04/25/2026
A very common trend among teens right now is checking the UV Index for tanning purposes. In their mind the higher the better! 😳😬
As a dermatologist (and a mom), this makes me nervous. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and rates continue to rise.
The UV Index was created to predict skin damage risk — not tanning potential.
Higher number = faster DNA damage.
You can burn in 10–15 minutes at a UV Index of 9.
And yes — that includes cool days, pool days, and even cloudy days.
Teach your teens what the UV Index actually means.
It’s one of the simplest ways to prevent skin cancer. It’s never too early to get a skin check either! We are happy to see patients of all ages!