Struggling to get enough vitamin D? MicroTan® swimwear is here to help. This fabric is designed to let in UV-A rays while blocking most harmful UV-B rays, giving your body the sunlight it needs to produce vitamin D safely. Traditional swimwear often blocks UV rays entirely, but MicroTan®’s micro-perforated design allows for controlled sun exposure - similar to SPF 8–15 protection - while offering comfort and quick-drying features.
Key Benefits of MicroTan® Fabric:
- Boosts Vitamin D Production: Allows UV-A rays to pass through for vitamin D synthesis, while blocking most UV-B rays.
- Balanced Sun Protection: Works like SPF 8–15, reducing sunburn risk.
- Quick-Drying and Breathable: Dries 7x faster than standard swimwear and keeps you cool.
- Supports Health: Helps prevent vitamin D deficiency, which is linked to weak bones, mood disorders, and reduced immunity.
MicroTan® swimwear is perfect for those looking to enjoy the sun responsibly while addressing vitamin D deficiency. Whether you're swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying time outdoors, this fabric combines comfort and health benefits in one smart solution.
How to Get Vitamin D and Stay Sun-Safe | Lab Muffin Beauty Science
Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency and Its Effects
Vitamin D deficiency impacts millions across the U.S., highlighting the importance of understanding both its role in the body and the challenges of maintaining adequate levels through natural means.
What Vitamin D Does for Your Body
Vitamin D plays a critical role in keeping your body functioning properly. It helps with calcium absorption, supports muscle function, and plays a part in mood regulation - all of which are essential for strong bones, mobility, and overall health.
When levels are too low, the effects can be serious. In children, it can lead to rickets, while adults may develop osteomalacia, a condition that weakens bones. Low vitamin D levels are also linked to increased risks of falls, fractures, chronic illnesses, and even mood disorders like depression. Despite its importance, getting enough sunlight - the primary source of vitamin D - has become increasingly difficult.
Why Getting Enough Sun Exposure Is Difficult
Modern lifestyles make it harder than ever to get adequate sun exposure. Around 35% of adults in the U.S. are vitamin D deficient, and as many as 70% may have insufficient levels. Certain groups are especially vulnerable - 61% of older adults and a significant percentage of infants, including 47% of African American and 56% of Caucasian babies, experience deficiency.
Spending too much time indoors is a major factor. Many Americans simply don’t get outside enough to allow their bodies to naturally produce vitamin D. For those who do, geography can still be a major hurdle. If you live above roughly 33° latitude (think northern states or the Midwest), your body may struggle to produce enough vitamin D from sunlight for nearly half the year.
"Vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States, wherever you are." - Michael Walker, N.D., naturopathic oncology provider at City of Hope® Cancer Center Chicago
Environmental and biological factors further complicate matters. Air pollution - like ozone and nitrous oxide - absorbs much of the UVB radiation your skin needs to produce vitamin D. Even under ideal conditions, only about 1% of UVB radiation reaches the Earth's surface during peak sunlight hours in the summer. Age also plays a role; for instance, a 70-year-old produces only about 25% of the vitamin D3 that a 20-year-old would when exposed to the same sunlight.
Ironically, measures we take to protect our skin can also limit vitamin D production. Sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks 95–98% of UVB rays, and clothing, including swimwear, can further reduce exposure. This creates a tricky balance between safeguarding your skin and ensuring your body gets enough UVB for vitamin D synthesis.
Skin tone is another factor. People with darker skin have more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen, meaning they need more sun exposure to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.
Even everyday barriers like windows can block UVB rays, making indoor sunlight ineffective for boosting vitamin D levels. To counteract these challenges, spending time outdoors with mindful exposure - or exploring solutions like MicroTan® fabric - can help maintain healthier vitamin D levels.
How MicroTan® Fabric Improves Vitamin D Production
MicroTan® fabric changes the game when it comes to UV exposure, allowing your body to produce vitamin D without compromising on coverage. This material is designed to help your body benefit from the sun's rays while keeping you protected. Let’s break down how MicroTan® achieves this balance.
