July is Ultraviolet Awareness Month, reminding us to protect our skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. UV light (aka Ultraviolet Radiation) is a form of non-ionizing radiation. According to the CDC and EPA, while UV light provides some benefits including the production of Vitamin D, overexposure leads to burns, premature aging and skin cancer.
UV Index Forecast
The National Weather Service calculates the UV Index forecast from zip codes across the country, and the EPA publishes this information on a daily basis. The EPA’s UV Index ranges from 0 (at nighttime) to 11+ (up to 16, near the equator at high elevation). Visit the EPA’s website, plug in your zip code and see what your local UV Index forecast is today. An index over 3 means you need to be cautious of the strong UV rays that day. The UV Index forecast takes into account cloud cover, ozone quality, altitude, location, etc. (Here in Colorado - like many other days- today’s UV Index is 11 = Extreme UV Exposure … one of the reasons we founded éclipse!) The higher the Index, the more concentrated the UV Radiation, and the faster sun damage can happen. UV radiation is greatest between 10a-4pm, when the sun is the highest in the sky.
Limiting Exposure to UVA & UVB
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, because ultraviolet rays from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer, it is not recommend getting vitamin D from sun exposure or indoor tanning.
From the AAD's website:
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer panel have declared UV radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, to be a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).
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Unprotected exposure to UV rays from the sun or indoor tanning devices is a known risk factor for the development of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Choosing the right sunscreen is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. The jury is still out on the safety and effectiveness of sunscreen lotions. We just don’t know how well they protect us, and most burden our bodies with chemicals.
Clothing is the most effective and safest way to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
éclipse exclusively uses Cocona™ 37.5® Technology, which provides dense coverage from the sun. The active particles, derived from nature, are permanently embedded in the fibers of éclipse clothing and accessories, an absorbs UV light and provides natural UPF 50+ protection. And best of all, the UV protection NEVER washes out.
Before you make plans for the day, check the UV Index. And if you’re planning a trip, check out the UV Index where you’re going to so you can pack the sun protection clothing you need. éclipse’s line of sun protection clothing are all SPF 50+, and versatile, so you can pack less, travel light and feel confident you have the sun protection you need for wherever your travels take you!
UV Index Apps for your smartphone and computer, so you can know on-the-go:
International UV Index Forecast websites: