How Your Skin Type Reacts to the Sun's UV Rays
In 1995, the National Weather Service,with support of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, created a standardized system to measure the UV Rays. The program, UV Index, was developed to enhance the public's awareness of the harmful effects of overexposure to the sun and to provide the public with specific actions they can take to reduce the likelihood of harmful effects of overexposure, which may include skin cancer, cataracts and immune system suppression.
It should be noted that the Index values are meant to be reflective of the overall problem, not solely one of exposure for one particular skin type. However, as it is necessary to give a specific number, the National Weather Service has chosen UV effects on skin Type II [see definitions of Skin Types below], that which usually burns easily and tans minimally.products Dermalogica skin care
Skin Descriptions and Reactions
Type I
Fair skin, blue or green eyes, little or no freckles. Burns and peels severely.products Dermalogica skin care
Type II
Fair skin, blue eyes, blond or brown hair. Burns severely and easily peels, tans minimally.
Type III
Fair skin, brown hair, brown eyes. Burns moderately, tans somewhat.
Type IV
Olive or light brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes. Burns minimally, tans easily.
Type V
Dark brown skin. Rarely burns, tans easily and substantially.products Dermalogica skin care
Type VI
Black or dark brown skin, brown eyes, black or dark brown hair. Burns only with severe exposure.
* * If your skin description is not obvious, always use the lower of the potential skin type choices * *
UV Index Value and Sun Exposure Levels
Here is the listing of the National Weather Service's UV Index Values, and a description of how the sun exposure levels relate to these values.
0-2 / Minimal
Index reading of 0 to 2 indicates minimal danger from the sun's UV radiation for the average [type II] person. Most people can stay in the noon sun for up to one hour without burning.
3-4 / Low
Indexs reading of 3 to 4 indicates low risk of harm to the skin form the sun's radiation; Type II individuals can experience a burn in 30-60 minutes.
5-6 / Moderate
Index reading of 5 to 6 indicates some significant risk of skin damage due to the sun. Unprotected exposure can result in a burn in only 20-30 minutes.products Dermalogica skin care
7-9 / High
Index reading of 7 to 9 indicates high risk of harm from unprotected exposure to the sun. Time in the sun should be limited during midday [10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.] since skin may burn in as little as 13-20 minutes.
10+ / High
Index reading of 10 to 15 indicates very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. the length of time to burn may be less than 13 minutes without protection.products Dermalogica skin care
