Dec 21, 2021

What is the UV Index and How Does it Affect Us?

This Australian summer is going to be very hot! It's important to understand the UV index so that you and your family can stay safe this scorching summer season! In this SPF blog, we help you understand the UV index and how best to stay protected to avoid skin damage.

First things first. UV explained.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun (and other sources like solariums) which you can't see or feel. This is why you can't rely on clear skies or even high temperatures to determine when you need to protect yourself from the sun. In fact, even on rainy and overcast days, UV radiation can affect us.

UV Index. What is it?

The UV index is a scale between 1 (being the lowest) and 20 (being the highest) which measures the risk of exposure to the UV from the sun.

The UV level is affected by a number of factors including:

The time of day as well as the time of the year
Amount of cloud cover
Altitude and how close you are to the equator

How does UV effect us?

Some UV exposure is recommended for vitamin D, but too much of it is dangerous. Overexposure to UV radiation (the sun) is the biggest contributor to skin damage, including skin cancer. It also effects the ageing of our skin.

How do you know what the UV index is?

Weather apps to the rescue! Thankfully, smart phone weather apps can tell you in the moment UV index levels.

If you don't like bringing your smart phone while out for a swim, riding your bike or for a run? No worries. You can always use the shadow rule. The shorter your shadow, the higher the UV exposure.

Protecting yourself from UV.

The best way to protect yourself is to only be in the sun when UV levels are at their lowest avoiding certain times of the day. In addition it's important to cover up as much as possible, with appropriate clothing, headwear and eyewear.

And of course, protecting yourself with a high-quality SPF sunscreen and then reapply reapply, reapply. (Every 2 hours or 80 minutes if you're sweating).

KINeSYS SPF 30 Natural Clear Zinc is perfect for all skin types. Our mineral sunscreen provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. The 100% natural formula is gentle on sensitive skin and sweat and water resistant. Try it out today!