We all know how important SPF is in protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun, but have you heard of UPF? UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, this factor looks at how much UV radiation can actually penetrate the fabric and reach the skin. UPF 50+ is the highest rating, it blocks around 98% of the rays from passing through. UPF 30 - 49 is classed as good, whereas 50+ is classed as excellent. Anything below UPF 30 doesn't have an adequate level of protection.

If you're planning on spending a lot of time in the sun, whether that's staycation adventures or you're jet setting across the world, you want to stay as protected as possible from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection, and these are some key features to look out for:

• The type of fabric - Synthetic materials (like lycra, nylon, polyester) reflect more rays and therefore are more protective than other fabrics.

• Thickness - The thicker and the heavier the material is, the better protection it will provide. The same goes for the stretch, or lack of it. The less stretch the fabric has, the more UV protection it will be able to provide.

• The fit of the clothes - If you wear looser fitting clothing, there will be less need for your clothes to stretch and pull, which in turn would reduce the protection.

• Fabric condition and age - As clothes age, get worn and washed, they will start to lose some of the protective properties and reduce the UPF rating, so it's important to be aware of that and replace them at regular intervals.

There are massive benefits that come with spending time in the sun, not only do you get an increase of vitamin D, it can help improve your quality of sleep and it puts everyone in a good mood. However, there is a downside to having too much sun exposure, but being safe in the sun can help reduce any danger. Topping up with SPF and wearing UPF fabric and clothing will add extra layers of sun protection.