Do You Really Need Sunscreen for that Evening Walk?

It's warming up in the Northeast and the urge to get outside is real. If you're an
early morning or evening walker, here's something you might not expect a
sunscreen company to say: you probably don't need sunscreen for that.

Before roughly 9am and after 5pm, the UV index in the Northeast averages below 3 for most of spring - the threshold below which sun exposure poses minimal
risk for most healthy adults. You're still getting UV exposure, but at these levels
there's a legitimate case that it's not harmful and even healthy, low-level sun exposure supports vitamin D synthesis for example. As we get more into summer and move further south the idea is the same but low UV Index window gets shorter.

That said, some people should ignore everything above. If any of the following apply, be thoughtful about sun exposure even during off-peak hours:

• You've already had significant sun exposure that day. UV damage accumulates. If you maxed out during the day, a little more in the evening could put you over the edge.
• You're taking a photosensitizing medication. Doxycycline (common for acne and Lyme disease) and hydrochlorothiazide (a very common blood pressure medication) are two widely used drugs that dramatically increase UV sensitivity. Check your prescriptions.
• You have a condition like lupus or another photodermatosis that makes sun exposure a medical issue.
• You have elevated skin cancer risk. If that's you, talk to your dermatologist about a protection protocol  - not just sunscreen, but clothing, hats, and timing.

Before your next walk, take ten seconds to check the UV index. The Weather Channel app, the EPA's UV Index tool, or even the native iPhone weather widget all have it. If it's below 3 for  the majority of your time out then no need for the sunscreen.

Next week: When SPF30 is actually enough, and when it isn't.