YOUR SKIN TYPE AND UV RAYS

In the mid 1990's, the National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, created the UV Index. It s purpose was to create a standardized system to measure UV rays and to communication UV information to the public. This effort to reduce the incidence of skin cancer, cataracts and immune system suppression from overexposure has led to the inclusion of the UV value on many weathercasts. The actions you take are tied to your specific skin type as listed below.

SKIN TYPE DESCRIPTION: Type I Fair skin, blue or green eyes, little or no freckles. Burns and peels severely. 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. Type IV 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 type choices. UV INDEX VALUE & EXPOSURE LEVELS (Base: Type II Skin Type) 0 - 2 Minimal Indicates minimal damage from sun's UV for the average (Type II) person. Most people can stay in the noon sun for up to one hour without burning. 3 - 4 Low Indicates low risk of harm to the skin: Type II individuals can experience a burn in 30-60 minutes. 5 - 6 Moderate Indicates some significant risk of skin damage due to the sun. Unprotected exposure can result in a burn in only 20-30 minutes. 7 - 9 High Indicates high risk of harm from unprotected exposure to the sun. Time in the sun should be limited during midday (10 am to 4 pm) since skin may burn in as little as 13-20 minutes. 10 + Very High Indicates very high risk from harm. Between 10 am and 4 pm, the length of time to burn may be less than 13 minutes without protection. Sunscreens and sunblocks remain the best defense your skin has against the drying, wrinkling, burning effects of the sun's UV rays. Adjust your SPF strength for your skin type. Or use one of our excellent Sunless Tanners. In-clinic professional treatments and a good home-care regimen can make a world of difference. Need help on deciding on products? Check out our Free Online Help.

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