UV Exposure Calculator

Curious about the UV Index? Discover what it is, how it's measured, and most importantly, how to stay protected.

Skin Phototypes

In 1975 american dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick developed a scale that classifies skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The scale ranges from Type I (very fair skin that always burns and never tans) to Type VI (very dark skin that never burns). Knowing your skin phototype and expected level of UV radiation can help you to estimate safe sun exposure time.

While estimation is not 100% accurate, it helps to understand how different skin types react to UV radiation.

How to use Calculator

🖐🏽 Answer questions in the form below to determine your Phototype
😎 Use slider to set expected level of UV Radiation

Genetic factors

What is the colour of your hair (naturally and before ageing)?

What are the colour of your eyes?

How would you describe your skin colour?

Do you have freckles on unexposed areas?

When was your last sun or tanning bed exposure?

Sensitivity

What happens to you skin if you stay in the sun for an extended period?

Do you turn brown after sun exposure?

How brown do you get?

Is your face sensitive to the sun?

How often do you tan?

Your phototype is 🖐🏻 Type I

Pale white skin. Extremely sensitive skin, always burns, never tans.

UV Index 6

Safe exposure time: 27 minutes

Please note that these times are calculated for an unobscured horizontal surface, where UV exposure is at its maximum. In practical situations, such as different skin orientations or partial shading, the exposure times are generally longer. However, it's important to remember that sun protection is always recommended, regardless of these factors, to minimize the risk of skin damage and reduce the likelihood of sunburn or long-term UV-related harm.

The information on this page is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.

This calculator is based on Research paper by Francesco Zaratti, Rubén D. Piacentini, Héctor A Guillén and Sergio Cabrera Silva.