The Technology Behind MicroTan® Fabric
MicroTan® fabric is crafted from a unique blend of polyester and lycra, featuring thousands of microscopic perforations - recently increased from 700 to 2,000 holes per square inch. These tiny openings are key to its functionality, enabling selective UV filtering. It lets in just the right amount of sunlight for vitamin D synthesis while maintaining the fabric’s strength. Specifically, it blocks harmful UV-B rays but allows enough UV-A rays to support your body's natural vitamin D production. This sets it apart from regular lycra, which typically blocks UV rays entirely.
The fabric’s lightweight and breathable design adds another layer of comfort, promoting airflow and keeping your skin cool during sun exposure. Plus, it dries up to 7 times faster than standard swimwear, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.
Getting UV Protection and Vitamin D at the Same Time
MicroTan® fabric strikes a balance between protecting your skin and allowing beneficial sun exposure. It offers a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 7, comparable to wearing sunscreen with SPF 8–15. This level of protection filters out the most harmful rays while still permitting enough UV for vitamin D synthesis, helping to reduce the risk of sunburn.
To maximize safety, it’s recommended to apply SPF 15 sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin not covered by the swimwear. This combination ensures you get the health benefits of vitamin D while minimizing potential skin damage. The fabric also promotes gradual, controlled tanning, offering a safer alternative to prolonged or intense sun exposure. By addressing vitamin D deficiency in such a practical way, MicroTan® swimwear lets you enjoy the sun responsibly and comfortably.
sbb-itb-d2baa00
Health and Practical Benefits of MicroTan® Swimwear
MicroTan® swimwear isn’t just about style - it’s designed to enhance your outdoor experience with features that promote both comfort and well-being. Its innovative fabric technology goes far beyond what traditional swimwear offers.
Superior Comfort and Quick-Drying Technology
The MicroTan® fabric is crafted with microscopic perforations that improve breathability and wick away moisture, giving you a more enjoyable swimming experience. Unlike traditional swimwear made from cotton or heavy synthetic materials, which can take hours to dry, MicroTan® dries up to 7 times faster - often in as little as 30 minutes.
This quick-drying feature is a game-changer, especially for travelers. No more dealing with damp swimsuits in your luggage or waiting endlessly for them to dry between activities. Plus, the moisture-wicking properties help prevent chafing by keeping your skin dry.
The lightweight, breathable design also keeps you cool and comfortable under the sun, making it easier to enjoy extended periods outdoors. These thoughtful details not only make your swimwear practical but also contribute to your overall comfort and well-being.
Supporting Your Health and Wellness
MicroTan® swimwear doesn’t just focus on comfort - it’s designed with your health in mind. By allowing controlled UV exposure, it supports your body’s natural ability to produce vitamin D, which plays a key role in maintaining mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Swimming itself is a fantastic way to boost your health, and when paired with MicroTan®, the benefits are amplified. Studies have shown that aquatic exercise can be especially effective in reducing anxiety compared to other activities like land-based aerobics, meditation, or even traditional Chinese exercises. Swimming also strengthens your immune system.
"Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your immune system running at full tilt and primed to fight off any pathogens you may encounter." – Elaine K Howley, Award-winning Freelance Writer and Editor
In fact, research reveals that individuals who exercise at least five days a week are 43% less likely to develop upper respiratory tract infections over a 12-week period. Additionally, the quick-drying material helps reduce prolonged damp exposure, which can lower the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Adding MicroTan® Swimwear to Your Routine
MicroTan® swimwear offers a smart way to enjoy the sun, boosting vitamin D production while keeping your skin protected. Let’s dive into how to choose the perfect style to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Picking the Right Swimwear for Your Needs
BetterTan's swimwear collection is designed with both form and function in mind. With a variety of cuts, you can find styles that not only complement your body shape but also enhance UV exposure for vitamin D production. These swimsuits combine aesthetic appeal with practical benefits like quick-drying fabrics and controlled sun exposure.
The fabric provides SPF 8–15 protection, striking a balance between shielding your skin and allowing beneficial UV rays to reach it. Whether you’re swimming laps, relaxing by the pool, or playing beach volleyball, there’s a style to match your activities. For those extended sunbathing sessions, one-piece designs offer maximum skin exposure, helping you naturally boost your vitamin D levels.
