Widgets, notifications or applications… The UV index, which corresponds to solar radiation, can easily be consulted today. Consulting it regularly is the best way to tan without burning out.
It’s summer, it’s hot and it’s sunny. Like many French people, you may be counting on sunny days to polish your tan. However, maybe you are surprised by sunburn. Blame it on too much confidence in your body or a few minutes of forgetfulness, but enough to mark your skin.
Technology does not yet provide a miracle cure for sunburn, but it can help raise awareness on the subject. Almost all weather applications offer monitoring of the UV index, the scale for measuring the intensity of the radiation emitted by the Sun, which ranges from 0 to 11+ (we then speak of extreme radiation). By regularly checking the UV index, it is easy to know when sunscreen is essential and when you can do without it.
From what UV index should I wear sunscreen?
In summer, the UV index generally rises in France from 6 to 10 around 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the risk of sunburn is greatest. Of course, the higher the index, the greater the layer of cream applied to the skin. UV rays pass through clouds, which means they can be harmful even in the shade.
The World Health Organization recommends putting on cream from a UV index of 3, which is generally observed between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on sunny days. The cream must be renewed every 2 hours, and more in certain circumstances: if you come out of the water for example.
What are the best tips for not burning out on iPhone?
On iOS, there are dozens of different weather apps. In this article, we have chosen to go straight to the point by only talking about one, that of Apple. Everyone is free to replicate the same instructions with the application of their choice.
We chose Apple Weather for two reasons :
- The application is pre-installed on all iPhones sold worldwide.
- The app offers an extremely handy UV widget, which you are highly recommended to use.
In the app Weather report from Apple, a “UV Index” tile indicates the sun’s radiation in real time. By touching it, you can access a detailed prediction minute by minute, day by day. It’s a great way to plan your day, estimating when to start putting cream on. Apple also offers some in-house advice, indicating to its users when the cream is no longer necessary.
The real advantage ofApple Weather is its lock screen widget. Concretely, we can add below or above the time the UV index in real time, for the place where we are. So there is no need to unlock your phone to find out how dangerous the sun is. A “4” should not worry too much, a “7” is alarming… Good reflexes to take.
And on Apple Watch?
Small bonus: the widget for the UV index also exists as a complication on the Apple Watch. One can therefore consult the danger to the skin at a glance. Remember again that any app with UV index tracking can be used for the same thing. Everyone is free to choose their favorite software and apply the same logic.
Our tips on an Android smartphone
On Android, there is no app Weather report universal. Some manufacturers offer their own software, others force you to go to the Play Store… The most popular choices are undoubtedly Meteo France, The Weather Channel, Yahoo Weather, The Weather Channel Or AccuWeather. Once again, everyone is free to choose the predictions that suit them best, or the interface they prefer.
Apart from these weather apps which usually only display the current UV index, there are specialized software like UV indexwhich take into account the skin tone of their user (an important element to consider, sensitivities vary between individuals). UV index allows for example to know the maximum time allowed before risking sunburn, by receiving a notification when the sun becomes too dangerous. It also offers a widget for the home screen, with real-time UV.
If all this science is not perfectly exact (every skin has its own degree of sensitivity and the UV index can vary from one application to another), have the UV index in mind before going shirtless on the beach is a great way to avoid taking unnecessary risks. In summer, before going out, remember to consult the UV prediction scheduled for today. It could save you some biafine.
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