Japan’s Approach to Sun Protection & Why UPF Clothing and Driving Gloves Matter
Japan’s Approach to Sun Protection & Why UPF Clothing and Driving Gloves Matter
Sun protection isn’t just about sunscreen—it’s about a full-body defense against UV rays. While many people think of sun care as a quick SPF application in the morning, Japan’s strategic sun-protection routines show that there’s so much more we can do to shield our skin from damage.
What We Can Learn from Japan’s Approach to Sun Protection
Walking through Tokyo’s famous Shibuya crossing, one of the world’s busiest intersections, the scene isn’t just a sea of people—it’s a masterclass in sun protection. Instead of letting their skin soak up the UV rays, many residents carry umbrellas and wear gloves, even on the sunniest days of the year. Their strategic approach to sun care goes beyond what many of us practice daily.
"Sun care is an important and widely accepted part of Japanese culture," says Shoko Mori, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. In Japan and other parts of Asia, sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle—people take it a step further by incorporating UPF clothing, gloves, wide-brim hats, and even SPF patches to ensure full-body protection.
UPF Clothing & Driving Gloves: The Missing Piece in Sun Protection
Most of us are diligent about applying sunscreen to our face and neck, but what about our hands, arms, and other exposed areas? The reality is that incidental sun exposure adds up—whether you’re running errands, walking your dog, or simply driving to work.
Even a beauty editor who wears sunscreen daily realized after a trip to Japan that she needed to level up her routine:
"Those differences—using an umbrella on hot and rainy days, wearing UPF clothing, and actively reapplying sunscreen in different formats versus a single, early-morning slathering from the neck up—honestly made me feel a little embarrassed."
After experiencing Japan’s commitment to sun protection firsthand, she started incorporating hats into her daily routine and is now considering UPF gloves as the next step.
Why You Should Wear Driving Gloves for UV Protection
According to David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, our hands are one of the most vulnerable areas to sun damage—especially while driving.
"Wearing UPF gloves when driving would be a great habit to develop. Our hands constantly get sun-damaged while driving, and this is an easy, quick habit to adopt."
While the editor may not own a car, she acknowledges that gloves are making their way into fashion trends, from opera-length styles on red carpets to practical driving gloves for everyday sun protection.
Final Thoughts: Stay Stylish & Sun Safe
The biggest takeaway? Sun protection is more than just sunscreen—it’s a lifestyle. Incorporating UPF clothing and driving gloves into your daily routine can help prevent premature aging, sunspots, and long-term skin damage.
At Hello Shade, we believe in making sun protection stylish, effortless, and effective. Our UPF 50+ sun sleeves and UV driving gloves are designed to keep you protected wherever the day takes you—without the hassle of reapplying sunscreen.
☀️ Stay shaded, stay stylish, and #KeepItShady.
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Read the full Allure article on Japan’s approach to sun protection here.