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Sunscreen is great, but it's not the whole story. Dermatologists are urging people to layer in other UV protection strategies — like UPF-rated clothing, wide-brimmed hats, UV window films, and certain supplements — for more comprehensive sun defense. A viral TikTok with nearly 10 million views helped spark the conversation by revealing that a regular white T-shirt only blocks about 80% of UV rays.
Sunscreen is a cornerstone of skin protection, but dermatologists say it shouldn't be your only line of defense. At recent dermatology symposia, experts highlighted a range of nonsunscreen UV protection strategies that can meaningfully reduce skin cancer risk and sun damage — especially for people who struggle with sunscreen reapplication or texture issues.
A viral TikTok from an Austin dermatology practice — racking up nearly 10 million views — kicked off the conversation by revealing that a standard white T-shirt has a UV protection factor (UPF) of just 5, meaning 20% of UV rays still reach the skin. That number drops further when the shirt is wet or worn out.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: With skin cancer remaining one of the most common cancers globally, expanding the UV protection toolkit beyond SPF gives clinicians and patients more practical, adherence-friendly options — especially for those who work or spend significant time outdoors.