Happy Sun, Happy Skin

Clear, evidence-based skincare guidance for real life and real skin.

Understanding the Link Between UV and Skin Health

Sunlight is a gift - but smart sun habits help protect that gift
We're encouraged to get outside - for movement, mood, fresh air, and family time. But sunlight comes with UV rays, and while a little does us good, too much can damage the skin in ways we don’t always see straight away.

Some sources say a UV Index of 1–2 is “safe”, but what does that actually mean? Safe from what? Sunburn? DNA damage? Wrinkles?

This leaflet clears up the confusion with expert-backed facts. Because when it comes to skin health - for babies, teens, or grown-ups - clear, confident knowledge is better than guesswork.

📊 Understanding the UV Index

The UV Index measures the strength of UVB rays - the ones that cause sunburn and immediate DNA damage linked to skin cancer. It's used to assess your risk of burning on any given day.

But there's another kind of UV: UVA. It's not included in the UV Index, but it's present all year round, even at low UV levels. UVA penetrates deeper, contributing to:

Premature skin ageing
Long-term DNA damage
Certain skin cancers

So even when the UV Index is low, daily protection - especially against UVA - can help maintain healthy, resilient skin. This is particularly important for children, fair skin types, and anyone concerned about long-term skin ageing or damage:

  
      UV Index
      Exposure Level
      What Experts Say
    
      1–2
      Low
      Low sunburn risk for most people. UVA still present. Protection optional but helpful for preventing premature ageing and supporting long-term skin health.
    
      3–5
      Moderate
      Sun protection recommended-especially for fair or sensitive skin, children, and extended outdoor time. Seek shade during midday hours, cover up and use a broad spectrum SPF 30 + sunscreen. UVA damage affects all skin tones.
    
      6–7
      High
      Use SPF 30+, wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing. Seek shade between 11am–3pm.
    
      8–10+
      Very High – Extreme
      Full protection essential. Skin can burn in minutes. Avoid direct sun when possible.

UV Index	Exposure Level	What Experts Say
1–2	Low	Low sunburn risk for most people. UVA still present. Protection optional but helpful for preventing premature ageing and supporting long-term skin health.
3–5	Moderate	Sun protection recommended-especially for fair or sensitive skin, children, and extended outdoor time. Seek shade during midday hours, cover up and use a broad spectrum SPF 30 + sunscreen. UVA damage affects all skin tones.
6–7	High	Use SPF 30+, wear a wide-brimmed hat and protective clothing. Seek shade between 11am–3pm.
8–10+	Very High – Extreme	Full protection essential. Skin can burn in minutes. Avoid direct sun when possible.

📋 Based on UV Index guidance from WHO and UK DEFRA. The UV Index reflects UVB strength; UVA is not included but contributes to long-term skin damage.

🔗 Check today’s UV Index – developed in association with the Met Office and Skcin

🔍 How UV Damage Shows Up on the Skin

Fine lines and wrinkles – From UVA-driven collagen breakdown
Sagging skin – Loss of elastin and skin structure
Pigmentation & age spots – Uneven tone from repeated exposure
Dry, rough, or leathery texture – UV weakens the barrier
Sunburn - from UVB - redness, peeling, long-term DNA damage
Skin cancers – Changes in moles or new growths that don’t heal
Tan – From UVB - a tan may look healthy, but it’s actually a sign your skin cells are in distress. It’s your skin’s way of trying to protect itself after damage. Repeated exposure increases your lifetime risk of skin cancer and speeds up premature ageing.

UV effects accumulate over a lifetime, so protection is vital at every age.

Melanin (the pigment in our skin) offers some natural protection, but it does not prevent skin cancer or UV ageing. People with darker skin tones can and do get skin cancer, and it's often diagnosed later, when it's harder to treat. Everyone benefits from sun protection.

🤝 Expert Tips for Sun Protection

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen – SPF 30+ with UVA 4 or 5 stars. Reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing – Long sleeves, trousers, and wide-brimmed hats offer physical protection.
Choose UV-blocking sunglasses – Look for UV400 lenses to shield your eyes and delicate eye-area skin.
Seek shade between 11am–3pm – When UV is strongest.
Avoid sunbeds – They increase the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer.
Check your skin regularly – Look out for new or changing moles, marks, or patches. Seek medical advice promptly if you notice anything unusual.

👉 Flare-ups after sun exposure? You’re not alone. From rosacea to pigmentation, some skin types are more reactive to UV. Check the Flare-Up Trigger List to explore possible causes and protect your skin better.

❓ Need more advice?

A qualified skin therapist, such as a corneotherapist, can provide barrier-strengthening skincare to support long-term sun resilience. For mole checks or sun damage concerns, speak to your GP or an in-person or online dermatology service.

📚 Trusted Resources

Explore these expert-backed links for further information:

Sunscreen and Sun Safety – NHS
www.nhs.uk/sunscreen
Practical advice on sunscreen use, protecting children's skin, and when to seek medical help.
Sun Safety – Cancer Research UK
www.cancerresearchuk.org/sun-safety
Evidence-based tips on sun protection, risk reduction, and checking your skin.
The UV Index – DEFRA (UK Government)
www.uk-air.defra.gov.uk/uv-index
The UK Government considers a UV Index of 1–2 as low risk in terms of sunburn for most people. However, UVA rays are still present and can contribute to premature ageing and long-term skin changes.
Sun Protection Fact Sheet – British Association of Dermatologists
www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk
Expert-led guide to sunscreen ingredients, UVA ratings, and best practices.
Sun Safety at Work – Health and Safety Executive
www.hse.gov.uk/sunprotect
Guidance for outdoor workers and employers on managing sun exposure.
Skin Health Alliance – Skin Safety in Summer
www.skinhealthalliance.org
Advice on sun safety and reminders not to miss key areas like eyelids and ear tips.

Disclaimer

This leaflet is for general education only and does not replace personalised medical advice. For concerns about your skin, always consult a qualified healthcare or skin professional.

Should you ever skip sunscreen to get enough vitamin D?

It’s one of the most confusing questions in skin health. On the one hand, we’re told to protect our skin from UV rays. On the other, we need sunlight to make vitamin D - and many of us are low.

Click here to explore what the experts say about the sun protection dilemma, how your body makes vitamin D, and what your real-life options are.

Back to Happy Skin leaflets

Back to Flare-Up Check Lists