Summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to start planning those beach trips and outdoor adventures. With so many things to consider when planning for fun in the sun, it’s essential not to forget about sun protection. The sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause damage to your skin and even lead to skin cancer. That’s why sunscreen is vital, especially in states with high UV indexes. In this blog, we’ll be discussing the top 10 states with high UV indexes and the best sunscreens to use, including the Bullfrog Quik Gel Broad Spectrum Gel Sunscreen.
Before we dive into the top 10 states with high UV indexes, let’s first talk about what the UV index is. The UV index measures the strength of the sun’s UV rays. The higher the UV index, the more intense the sun’s rays are, and the greater the risk of skin damage. UV index values range from 0 to 11+. A UV index of 2 or lower is considered low, while a UV index of 11+ is considered extreme. One thing to note is that the UV index can vary depending on factors such as time of day, season, and location.
Now let’s take a look at the top 10 states with high UV indexes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these states have the highest annual average UV indexes:
- Hawaii
As an island state, Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches and year-round warm weather. However, it also has the highest annual average UV index in the United States. This means that the sun's harmful UV rays can be incredibly intense, making it crucial to use sun protection when spending time outdoors.
- Arizona
Known for its hot and dry climate, Arizona is another state with a high annual average UV index. Its desert landscape and abundant sunshine make it a popular destination for outdoor activities, but it's important to take precautions to protect your skin from the sun.
- Florida
With its sunny beaches and warm weather, Florida is a popular destination for tourists and those who have retired. However, it also has a high annual average UV index, making it essential to use sunscreen and other forms of sun protection while enjoying the sunshine's warmth.
- Nevada
Home to the famous Las Vegas strip, Nevada is another state with a high annual average UV index. The state's arid climate and sunny weather make it a popular destination for outdoor activities like hiking and golfing, making it critical to protect your skin.
- California
From the beaches of San Diego to the vineyards of Napa Valley, California is a diverse state with a lot to offer. California comes in at number five for the top 10 states with a high UV index, so it is necessary to use sunscreen and other sun protection when outdoors.
- New Mexico
Known for its desert landscape and rich Native American culture, New Mexico is another state with a high annual average UV index. Its sunny weather and outdoor attractions make it a popular destination for hiking, skiing, and many other outdoor activities.
- Texas
With its warm weather and abundant outdoor activities, Texas is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors. However, the seventh state with the highest UV index, makes it important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays to enjoy all it has to offer.
- Georgia
From the historic city of Savannah to the bustling metropolis of Atlanta, Georgia is a state with a lot to offer. However, it also has a high annual average UV index, making it essential to use sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
- Louisiana
Known for its delicious Cajun cuisine and rich music scene, Louisiana is a state with a unique culture and plenty of outdoor attractions. However, Louisiana’s high annual average UV index, means that you need to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
- South Carolina
With its beautiful beaches and warm weather, South Carolina is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. South Carolina at number 10 on the top 10 states with a high UV index necessitates the use of sunscreen and other forms of sun protection when spending time at the beach.
If you live in or plan on visiting any of these states, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. One of the best ways to do this is by using sunscreen. But with so many types of sunscreen available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Two popular options for states with high UV indexes are gel sunscreen and quick-dry sunscreen.
Gel sunscreen is a great choice for those who prefer a lightweight and non-greasy feel. It’s perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and sports because it won’t run or drip off when you sweat. One of the best gel sunscreens on the market is Bullfrog’s Quik Gel Broad Spectrum Gel Sunscreen. This sunscreen is easy to apply and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s also water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for all your outdoor activities.
Quick-dry sunscreen is another popular option for states with high UV indexes. This type of sunscreen is designed to dry quickly, leaving behind a non-greasy and matte finish. It’s perfect for those who don’t like the feeling of traditional sunscreens and want something that won’t leave residue on their skin or clothes. A great quick-dry sunscreen to try is Bullfrog's Quik Gel Broad Spectrum Gel Sunscreen.
Now that we’ve covered the top 10 states with high UV indexes and the best types of sunscreen to use, let’s talk about the benefits of protecting your skin from the sun. The most obvious benefit is reducing your risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and UV radiation from the sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. By using sunscreen and other forms of sun protection, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
In addition to reducing your risk of skin cancer, using sunscreen can also help prevent premature aging. It is known that wrinkles can be caused by UV radiation from the sun, age spots, and other signs of aging. By protecting your skin from the sun, you can keep it looking youthful and healthy for years to come.
In conclusion, if you live in or plan on visiting any of the top 10 states with high UV indexes, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Using sunscreen, such as the Bullfrog Quik Gel Broad Spectrum Gel Sunscreen, can greatly reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. So, before you head out for your next outdoor adventure, be sure to stock up on the right sunscreen and take the necessary precautions to protect your skin. With the proper sun protection, you can enjoy all that these beautiful states have to offer without worrying about the harmful effects of the sun. Stay safe, stay protected, and have a fun-filled summer!