It might be cold outside but that doesn’t mean we should forget about protecting our skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. My heart literally breaks whenever someone tells me I don’t need to apply sun cream in winter because “there’s no sun.” WRONG. In addition to wearing sun cream (please wear sun cream!), there are many other ways we can look after our skin when the temperature drops.

Like this Coolibar UPF 50+ neck gaiter.

In research conducted by the Japan Meteorological Agency, results found that the reflection of UV light on beaches was often between 10-25%, compared to a massive 80% on snow surfaces. The agency also found that the “amount light increased four percent with a 300-metre rise in altitude.”

Eep. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Hence why we should be really, really, really cautious and avoid sun damage during winter.

But what can we do to ensure we’re protecting our skin as much as possible? Enter UPF accessories. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and is a rating system similar to how SPF is used in sun cream. It represents how an item of clothing can protect our skin from UV rays.

You know me, I’m ALWAYS interested in anything UPF and considering I’m off to Slovenia this week (where the temperature has seriously plummeted and they’ve had lots of snow) you just know I’ve been shopping for a UPF treat.

This neck gaiter from Coolibar looks amazing. I spotted it while spending an afternoon searching online for something to shield my face and neck from UV rays.

This unisex style, complete with side vents for adjustable face and neck coverage, is an update on a previous Coolibar design. I love that it even covers the back of my neck! The neck is a very sensitive part of the body and I’m pleased I can protect it.

Part of Coolibar’s LIFE range, which is suitable for travelling, gardening and walking, it provides UPF 50+ protection. It’s made from ZnO SUNTECT® fabric (bamboo cotton with zinc oxide) and is very soft against my skin. It’s also cool and lightweight, perfect because I don’t want to feel as though I’m overheating!

Coolibar uses fabrics that only allow 1/50^th of UV radiation to pass through its clothes and accessories, meaning 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays are blocked. Hurrah!

Obviously, this neck gaiter will need to be washed but according to their website, the provided sun protection in Coolibar clothing and accessories is guaranteed to never wash out. So I don’t have to worry about its effectiveness once I’ve washed it. Oh, Coolibar is recommended by dermatologists too. That makes my heart sing!

One less than hurrah moment was when I received the item. I purchased the neck gaiter and another accessory (coming soon to the blog so keep reading!) and ended up paying £15 in handling fees as this came from the USA. Pretty much the price of the neck gaiter. Oh dear.

Although I’m happy with my purchase and I’ll use this gaiter throughout the year, I’m not sure I’d buy another one because the handling fees were almost as much as the neck gaiter. I’ll have to hunt online to look for a UK based alternative. Please let me know if you come across any!

Coolibar, £15.62

Tags:  be safe in the sun coolibar neck gaiter coolibar upf 50+ neck gaiter coolibar upf neck gaiter ljubljana protect your skin from winter sun slovenia Sun awareness sun protection upf 50+ accessories upf 50+ clothing upf accessories upf clothing winter sun protection