know your uv index
before going in the sun
USE A PHONE APP OR WEBSITE TO PLAN AND MONITOR YOUR SUN EXPOSURE to decrease your risk
PHONE APPS FOR CHECKING UV INDEX
Check local UV Index levels for skin protection
Check local UV Index levels for skin protection
There are useful websites and phone apps that can help you know what your local UV Index rating is at anytime of the day with apps able to identify your location with GPS or just type in a zip code.
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A "LOW" rating is the ONLY rating that would be considered "SAFE SUN" where sunscreen is not needed. Some may argue "SAFE SUN" is never possible, but as discussed in our "Safe Sun With Benefits" section, you could be causing one disease or preventing another when skin gets sun without sunscreen protection. When UV Index is above two, you have to closely monitor the total time your skin type is exposed for making Vitamin D, and after reaching a limit increase protection with shade, clothing, sun glasses, and sunscreen no greater than "SPF 30" as anything higher offers no extra benefit.
here are our favorite UV Index apps
EPA's SunWise
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UV US - Weather Forecast, UV index and Alerts
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Ultraviolet ~ UV
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itan Smart
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website for checking UV Index
Type in Zip Code
UV Awareness website is a favorite because it is so easy to use and shows you how the UV Index will change throughout the day. Just look at how EXTREME UV numbers can go when you are on an island in the middle of the ocean! If going on vacation to a place from little sun to extreme sun, take it slow when you get there and check your UV Index!
Get help Keeping track of full days sun exposure
You may want to use some of the other great tools out there that do the work of keeping track of sun exposure for you. There are several wrist options including the SunFriend example below. When you wear the SunFriend watch the entire time your in the sun, you can use NASA technology to program in your skin type and have it collect data from the moment you start. A warning will let you know when you've had enough and time for more protection and sunscreen.
By wearing SunFriend on your wrist the entire time you are in the sun, including time in the water, it will collect data based on your skin type and let you know when you've reached your limit and will start to burn. More info here.
Use SunFriend to prevent sunburning
- Sun Safety is paramount! SunFriend is scientifically engineered to maximize your safer time in the sun!
- SunFriend is customizable – choose a sensitivity level that fits your skin type
- SunFriend flashes when you have had enough sun, letting you know when it is time to cover up, go inside or wear a premium sun block
- SunFriend will not overheat
- SunFriend is waterproof and durable
- Use SunFriend daily as part of a regular health program
- The best-known benefit of sunlight is its ability to boost the body’s vitamin D supply; most cases of vitamin D deficiency are due to lack of outdoor sun exposure... read more on our Sun + Health Connections page.
