by kelly
/ March, 9 2016 01:30
We talk a lot about ultraviolet (UV) rays - what they are and why it's important to stay protected from them. That's because UV rays are a leading cause of skin damage and premature skin aging. But how do you measure UV rays? Well we've got the 411 for you as part of our Suncare Smarts series.
The strength of UV rays at any particular time and place is measured by something called the UV index. The UV index is a scale from 1 to 11+ with one being low UV strength and 11+ high. This index is calculated everyday by the US National Weather Service and is also the standard internationally. On the US National Weather Service's site you can find daily UV index updates for major US cities and on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) site you can search for the UV index by zip code.
So how do you interpret the rating and what do you do about it? Well, here is information how to read the UV index and how to stay protected thanks to the US Environmental Protection Agency:
| UV Index | How To Stay Protected |
|---|
| 0-2 |
Low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person:
- Wear sunglasses on bright days.
- If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.
|
| 3-5 |
Moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure:
- Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
- If outdoors, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
|
| 6-7 |
High risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Protection against skin and eye damage is needed:
- Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
|
| 8-10 |
Very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions because unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly:
- Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
|
| 11+ |
Extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take all precautions because unprotected skin and eyes can burn in minutes:
- Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
|
Another thing to remember, UV rays are present year-round - don't think because it's winter you don't need to think about UV exposure. The UV strength maybe lower during colder months but your skin can still burn, it still contributes to premature aging and it's still a cause of skin cancer. It's important to stay safe in the sun no matter the time of year, type of weather (up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds) or time of day.
Knowing the UV index makes us sun smart - and being sun smart will help protect and prevent sun damage. So the next time you head outside go ahead feel free to check out the UV index in your area.
