Surprisingly for some – you do need to take care of the UV rays in Denmark from April until September

You are wrong if you only associate the need to protect your skin from the dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun with being in a warm and sunny southern country, more so, UV radiation is unusually strong this spring.

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By Bente D. Knudsen

Skin cancer is the fastest growing type of cancer in Denmark and Danes are slowly learning to take more care; even in their garden.

Most have learnt to apply ample sunscreen when travelling to warmer and more sunny countries, sometimes Danes even remember to use it also when going to the beach during July and August in their own country.

However, many are not aware that even in the colder and less sunny spring months of April and May, the UV radiation on a Danish spring day may be dangerous.

With their yearly campaign, Solkampagnen, the Danish Cancer Association aims at increasing the awareness of the need to stay protected from the dangers of too much sun exposure.

It is not so much the sun, which is often lacking anyway, instead it is important to be aware of the UV radiation intensity, which in Denmark can be higher than you might think even on a cold, windy and slightly cloudy spring day.

Added to this it the fact that in March 2020 the ozon layer above the Arctic circle has been measured to have depleted with up to 50 percent, a much higher depletion level than normal for the season and the lowest level for the past 10 years.

The culprit is the polar vortex above the Artic circle which this winter has been extremely strong, preventing new ozon filled air from reaching the ozon layer above the artic.

Therefore DMI and the Danish Cancer Association warn that of the need to protect yourself when going out to enjoy the much awaited spring sun.

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The UV intensity is measured as the UV index, which again is a way of expressing the intensity of the sun’s UV rays.

A good idea is therefore to check the UV index when you plan to spend time outside to decide if you need protection – regardless of whether the sun is shining.

The  Danish Cancer Association has launched a free app, which can be used in Denmark and worldwide to know what the actual UV level of any given day is. Find the link below.

A UV of 3 and above is considered dangerous. And even if you think the sun is less intense here, on a sunny day, or a day with only a few clouds, the UV index is typically between 3 and 6 from 12:00 until 15:00 during the spring and summer season (April to September).  [/infobox]

You skin type is also important.

Skin colour is measured on a scale from 1 to 6, with Danes being typically a skin colour 2 – the second lightest called light/pale. Danes easily get a sunburn when exposed to high doses of UV light.

Skin colour type 1 and 2 are typically Scandinavian or Keltic skin types
Skin colour type 3 are often East Asian skin types (Korea, Japan).
Skin colour type 4 are often skin types from the Mediterranean and South America
Skin colour type 5 and 6 are skin types from Africa or the Caribbean islands

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UV intensity scale to take note of:

0 – 3: Low UV-intensity
The risk of sunburn is low. No need for sun protection unless your skin is very light.

3 – 6: Moderate UV-intensity
There is a moderate risk of sunburn. If possible, seek the shade between 12:00 and 15:00. Use a hat, wear protective clothes (long sleeves etc.) and lots of sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 as well as UVA and UVB protection.

6 – 8: High UV-intensity
A high risk of sunburn. Seek the shade between 12:00 and 15:00. Use clothes, a hat and lots of waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 as well as UVA and UVB protection.

8 – 10: Very high UV-intensity
A very high risk of sunburn. If possible, stay inside between 12:00 and 15:00. If you need to be outdoors in the middle of the day, seek the shade and use protective clothes that cover your body, a hat and lots of waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 as well as UVA and UVB protection.

10+: Extreme UV intensity
An extremely high risk of sunburn. If possible, stay inside between 12:00 and 15:00. If you need to be outdoors in the middle of the day, seek the shade and use protective clothes that cover your body, a hat and lots of waterproof sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 as well as UVA and UVB protection.

The sun campaign promotes four steps to take regarding protecting your skin from the UV rays and the sun – in order of importance:
1:Shade
2:Sunhat
3:Sunscreen (sunscreens with broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays are recommended)
4:Do not go to a solarium (tanning beds/sun lamps)