Summer is in full swing, and the UV index can swing just as much as the temperature. The UV index is the daily measure of how intense the sun’s radiation is at any given moment. Every sunburn starts the same way: your skin absorbing more UV radiation than it can safely handle. The good news is your phone can track the UV index for you, so you get the fun of the sun without the burn.
To avoid sun damage to your skin, add these apps to your home screen:
- EPA SunWise UV Index – delivers hourly, color-coded UV forecasts straight from the EPA, so you know exactly when the sun hits hardest in your area.
- UVLens – builds a personalized burn-risk profile based on your skin type, then sends sunscreen reapplication reminders tailored to how long you can safely stay out.
- UV Kit – calculates your safe exposure time in real time and alerts you before you burn, using separate profiles for kids, adults, and babies based on the Fitzpatrick skin scale.
- Sun Tracker – logs your actual sun exposure through the day and nudges you to seek shade or reapply, which is handy if you work or play sports outside.
Pair these apps with a few quick habits:
- reapply sunscreen every two hours, or right after you swim or sweat heavily.
- Remember that UV rays peak between 10am and 4pm even on cloudy days.
- Set your app’s alert threshold to UV 3 or higher, that’s the level at which the CDC recommends protection.
Check your app for 30 seconds before you head outside, and you’ll skip a week of peeling later. Stay cool out there!
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