UV Index in India: 5 Hidden Dangers You Should Know and How to Protect Yourself

In India, a high UV index almost throughout the year contributes towards UV exposure becoming a constant problem, especially in Rajasthan during the summer and coastal mornings in Kerala, which are equally as risky. The tan and sunburn are only the outward effects of UV rays. Skin cancer and DNA damage are among the serious risks. With raised temperatures and clearer skies in most states, the risks are more than just skin deep. The damage to health is multifaceted, including weakened immunity and impaired vision. This is especially critical in India, where the intense heat and active outdoor lifestyles dominate. The first step towards safeguarding oneself is comprehending the dangers of UV rays.

Understanding UV Radiation

In recent years, high temperatures and intense UV rays have become a constant feature of India’s sun-soaked climate. Understanding which rays are truly harmful is essential. Not all UV rays pose the same level of danger—there are three main types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays never reach the Earth’s surface, as they are absorbed by the ozone layer. However, during India’s scorching summers, UVA and UVB rays beat down relentlessly. While Indian summers have their perks—think holidays and outdoor fun—these rays can be harmful to skin health. UVA rays, the longest of the three, accelerate skin aging and cause wrinkles, while UVB rays can cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.

UVA vs UVB vs UVC—Which Are Harmful?

UVA (315–400 nm):

They trigger photoaging, wrinkles, and more pronounced skin pigmentation due to the harmful UV rays penetrating the dermis. They, too, make you age rapidly and, in the long run, silently and long-term, pose a risk due to immune suppression and indirect DNA damage.

UVB (280–315 nm):

Direct DNA damage, hyperpigmentation, and mutations are a result of more intense and shorter UVB rays. The primary instigator of painful burns and skin cancers, UVB rays serve as a major risk for the development of these conditions.

Effects of UV Rays on Skin and Health

The negative impact of UV rays poses both long-lasting effects and acute problems. Inflammation, along with redness, serves as the acute problem. The chronic damage includes the more long-term and severe problems of photoaging and skin cancers, encompassing melanoma, basal cell, and squamous cell carcinoma. Another negative effect of UV rays is immune suppression, lowering the skin’s defense to infections as well. The southern states of India, compared to the northern states, have higher UV exposure, which increases the risk for skin cancer and cataracts. Understanding the reasons why UV rays are damaging allows people to adopt better practices like using sunscreen and wearing clothing specially rated to block harmful wavelengths. Sleeves and hats with UPF ratings are a great example.

Acute (Short-Term) Effects

Skin damage can result from even a few minutes of unprotected exposure to harmful UV light. The skin may burn, redden, itch, and even blister alongside inflammation and pain. UVB rays are known to cause pyrimidine dimer formation—microscopic lesions that can lead to cell mutation. India’s midday sun, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the ultraviolet index is at its highest, is known to exacerbate such damage. In extreme cases, people can also experience phototoxic reactions and immune system suppression. This increases susceptibility to infections. This demonstrates the ultraviolet rays’ potential damage even with minimal exposure, and the constant need to apply sunscreen remains.

Chronic (Long-Term) Effects

Excessive sun exposure leads to photoaging. This is characterized by the formation of wrinkles, pigmentation, skin sagging, and loss of elasticity. It happens due to the damage inflicted by UVA rays. UVB rays. This increases the likelihood of developing skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Further, the weakening of immune defenses due to years of exposure to UV rays makes viral reactivation more probable. These UV rays are particularly hazardous to humans. Protecting the skin is necessary daily, not only during the summer, to prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of developing cancer.

Eye Damage and Other Risks

UV radiation is harmful to your skin and overall health. Sun exposure can lead to grave health issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis, which is a painful corneal “sunburn” also referred to as “sun blindness.” The consequences of these conditions are intensified in regions with high UV, like the Thar Desert and the Himalayan elevations. Moreover, UV exposure can hinder folate metabolism, which is harmful to a pregnant woman and could influence fetal development, along with some other unknown consequences. The UV-damaging effects emphasize the necessity of protection, which is not only limited to cosmetics but also essential for long-term and short-term health. Affected individuals should wear anti-UV sunglasses and wide-brim hats. 

Why UV Rays Are Especially Dangerous in India