Are you playing it safe in the sun? The standardized UV index scale tells you how quickly your skin will burn without protection. Check out the UV Index and the latest UV forecast for your area! The ultraviolet (UV) index is a scale that represents the intensity of UV radiation produced by the sun. The index was originally created by Canadian scientists in the early 1990s and has since been adapted for use throughout the world. The UV Index also recommends “Actions to Take”—such as wearing sunscreen and a hat—to avoid getting burned. The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) measure ultraviolet levels on a daily basis, and use these numbers to create daily exposure forecasts. See the UV Index forecast for your area by entering your zip code below (the information will open in a new tab) or visiting the EPA website. Example of UV Index ForecastForecast for Solar Noon on July 4, 2021  UV Index Scale Each UV Index Number is associated with “Exposure Level,” “Time to Burn,” and “Actions to Take.” People with lighter skin need to be more cautious. People with darker skin may be able to tolerate more exposure. Note that reflections off of snow, water, and white sand can nearly double UV strength.
Source: EPA UV Index The Shadow RuleFollow the EPA’s Shadow Rule to estimate how much UV radiation you are being exposed to:
Combating SunburnsSun safety is all about prevention. If your fun in the Sun does result in sunburn, we hope that these 20 home remedies for sunburn will help provide relief. Will it be sunny in your area this summer? Check out our Summer Weather Forecast to find out!
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A white circle with a black border surrounding a chevron pointing up. It indicates 'click here to go back to the top of the page.' If the UV index is high, it's best to wait until later in the day to hit the beach. Ippei Naoi/Getty If you're hoping to get a tan (especially during the summer), you might want to know the best level of exposure to UV radiation to do so. However, it doesn't exist. "There is no good UV index for tanning," says Dr. Cindy Wassef, assistant professor of dermatology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. "There is no such thing as a safe tan." If you still want to get a sun-kissed tan despite the risks — like premature aging and skin cancer — use sunscreen, reapply it frequently, and avoid the sun during its peak hours with help using the UV index. Here's what you should know about the UV index and how to protect your skin from the sun. "The UV index rates the strength of ultraviolet rays coming from the sun on a scale of 1 to 11, with higher numbers indicating stronger ultraviolet radiation," says Wassef. Knowing the UV index forecast for the day can help guide your activity, clothing, and sunscreen choices, she adds. Here is the breakdown of the UV index and the sun protection you need: You can check the daily UV index for the day by downloading the UV Index Mobile App or entering either your ZIP code or city and state on the UV Index Search. You may also view a four-day UV Index Forecast to plan your activities for the next few days. Aside from daily fluctuations, UV radiation changes intensity based on:
When you're exposed to UV radiation, your body increases the production of melanin — the brown pigment that causes tanning — to protect the skin. So by the time you actually see a tan, some damage to your skin has already occurred. "As a dermatologist, I would say it is never okay to tan," says Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Massick adds that the safest UV index for being outdoors would be the lowest possible: <2. But even if the UV index is at the lowest level, you still must protect your skin with sunscreen. In addition, those who resort to indoor tanning beds to avoid the sun's rays are actually most at risk of skin damage. The average sunbed emits UV radiation at an index of 12 to 13, which is incredibly strong. Although data from 2018 shows that indoor tanning use in the US generally declined in recent years, about 7.8 million adults still use it today. If you really want to get a tan, opt for "sunless" tanning creams containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that interacts with the proteins in your skin to produce a brownish pigment. It can give you a simulated tan without the risks associated with UV radiation. Note: While DHA is FDA-approved for topical applications like cream or lotions, it is not approved for use in spray form — like at-home spray tans or misting from tanning booths — due to limited safety data. In fact, the use of DHA in aerosol spray form has been found to cause side effects like rashes, cough, dizziness, and fainting. According to Massick and Wassef, tanning comes with a lot of risks, which include:
Excessive exposure to UV radiation — whether from sunlight or the use of indoor tanning — increases the risk for all types of skin cancer. The best way to avoid the risks of tanning is to protect your skin from the sun. Here are some tips from Massick and Wassef:
"The more consistent you are with protecting your skin from the sun, the better off you'll be in preventing and avoiding the changes from cumulative sun exposure," Massick says. cdwheatley/Getty Images For the best protection during all different times of the UV index, choosing the right sunscreen can be as important as applying it correctly. Here are some of the best sunscreens we've tested for all different skin types and tones: Overexposure to UV radiation can cause premature aging and skin cancer. To guide your daily activities and level of sun protection, make sure to check the UV Index of the day before going out. "When it comes to tanning, any degree of UV exposure can damage the health of your skin," Massick says. "There is no such thing as the 'healthy glow' or 'sun-kissed' look from a tan."
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