting gel manicures. My nails are super thin and I’ve gotten gel manicures for the last few years since regular polish chips on me after only a day or two of wear. Gel manicures last me almost three weeks but I don’t want to develop skin cancer either.

[@armada7883]

do you think you could please also make a colab with a stylist to show us even more options on how to style these?

[@yuliyapetr]

Do you recommend taking Heliocare? I'm already taking Astaxanthin

[@brianamcgrady3798]

Can you share your sunglasses recommendations?

[@truthful2293]

Please tell me where you got this top, orange and pink one you are wearing. Thank you!! 🙏🏻

[@rubiap.6567]

can you also share what you use for your child? thanks

[@fkoffidgafbegone]

Are upf clothes regulated? Can any brand claim upf? some claim but have no further info on the tags or website. Is solbari & coolibar the only trust worthy & tested brands?

[@gaylesuppaharman4005]

Dr. Ellis, do you recommend allowing yourself a short period of time to get sunlight for vitamin D production? I wonder this since I am always covering up.

[@dermlover1]

Would you trust that Coolibar white facial covering out on a long hike in high UV index with elevation conditions? It seems very thin, see through, and has a on of micro holes in the fabric...

[@tylernelson3722]

Are you familiar with/can you recommend any mineral sunscreens that do not contain acrylates?

[@vomittux]

I'm desperately trying to figure out where your shirt is from!

[@sethrintatu]

Where's your grey t-shirt from when you're showing the solbari gloves at 10.37min please 🙏 thank you

[@hollygibson1801]

What are your thoughts on using an umbrella?

[@shirindesouza9889]

Any recs for visors to wear doing outdoor exercise (ie running)

[@lkaren6254]

Dr Ellis, what do you say to the challenge that your Bluestone sun shield does not actually adequately protect from UV rays? .

[@ohdeniseluciani]

Should we be using protection if the UV index is 1 or 2?

[@ClaraFrancken]

Hi, how long do clothes need a "break" from the sun? Let's say I have 30 UPF which would be about 180Min. Can I go in the shadow for 10 minutes and then count on the same 30 UPF again, or should I wait longer? (idk if this is a stupid question, but I'm not finding an answer on the internet either.. :/) Thank you for making this video!

[@denisenj7648]

I wish you mentioned the price of these items or listed on screen or in description.

[@gmccCreations]

What options are there for summers in Texas? I feel like it would be suffocating to wear the suggested clothing 😢

[@Edreamer3]

But at the same time black polyester and nylon cloths makes you sweat so badly in summer. What we can do to avoid it?

[@s654voe13]

Currently I work outdoors pushing shopping carts but I always top up spf50 every 2 hours and wear upf clothing hat sunglasses. Should I still try to work indoors?

[@gdvvgdfv]

Do we need sunscreen if we have a widebrim hat and/or umbrella?

[@Ruiyao]

Do you have any recommendations for men? Looking for options for my husband that loves to stay in the water. At least he wears a hat

[@taylor_hattley]

If I wear sunscreen for my scalp and body and sunglasses when there is a UPF index of moderate or higher, is that enough daily sun protection?

[@antonellaaguilera-ruiz5482]

I understand the importance of re-applying sunscreen. But how does this work with makeup? It’d be hard to wash and redo everything again but it seems odd to put sunscreen on top of makeup. Am I overthinking this?