Getting Vitamin D Benefits Safely
To safely support vitamin D synthesis, timing and exposure are key. Direct sunlight during midday - when UVB rays are strongest - offers the best results. However, the amount of sun exposure you need depends on factors like location and skin tone.
For example, in much of the U.S. between 30° and 40° north, 4 to 15 minutes of midday sun from February through November is usually sufficient. Those with darker skin may need 25 to 40 minutes, while lighter-skinned individuals often require only 10 to 15 minutes.
When the UV index hits 7, spending 10 to 15 minutes outdoors with most of your skin exposed can generate around 10,000 to 15,000 units of vitamin D in one session. To maximize benefits, expose as much skin as possible before applying additional sunscreen. MicroTan®’s SPF 8–15 fabric offers a baseline level of protection, allowing effective UV exposure without overdoing it.
Start gradually, as MicroTan® fabric helps prevent burning while your skin builds tolerance. Stay hydrated during longer outdoor activities, and remember that UVB rays don’t penetrate glass - so soaking up sunlight through a window won’t boost your vitamin D levels.
For colder months or northern regions with limited sunlight, vitamin D supplements can help fill the gap. Still, make the most of sunny days or warm-weather trips to keep your levels up.
MicroTan® swimwear combines style and health benefits, giving you a safe, effective way to enjoy the sun without sacrificing sun safety.
Conclusion: Combine Style and Health with MicroTan®
MicroTan® fabric provides a smart way to balance skin protection and vitamin D production. Thanks to its micro-perforations, it allows 80% of UV tanning rays to pass through, encouraging natural vitamin D synthesis while offering skin protection similar to SPF 8–15.
This fabric doesn’t stop at promoting vitamin D. By exposing more skin to sunlight, MicroTan® swimwear may also contribute to benefits like improved immunity, better mood regulation, and enhanced muscle strength.
On top of its health-focused features, the fabric's porous structure ensures it dries up to 7 times faster than standard swimwear. It's lightweight, breathable, and designed for maximum comfort.
BetterTan's MicroTan® collection combines these health benefits with stylish swimwear options. With a glowing 4.9-star rating from 8,593 customers, the collection proves you don't have to choose between function and fashion. It’s swimwear that supports your well-being while keeping you looking great.
FAQs
How does MicroTan® fabric help with tanning and vitamin D absorption compared to regular swimwear?
MicroTan® fabric is crafted with a unique micro-perforated design that allows more UV-A rays to pass through. This not only helps you achieve a more even tan but also supports vitamin D production. Unlike regular swimwear, which blocks most UV rays, MicroTan® fabric works differently - it filters out most UV-B rays while letting UV-A rays reach your skin. Think of it as similar to wearing SPF 8-15. The result? A natural tan, fewer tan lines, and a boost to your body's ability to produce vitamin D.
Can I use MicroTan® swimwear to support vitamin D levels in areas with limited sunlight?
MicroTan® swimwear is specially designed to support vitamin D production, even in areas where sunlight is scarce. Its micro-perforated fabric lets through up to 80% of UV rays, promoting natural vitamin D synthesis while still providing a moderate level of sun protection (UPF 7-15). This combination makes it a stylish and comfortable way to help maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
To stay protected, it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen to exposed skin while wearing MicroTan® swimwear. That way, you can enjoy the sun’s benefits safely, no matter where you are.
What steps should I take to safely enjoy the benefits of MicroTan® swimwear and promote vitamin D production without risking sunburn?
To get the most out of your MicroTan® swimwear while supporting vitamin D production, it’s important to take a few precautions to protect your skin and health:
- Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed areas of your skin. While MicroTan® fabric lets UV rays through to aid vitamin D production, it only offers minimal UV protection (UPF 7-15).
- Avoid peak sun hours: Limit your time in the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are at their strongest.
- Ease into it: Start with shorter periods of sun exposure to give your skin time to adjust and avoid overexposure.
- Stay hydrated: Keep a bottle of water handy and drink often to maintain healthy skin and prevent dehydration while enjoying the sun.
By following these steps, you can safely enjoy the benefits of MicroTan® swimwear without risking sunburn or overexposure.