UV Index
Use Sunscreen, Seek Shade, & Wear Protective Clothing
The UV Index is a scale based on World Health Organization guidelines to help people avoid harmful exposure to UV radiation.​​​​
While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can result in a painful sunburn. It can also lead to more serious health risk. ​
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Sunscreen does not block all harmful UV rays or fully prevent skin cancer;
combine it with shade, limited sun exposure, and protective clothing for best protection.
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We recommend all of our athletes to wear sunscreen, and check the UV Index before they go out for a run.
As such we provide donated suncreen for them at every practice.
Health Risks from UV Exposure (EPA)
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Skin Cancer
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Melanoma
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Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinomas
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Premature Aging
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Cataracts / Other Eye damage
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Immune Suppression​​​
UV and Cloud Cover (NOAA)
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Thin clouds: can allow 80% of UV through
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Thick clouds: may reduce UV by 50%+
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Reflection from clouds:
May increase UV exposure in cases​​​​
Sun Protection Best Practices
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Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) or seek shade during that time
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Use the UV Index to plan outdoor activity and protection levels
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Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going into the sun
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Use Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen that protects against UVA (aging, cancer) & UVB (burns)
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SPF 30-50 (SPF <50 only blocks ~1% more UV)
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Water/Sweat Resistant (Last 40-80 min in these conditions)
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Reapply every 2 hrs (this is more important than SPF value) or wear protective clothing
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Use 1oz (about a shot glass) of sunscreen for full body coverage​​​​
Understanding Your Sun Exposure Risk
​​​​​​Everyone, no matter race or ethnicity, can be harmed by too much sun.
Premature aging, eye damage, and immunse system suppression affect us all the same.
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One of the biggest influences on the level of vulnerability when it comes to skin cancer and sun burns is skin complexion. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses the Fitzpatrick Scale shown below.
Individuals with fair skin type who burn more easily are also more likely to develop skin cancer. Studies have shown that individuals with large numbers of freckles and moles have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
Although individuals with darker skin types are less likely to develop skin cancer, they should still protect their skin and eyes from overexposure to the sun.
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreens
​​​​​Some people prefer “mineral” or physical sunscreens (made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) because they sit on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays rather than being absorbed, and they tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin. Others choose them to avoid certain chemical UV filters, which can cause allergic reactions or raise environmental concerns.
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​One resource to use to shop for these types of procusts is using Environmental Working Group's (EWG) product list.
When a product is EWG Verified® , it meets EWG's strict, scientific standards for transparency and health. EWG has teams of toxicologists, chemists and epidemiologists who scrutinizes every product they review, empowering you use this information to inform your purchase of safer products.
You can learn more at EWG’s annual guide to sunscreens.​​
​​​​​​Resources:
EPA Sunsafety Tools & Resources​​
TIME: This Is the Only Sunscreen Article You Need to Read
EWG’s annual guide to sunscreens
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