Should You Care About The UV Index? What Even Is It?
What is the UV Index?
UV index or ultraviolet index is an internationally recognized standard measurement of the strength of ultraviolet radiation. UV can cause sunburn and damages DNA.
How Does It Work?
The UV index is a scale that assesses the risk of sun damage. The higher the UV index, the quicker you will get a sunburn. The UV index fluctuates throughout the day and is the highest at noon.
UV Index Range:
0 - 2: Minimal to no risk. If you are in the sun for more than 15 minutes, take sun protective measures ie. wearing sunscreen and sunglasses if it's bright.
3 - 5: Moderate risk. Wear sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and seek shade if possible.
6 - 7: High risk. Wear sunscreen and reapply diligently, sun protective clothing, and seek shade aggressively.
8 - 10: Very high risk. Take extra precautions and avoid the sun as much as possible.
11+: Extreme risk. Unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes.
Considerations:
The UV Index is meant to assess your risk of sunburn. It does not take into consideration other damage that accumulates with sun exposure. That is why, regardless of your skin tone, it is important to take sun protective measures whenever the sun is out. This includes if there is a UV index of 0-2.
Lower grade sun exposure (that doesn't cause a sunburn) that accumulates over our lifetime contributes markedly to skin aging, the possible formation of skin cancer, and has profound effects on our skin overall.
Sun Protective Measures:
Consider wearing sunscreen with an SPF value of at least 30
Sun protective clothing includes and is not limited to wide-brimmed hats, baseball caps, scarves, long-sleeves, and sun umbrellas
When it's between the hours of 10-4 especially in summer, consider if being outside for a prolonged period of time is necessary
Where Do I Find The UV Index?
The Weather app on your phone
