Check our UV Index: Staying sun safe this summer

With summer in full swing, make sure your skin is protected from the increasing solar radiation.

Across summer the UV index in the UK often reaches moderate levels daily beneath unbroken sunshine. Even on a cloudy day, UV levels can still be high with UV able to be reflected and scattered in the clouds.

Especially after the dark winter months, the skin often does not yet have sufficient self-protection. The strength of the sun in spring is also often underestimated. During this time of the year, the sun is as strong as it is in mid-August.

There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC is the most dangerous form of UV radiation, but luckily this is absorbed by the atmosphere before it reaches Earth.

UVB penetrates the top layer of the skin and leads to sunburn. UVA is the most potent source which we are exposed to all year long. It can pass through windows and clouds and penetrates deep into our skin, leading to ageing and increasing our risk of skin cancer.

Because of the dangers associated with increased levels of UV, particularly in the spring and summer months when UV radiation is at its strongest, the UV Index was created. The higher the UV Index, the stronger the UV radiation and faster the skin will burn.

Across the UK and Ireland, UV levels tend to reach 7 on the hottest days. At this level, there is a risk of burning within 30-60 minutes. As we spend more time outside, be sure to check the UV Index level near you inside our app!