What is the UV Index? Dermatologists reveal top tips to protect you from skin damage
- The UV index is a score to measure how strong the sunlight is, not how hot it is
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays should always be a priority, especially in the summer months.
But there are certain times of the day when you’re most at risk.
The UV index – a score for measuring how strong the sunlight is during the day – indicates both how likely you are to burn and how quickly. It runs from 0 to 11.
Sun protection is recommended when the UV index is a score of 3 or higher.
But sunscreen isn’t the only option, as covering up with clothing and spending time in the shade also protects against UV rays.
The UV index is a score to measure how strong the sunlight is during the day and to give an indication of how likely you are to burn and how quickly you burn. It runs from 0 to 11
When people think of sun protection, they often think of sunscreen, but there are many ways to protect your skin from UV rays. Pictured is a file photo of damaged skin.
Dermatologists from the British Skin Foundation (BSF) say to cover as much skin as possible and consider wearing a t-shirt and hat even in the water. Sunglasses are another effective barrier against the rays, protecting the skin around your eyes.
And UV rays can also damage the eyes themselves, so it’s essential to choose sunglasses with good quality lenses that filter out the UV.
Seeking shade whenever possible is also key to protecting your skin.
This is especially important in the middle of the day, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest. BSF recommends keeping babies and toddlers shaded at all times if possible.
But using sunscreen correctly is of course the best way to protect your skin when you go outside.
Always wear a sun protection factor of at least SPF 30+ and apply it 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. This gives it time to harden so it doesn’t run off when you sweat.
It is also recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours and if you use SPF on your face, make sure it is the last part of your skincare regimen.
And don’t forget to wear an SPF lip balm because, according to BSF, this is one area of the body that is often neglected.
What is the UV Index?
The UV index can often be found in the weather forecast.
The score doesn’t measure how hot it will be, but what the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays will be at different times of the day, helping people take action to protect their skin from sun damage and burns .
The UV index starts at zero, which would be the middle of the night when it’s dark, and goes up to 11 – which is described as extreme.
A UV score of anywhere above 7 or 8 is considered very high, meaning you are more likely to get a sunburn.
When the UV is zero, it is safe to be outside for some time without protection. For a score of 1 to 2, you can still safely stay outside, but you should consider SPF if you are in direct sunlight.
A score of 3 to 5 is when your level of protection becomes more important. Sunscreen is advised by experts at this level, and you should be wary of spending time outside during the middle hours of the day.
Your risk of sunburn increases with a score of 6 to 7 and you are advised to seek shade, cover up and apply sunscreen at midday.
A score of 8 to 10 is classified as high UV and covering up with clothing, a hat and sunscreen are considered essential. You should also seek shade from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
A UV score of 11 is the highest risk of sunburn and experts recommend staying indoors.
The type of skin you have can also affect the level of protection you choose.
Skin expert Dr Ross Perry said: ‘Common sense would say that if you have lighter skin you are much more likely to get sunburned than people with darker skin and if you go out in the sun and it’s hot then apply a sunscreen. suitable sunscreen.
“SPF and covering or avoiding the sun and staying in the shade are the best ways to prevent UV/sun damage, so you need to use common sense.”