Diary

Sun protection should not be chosen randomly, whichever one you prefer. In order to find the best protection, one needs to take a few things into account including skin types, but also UV index. But what does it mean? Here’s the drill…

The UV index: understanding it for a better sun protection

UV index is the international measurement of solar radiation intensity. it indicates the level of UV radiation risk for the skin. The higher the index, the greater the radiation, and thus the greater risk of getting sunburns. It varies according to many factors:

• The time of the day: for instance, there are 3 times more UV rays at 2pm than at 10am.
• The latitude: In summer time, the UV index is 3 times greater in Martinique than in Norway.
• The altitude: The UV index goes up by 10% if you are located at an altitude of 1000m.
• The time of the year: In France, the highest UV index is around the 21st June, which corresponds to the summer solstice.

Knowing the UV index gives you a very good indication about the danger of the sun exposure at a certain time. It allows you to adapt your sun protection but also sometimes to avoid staying under the sun if the risk is too high.

Adjusting your sun protection to the UV index

Find out below about the risk of sun exposure depending on the UV index, and get tips on how to obtain good sun protection. Bear in mind that sun protection also depends on the type of skin:

UV index 1 and 2 : Low risk

It is however recommended to wear sunglasses for both adults and children.

Index UV 3 and 4 : Moderate risk

Even if those index are relatively low, it is necessary to wear some sunglasses, a hat and put on some sun cream, especially on children and people with sensitive skin. It takes only 40 minutes of sun exposure to get sunburn!

Index UV 5 and 6 : High risk

First signs of sunburn happen in only 25 minutes. It is therefore recommended for children to avoid sun exposure at the time of the day when the sun is very strong. They should also wear sunglasses, a hat and UV t-shirt or swimsuit as well as some sun cream on exposed skin areas.

Index UV 7 and 8 : Very high risk

If the UV index is 7 or 8, it takes less than 20 minutes for a child or an adult with a sensitive skin to get sunburn and 40 minutes for someone with a normal skin type. Young children should then not stay in the sun between 12 noon and 4pm. Sunglasses, hat, UV protective rash guards and clothes, and sun cream on exposed skin areas are absolutely necessary for everyone, regardless of their age.

Index 9 : Extreme risk

It only takes 15 minutes to get sunburn. Best is to avoid the sun exposure completely or at least protecting yourself at the maximum with a whole range of equipment: sunglasses, UV protective swimwear and clothes, sun cream, and a hat with a wide edge.

UV rays : friends or enemies of the skin?

From the first rays of spring, it is impossible to resist! We naturally want to enjoy the nice weather and seat outside a terrace café, or lounge under the sun on a deckchair with a nice book. The sun is a stimulator of positive thinking and plays an important role in helping fix calcium to the bones thanks to Vitamin D that it provides us generously. Good skin tones, solid bones and great mood are the good sides effects of sun exposure! It is however recommended to stay under the sun with moderation and never forget to protect yourself as well as the most sensitive ones, especially children. Over sun exposure can cause sunburns, may trigger allergies but also skin cancer. So let’s say yes to sun exposure, but always with a certain degree of moderation and of course, and never without the right sun protection.

To discover our collection of sun protective swimwear for babies, girls and boys, have a look here