Many people think that the sun is "less intense" in winter than in the summer months. But even when the temperatures are low and the sun is not as hot, UV radiation remains and this causes UV damage to the skin even in winter . In this article, we explain: what does the UV index actually mean and at what UV intensity should you protect yourself from the sun in winter?
What is the UV index?
The UV Index (UVI) is an internationally standardized scale that indicates the strength of the sun's ultraviolet radiation at a specific location and at a specific time of day and year. It helps you assess how high the risk of sunburn is. The UV scale usually ranges from 0 (very low) to 11+ (extremely high). The higher the value, the stronger the UV radiation and the more important it is to take protective measures.
How do I know what the UV index is?
You can easily find out the current UV index for your location. There are numerous weather apps that provide the UV index daily. Alternatively, you can also get daily updates on the official website of the German Weather Service (DWD) or on the website of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS).
UV index – when should I protect my skin?
In general, as soon as the UV index is 3 or higher , you should protect your skin from the sun's rays - regardless of the season. You can use the following table as a guide:
|
UV index |
UV exposure |
sun protection measures |
|
0-2 |
low |
Little to no protective measures required |
|
3-5 |
medium |
Protection such as sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended |
|
6-7 |
high |
Protective clothing, sunscreen and shade are advisable |
|
8-10 |
very high |
Intensive sun protection, protective clothing are necessary, also avoid intense midday sun, seek shade and do not forget to wear a hat |
|
11+ |
extreme |
Avoid exposure to the sun if possible |
UV radiation and UV index in winter - how powerful the sun is
The UV index can reach high values even in winter, depending on the region, weather conditions and altitude. Particular caution is therefore required when hiking, skiing, snowboarding and other winter sports activities . In the mountains, the UV intensity increases by around 10-15% per 1,000 metres of altitude. In addition, there is the reflective snow, which reflects up to 80% of the UV rays and thus increases their effect. This is why a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor is particularly important, even when it is cloudy.
Want to read more? Find out here which SPF is best for winter , what you should look out for when choosing your sunscreen and why you should always prefer a combination of sunscreen and cold protection !
OUR EXPERT
Dr. med Michaela Hagemann I boep founder, doctor & mother of three
SOURCES:
Federal Office for Radiation Protection: What is the UV Index, 2022, available at https://www.bfs.de/DE/themen/opt/uv/uv-index/einfuehrung/einfuehrung_node.html
