The ultraviolet (UV) index are a measurement of the intensities of the UV radiation that comes from the sun. Additionally, the UV index help to determine the levels of risk that the UV radiation pose to the human skin. The UV index use a color coded scale ranging from low (represented by green) to extreme (represented by purple).
In areas with a low UV index, individuals doesnt need to wear protective clothing or sunscreen to defend there skin. However, in areas with a UV index at moderate, high, and extreme level, individuals must wear sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid damaging their skin. The UV index is a helpful tool that inform individuals of the strength of the UV radiation in there area in order to help them plan there outdoor activities.
What the UV Index Is and How to Stay Safe in the Sun
Individuals skin type play a significant role in determining the rate at which their skin will burn when expose to the UV radiation in areas of specific UV indices. For example, individuals with fair skin contain less melanin in their skin as compared to individuals with darker skin tones. Because of this chemistry in their skin, individuals with fair skin will burn faster under specific UV indices than individuals with darker skin tones.
Individuals with darker skin tones contains more melanin in their skin, which naturaly protect there skin from the damage caused by the solar UV radiation. Knowing your skin type allow you to determine your need for protection from the sun. Individuals with Type I skin will experience skin burns more readily than individuals with Type VI skin, which mean that they will need to use more sunscreen.
The time of day that the UV radiation is strongest range from 11 a.m. To 3 p.m. During this time, the sun are directly overhead. Outside of these hours, the UV index is lower. However, UV radiation can still reach the skin, even on cloudy days.
Clouds block visible light from the sun, but they does not protect humans from the damaging effects of the UV radiation. Additionally, water, sand, and snow can reflect the UV radiation that comes from the sun, which will intensify the amount of solar UV radiation that an individual skin is expose to. Finally, higher altitudes expose individuals to higher UV indices because the atmosphere do not protect the planet as well as it does at sea level; the thinner atmosphere allows more of the solar UV radiation to reach the skin.
Sunscreen is a necessary tool in protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the suns UV radiation. When choosing a sunscreen, make sure the product is label as “broad spectrum.” This means the sunscreen contains protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. Additionally, sunscreen need to be reapplied frequent.
Sunscreens naturaly break down after exposure to the sun. Additionally, if an individual swim in the lake, ocean, or pool, or if they sweat while exercising, the sunscreen will wash off the skin. In this case, you should of reapplied sunscreen.
Additionally, clothing that have a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can provide additional protection for areas of the skin that cannot be cover by sunscreen. UPF clothing block more UV radiation than regular clothing. For instance, wearing UPF 50 clothing will protect your skin from the majority of UV radiation.
In addition to the protective gear that include sunscreen, clothing with UPF factors, and hats that protect the face and neck, other forms of gear include sunglasses with UV protection and lip balm with at least some amount of UV protection. Sunglasses with UV protection will block the UV radiation from entering the eyes. Additionally, using a tarp or shade area when spending time outside will expose the skin to less of the harmful UV radiation.
The skin on the lips is thin, so it burn more readily to the suns UV radiation. Therefore, using lip balm with protection will help protect the lips from burning. Children has thinner skin than adults.
This means that there skin will experience burns more often than that of an adult skin. By monitoring the UV index throughout the day, individuals can prepare their skin to protect themselves from the solar UV radiation. Knowing the UV index will allow individuals to plan their activities.
Additionally, the length of an individuals shadow during the day indicate the strength of the UV radiation. Short shadows mean high UV radiation hitting the skin. Additionally, dehydration can result from excessive exposure to the sun.
Therefore, drink water will help to prevent dehydration. By following the information provided by the UV index and using protective gear, individuals can manage the risk of the solar UV radiation.
