We all know something about UV rays by now – right girls? Quick recap: Overexposure to UVA is linked with skin ageing, freckles and liver spots, and too much UVB causes sunburn, and is related to skin cancer.
The idea of the UV Sunsmart is that by instantly measuring the strength of both these rays individually, you get a 'more complete picture of your UV exposure risk' and that this 'allows you to take the necessary steps to avoid skin damage from UV exposure'.
It's quite a neat gadget, similar in size to a small powder compact, and is very easy to use. Readings are broken down into four categories (weak, medium, strong, very strong), with advice in the accompanying booklet about what to do in each case.
The most vague advice was given for 'weak' rays: that exposure was minimal and least harmful, but 'some protection' (What? How much?) was still necessary. Also that 'most people' (Who? Am I one of them?) can stay in the sun during peak hours for up to an hour.
Anything above a weak reading came with the rather obvious suggestion of applying minimum SPF 15, covering exposed skin, donning hat and sunglasses and seeking shade when outside to avoid UV exposure. Admittedly sound advice, but hardly groundbreaking.
Some of the test results were surprising – a weak reading during a hazily sunny August day at 1.10pm when it was 27 degrees. I would have imagined there to be a greater risk of exposure to unprotected skin than it indicated. Also a medium reading when it was 31 degrees by the riverside at 3.00pm, and so meltingly hot I couldn't bear to be outside for more than minutes at a time. If unprotected I'm confident my fair skin would have burnt within ten minutes, which by their own assessment would make the risk of exposure 'high'.
Personally, I didn't find it very useful – I had automatically applied sunscreen in all of the situations it had suggested necessary. But my friend's children were very taken with it – and as most sun damage is caused before adulthood, something that encourages sun awareness in younger folk can't be bad.
