Whether you’re heading to the lake, hitting the trails, or just enjoying the backyard, sun safety matters. These days, many people, especially teens, are checking “the number” before heading outside. With apps, weather reports, and TikToks tracking UV levels, it’s become part of the daily routine. But what does that number really mean? And how can you use it to help protect your family’s skin this summer?
Here’s a quick, easy-to-understand guide to UV rays, how they’re measured, and how to keep sun safety simple.
What Is the UV Index?
The UV Index (UVI) is an international standard used to measure the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. It was developed to raise awareness about skin protection and skin cancer prevention. The UV Index ranges from 1 to 11+, with 11 and above considered extreme and carrying the highest risk for skin and eye damage.
- Each level comes with sun protection guidelines.
- Studies show that most people have a low awareness of the UV Index, and it doesn’t strongly influence their sun protection habits.
Knowing the daily UV level can help you make safer decisions about time in the sun, especially if you love tanning.
UV Tools To Use
- UV Index Meter (Most Common)
- Measures the intensity of UV radiation at Earth’s surface.
- Types of devices include SolarMeter Model 6.5 and AccuWeather UV Index Meters.
- These use the standard UV scale and indicate the strength of UV rays that cause sunburn.
- UV Dosimeters
- These are wearable sensors that are used for personal monitoring and managing your own sun exposure.
- Measures cumulative UV exposure.
- Spectroradiometers
- Mostly used for scientific use like labs and dermatology
- Highly precise measurement of UV spectrum.
Types of UV Rays: What’s Actually Harming Your Skin?
- UVA (315-400 nm)
- Causes aging with wrinkling and loss of elasticity, penetrates deep into skin.
- Minor factor in UV index.
- UVB (280-315 nm)
- Can cause sunburn and skin cancer by serious damage to DNA.
- Main factor of UV index.
- UVC (100-280 nm)
- Not a concern for humans, as these rays are mostly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere.
- Not a factor in the UV index.
UV Index and What Each Level Means
- 0-2 (Low)
- Minimal risk.
- Sunscreen is still recommended.
- 3-5 (Moderate)
- Try to seek shade during midday.
- Wear sunglasses and apply SPF 30+.
- 6-7 (High)
- Sunburn in half an hour.
- Wear protective clothing, a hat, and SPF 30+.
- 8-10 (Very High)
- Sunburn taking place in 15-20 minutes.
- Limit sun exposure and use SPF 50+.
- 11+ (Extreme)
- Risk of sunburn in under 10 minutes.
- Stay indoors and high protection is required.
How to Tan Safely
Your teen can still enjoy the sun, it’s all about finding the right balance. Encourage breaks in the shade, keep SPF on hand, and help them understand what the UV Index means for their skin. “Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply often,” says Dr. Rockers, MD, Dermatologist at Truyu Aesthetic Center. “It’s important to use hats, protective clothing, and sunscreen for you and your children for those weekends at the lake. Sunburns in childhood more than double the risk of melanoma that can appear decades later in life.”
Understanding the UV Index empowers your family to enjoy summer safely and confidently. A little awareness goes a long way in protecting your skin for years to come. If you or your teen experience a rash, sunburn, or other skin concerns, Altru is here to help. Visit one of our Express Care locations, schedule an appointment at altru.org, or call 701.780.5000 for expert skin care close to home.
For ongoing skin concerns or routine skin checks, connect with our dermatology experts at Truyu Aesthetic Center at 701.780.6623, your trusted resource for healthy, glowing skin at every age.