Winter UV Index Update

It is around this time of year, when the days are shortest and clouds loom large in the sky that we keep our summer sunscreens packed away. Unfortunately just because you can’t feel the sun doesn’t mean we are not exposed to the deadly effect of UV radiation.

UV type A, the deadliest of the UV radiation to reach the earth’s surface, will penetrate cloud regardless of the season. Admittedly the atmosphere, especially clouds, will absorb a fair proportion of the radiation but enough radiation will reach the surface to present a risk to anyone spending an hour or more in the open.

The best way to assess the risk is to take note of the UV Index. The UV Index is a forecast of how much radiation will hit the earth surface and can be obtained for a specific location on a certain day.

The index is easily obtainable, for instance www.metoffice.gov.uk will provide forecasts for most parts of Great Britain and Europe, and anyone wanting a quick update for Leeds can go to the NRPB site.  The index is measured in units on a scale of 0 to 11 where 0 is negligible and 11 is very dangerous.

As a general rule a forecast up to the scale of 2 requires no special precautions. A forecast up to scale 4 will need some precautions especially if someone is red or fair haired with blue or green eyes. Above scale 5 most people will need to take precautions. By way of example a blue eyed fair haired person would need to use a full spectrum sunscreen or sun-block if they wanted to stay more than 20 minutes in the sun if the UV Index was scale 5.

Unfortunately various other factors can enhance the dangerous effects of UV A radiation. The exposure increases by the sea and from wet sand and it will almost double if you are above 3,000 metres, so alpine skiers beware.

The easiest way to relate the UV Index to your personal circumstances is to ask SkinGenesis for a personal sun protection guide which will be specific to your skin type. For those that want an in depth explanation of the dangers of UV radiation, the UV Index and sun protection there is comprehensive guide on our website.