The overwhelming majority of American dermatologists believe that clothing is the first line of defense in sun protection

The overwhelming majority of American dermatologists believe that clothing is the first line of defense in sun protection

MINNEAPOLIS, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past 9 years Coolibar, the nation's leading sun protective clothing manufacturer, has conducted a survey among the nation's dermatologists during the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), to determine their recommendations for the best methods of sun protection.

Research results from the 70th Annual Meeting, the largest meeting on record, held in San Diego, CA, March 17-19, 2012 revealed a unified response. The overwhelming majority of American dermatologists now believe that UPF clothing should be the first line of defense in sun protection followed by sunscreen. This attitude is held by 95.1% of American dermatologists (+/- 1.2% at the 95% confidence level) and is based on 1,265 survey participants.

"We know that the most effective sun protection comes from using a combination of methods including sun protective clothing and hats as a foundation plus sunglasses and sunscreens," said John Barrow, founder and president of Coolibar. This year's survey results highlight the importance of including sun protective clothing in summer wardrobes and come on the heels of the new guidelines for sunscreens from the FDA.