Understanding the UV Index and What It Means For Your Skin

Checking the weather forecast is part of your daily routine and it’s one of the first things you do before stepping outside. With summer temperatures at record highs, you want to know what type of heat you’ll be facing during the day. You understand Fahrenheit, Celsius, precipitation, humidity and other weather related terms, but what about the UV index? It’s mentioned during the forecast, but many have no idea what it really means. Well, here it is. The UV index measures the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. So why is it so important to understand the UV index? By knowing how high the UV index is at certain points of the day, people can properly protect their skin from the damaging effects of the sun. We hear about great benefits that we get from the sun like vitamin D, but when the skin has too much exposure to the sun, the skin can burn and ultimately result in premature aging, DNA damage or skin cancer. The UV index is a linear scale, so when there are high values present, that means there is a greater risk of sunburn. These high values represent when the sun is at it most intense, which could be between 11:30am and 1:30pm, depending on the geographical location. Unfortunately, there are times when you have no choice but to bear the heat between these midday hours. Typically a few minutes during these times are not too dangerous, but once you exceed 20 minutes, there is a high probability that the skin will suffer some sort of skin damage. People with especially fair or light skin will burn a lot easier than people with dark skin. Dark skin can withstand more, but no matter how light or dark your skin is, you should take precautions and apply some topical protection. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF. It helps to block UV rays. Just because dark skin doesn’t burn as fast as light skin, doesn’t mean it doesn’t need protection from the sun. It’s an assumption that people with darker skin don’t need to wear sunblock. On the contrary, people with dark skin also face risks of sun damage and skin cancer. The UV index may measure the intensity of the sun, but it’s up to you to avoid overexposure and protect your skin at all times. For those who have skin damage from overexposure to the sun, stop by for a skin rejuvenation treatment that repairs sun damage. We’re open 10AM to 6PM Tuesday – Friday and 10AM – 4PM on Saturdays for your convenience. Drop by and talk with us. Advanced Skin Fitness 2928 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, Texas 75219 (214) 521-5277

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