At this point, we already know how important it is to wear sunscreen every day. It almost goes without saying that you have to put on a layer of sun protection before you step outside—or even if you're staying indoors but getting that much-needed vitamin D by the window. But in case you're curious to know when you really need that daily SPF, here's a quick hack: just use the Weather app on your iPhone to check the UV Index.
ICYDK, the Weather app on the iPhone tells you more than just if there's a 30% chance it's already raining. (Did you get that Mean Girls reference?) When you scroll down to the bottom of the daily weather, it also tells you what the UV Index (UVI) is in your specific location. It's right below the precipitation map and to the left of the sunrise and sunset time.
What is UV Index a.k.a. UVI?
UVI is basically how UV radiation is measured, and high levels of UV radiation in turn, can cause skin damage, cataracts, and even skin cancer.
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How To Use Your iPhone Weather App To Check The UV Index
When you click on the UVI widget on the Weather app, it gives you even more details about the UVI throughout the day. So now you know the timeframe you absolutely need to be wearing SPF—and maybe a cap, too. And yes, it's science-backed, complete with a quick explanation of what exactly UVI is and what it means for your day-to-day routine.
"The World Health Organization's UV Index (UVI) measures ultraviolet radiation. The higher the UVI, the greater the potential for damage, and the faster harm can occur," it says. "The UVI can help you decide when to protect yourself from the sun and when to avoid being outside."
It also goes on to give actual steps you can take to stay safe from harmful UV rays. "The WHO recommends using shade, sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing at levels of 3 (Moderate) or higher." So, if you're always at the beach, this handy hack just might be your BFF.
I tried using the UV Index rating on the iPhone weather app around noon over the weekend, and saw that the UVI was at nine—which is just two levels away from the max rating of 11. On average, I noticed that the UVI rating gradually peaks at around 9 in the morning until noon and slowly goes down until sunset.
And just because it's gloomy and raining doesn't mean that the UVI doesn't go up. While the forecast for today, June 24, was mostly cloudy—it even started pouring like crazy where I was—the UVI went up to a "very high" rating of seven from 11 a.m. until around 12:30 p.m. Good thing I already put on my sunscreen before stepping out for the day!
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