{"id":59974,"date":"2025-08-11T13:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-11T13:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/levels-and-tanning-risks-explained\/"},"modified":"2025-08-11T13:31:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-11T13:31:00","slug":"levels-and-tanning-risks-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gulftimes.ae\/?p=59974","title":{"rendered":"Levels and tanning risks explained"},"content":{"rendered":"
Warm weather can often bring high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. <\/p>\n
UV radiation is emitted by the Sun and penetrates the Earth’s atmosphere.<\/p>\n
Some exposure is essential for our wellbeing, but too much can cause skin damage. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Is UV dangerous?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
UV is beneficial because it enables our skin to produce essential vitamin D.<\/p>\n
This is important for the function of bones, blood cells and our immune system. <\/p>\n
But we need to be careful about how much time we spend in the sunshine, warns Prof Dorothy Bennett, from St George’s, University of London.<\/p>\n
“Every exposure to UV, especially every sunburn, increases our risk of skin cancer.<\/p>\n
“Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, is now the fifth commonest cancer in the UK, the ongoing rise being attributed to sunbathing.”<\/p>\n
UV radiation promotes skin cancer by damaging DNA in skin cells.<\/p>\n
It also plays a substantial role in skin ageing, contributing to wrinkles and loosened folds.<\/p>\n
UV exposure has also been linked to eye problems,<\/b> including cataracts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What is the UV index? <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
Levels of UV radiation vary throughout the day.<\/p>\n
The highest readings occur in the four-hour period around “solar noon”, when the sun is at its highest – usually from late morning to early afternoon.<\/p>\n
The UV Index (or UVI) is a standard, international measure of ultraviolet radiation.<\/p>\n
Values start at zero and can rise above 10.<\/p>\n
The higher the number, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes – and the less time it takes for harm to occur.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What are the different UV levels?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n
Countries close to the equator can experience very high UV levels in the middle of the day, throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Nairobi in Kenya can have UV levels above 10 all year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).<\/p>\n
Majorca in Spain normally hits nine in June and July.<\/p>\n
But the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic never usually get above five, even in summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
What do the different UV levels mean for people?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
According to the WHO, no sun protection is required when levels are: <\/p>\n
Some sun protection is required when levels are: <\/p>\n
Extra sun protection is required when UV levels are: <\/p>\n
\n
11+ (extremely high) <\/li>\n
8-10 (very high) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Children are more sensitive to UV radiation than adults, and therefore require additional protection at lower levels. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
How can you avoid UV damage?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
The NHS advises:<\/p>\n
\n
spending time in the shade when the sun is strongest – between 11:00 and 15:00 from March to October in the UK<\/li>\n
covering up with suitable clothing and wearing sunglasses<\/li>\n
using sunscreen which is factor 30 or above and offers at least 4-star UVA protection on your face, neck and other areas of exposed skin<\/li>\n
reapplying sunscreen regularly – check the instructions on the bottle<\/li>\n
making sure babies and children are protected<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Global research shows people often miss parts of their bodies when putting on sunscreen, according to Dr Bav Shergill from the British Association of Dermatologists. <\/p>\n
“People often forget the side of their nose – where I have seen a lot of skin cancer,” he says. <\/p>\n
Other areas which need to be covered include the temples and the upper chest.<\/p>\n
As a guide, adults should aim to apply about six to eight teaspoons of sunscreen if covering the entire body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Can you tan safely?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
There is no safe or healthy way to get a tan, according to the NHS. <\/p>\n
Dr Shergill recommends using self-tan products instead. <\/p>\n
“When you tan, ultraviolet light stimulates your skin cells to produce pigment to try and protect the DNA of skin cells – but that protection is minimal – the equivalent of SP4. <\/p>\n
“That is not much protection at all – so you can still burn very early,” he warns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Can you burn even when it is cloudy and windy?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
The amount of UV reaching your skin is not driven by the daily temperature, says Dr Michaela Hegglin, from the University of Reading. <\/p>\n
“UV levels on a bright and breezy late April day in the UK will be about the same as a warm sunny day in August.”<\/p>\n
“Your skin can burn just as quickly whether it’s 30C or 20C,” warns BBC Weather’s BBC Weather’s Helen Willetts. <\/p>\n
“Don’t be caught out on cloudy days. UV will still penetrate thin clouds – so even if you don’t think it’s that sunny, you can still burn.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
I have brown skin. Do I need to worry? <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
Yes, according to Dr Shergill. <\/p>\n
“The skin may look darker, but it doesn\u2019t always behave that way from a protection point of view \u2013 because there are more genes at play than we think about,” he says.<\/p>\n
“I have, for example, seen South Asian people with skin cancer and I have seen people with dual-heritage get skin cancer.”<\/p>\n
The broader risks of eye damage and harmful effects on the immune system from too much UV radiation affect people of all skin colour. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Getty](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/f361\/live\/c032eb60-24d2-11f0-9341-7dd5c259f730.jpg.webp\")
Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n![](\"https:\/\/static.files.bbci.co.uk\/bbcdotcom\/web\/20250728-162205-9b8a2dcb37-web-2.26.0-8\/grey-placeholder.png\")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/480\/cpsprodpb\/6494\/live\/2b7efe20-4c21-11f0-a466-d54f65b60deb.png.webp\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n\n