Spending time under the sun to get a tan is the most popular and easiest way. The ultraviolet rays can help you to get tan in no time. But spending long hours under the sun can sometimes be, quite risky. Too much exposure to UV rays can cause severe damage to your skin.
So, in this article, I will talk about the UV index and let you understand its purpose. The ultraviolet rays index is calculated on a scale from 0 to 10. The higher the level is the more you are at risk.
A higher UV index indicates that you should spend less time under the sun while tanning. You should also use sunscreen with a higher SPF before going out in the sun for tanning if the UV index shows higher numbers on the scale.
What Do you Mean by the Uv Index?
The intensity of the UV rays differs the whole year and mainly depends on your closeness to the sun. the UV index also measures the strength of the ultraviolet rays of any place.
The UV index scale was developed by a Canadian scientist in the early 90s. its main purpose is to help people protect themselves from over-exposure to UV rays while getting tan.
As mentioned above the values range from 0 to 11 on the scale. The higher the number shows the more you are at risk of getting sunburn. In places where the UV rays are mostly on their higher side, people are advised not to go outside between 10 am to 4 pm.
But if you have to go out during this time then, always remember to wear sunglasses, long-sleeved clothes, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Uv Index Scale (UVI)
Which UV Index Is Best to Get Tan?
Both the UVA and UVB rays are required to get tan. But the UVB rays help your skin produce more pigment cells. Which index is best for you depends on several factors like your skin type, altitude, and location.
Over-exposure to UVB rays can cause severe damage to your skin. so, try out some tan accelerating body lotion before going out in the sun. an accelerator will already produce more pigment cells thus, you don’t have to spend long hours outside to get that dark sun-kissed look.
During summer avoid going out in the sun from 10 am to 3 pm to get a tan. You can spend 15 to 30 minutes in the sun daily between 11 am to 3 pm from March to October.
Always remember the lower the value on the scale shows the more time you can spend in the sun with minimal risk. The UV index value between 3 to 7 is moderate and anything above it is high. Always use good sunscreen with higher SPF when you are spending long hours under the sun to get tan.
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I will guide you to choose the best outdoor tanning lotion and also share my opinion on these tanning lotions.
When Are the UV Rays at Their Highest?
Tanning on those summer days is best to get that dark tan. But you should avoid tanning under the scorching sun to prevent sunburn. During both summer and a cloudless day, the ultraviolet radiation is at its highest between 10 am to 3 pm
So, being exposed to the sun even for a short time during that period can cause sunburn. If you want to get tan on a hot scorching day then, using sunscreen with higher SPF is mandatory.
At What Uv Index Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is the most essential product that one should use before tanning. So, you should use sunscreen even if you are going out for tanning on a less bright day.
Go for a sunscreen with SPF 15 or above even if the number on the UV index is low i.e, 1 or 2. From numbers 3 to 6 on the scale, you should use sunscreen with SPF 30 and above. And for any number greater than 7 on the UV index wear sunscreen with SPF 50 and above.
You should always spend the required time even if you use sunscreen with a higher SPF. Do not spend excess time under the sun as it may cause severe damage to your skin.
Final Thought
The UV index chart shared above can guide you completely to getting tan without sunburn. Although spending long hours under the sun can sometimes be harmful, by following the UV index chart properly you can go out without any hesitation.
Just remember to take proper precautions and always use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
You can google or check the weather app on your smartphone to find out the right UV index of your location.
