Friends at the beach in the summer
Body & Soul
28.05.2026 Christin Müller 87

At what UV index should I stop going out in the sun?

Wouldn't it be nice to just enjoy the sun without having to worry about protection? The UV Index is here to help: a handy number that tells you just how intense the current sun's rays really are.

​​​​​​​Text: Patrizia Lehmkuhl, Edited by: Christin Müller 

Summary: Key Points at a Glance 

The UV Index is your free, daily-updated early warning system for sunburn, acute skin damage, and long-term risks such as skin cancer. You should consistently use sunscreen whenever the index reaches a value of 3 or higher. By knowing when protection is necessary, you can plan your outdoor activities wisely and avoid unnecessary risks. 

What is the UV index? 

UV stands for ultraviolet radiation. The UV Index (UVI) summarizes the intensity of UV radiation at a given location in an easy-to-understand number and indicates how quickly you are at risk of getting sunburned. The higher the number, the greater the risk of sunburn, skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer. 

What factors influence the UV index? 

Various factors determine the current UV index: 

  • Sun's altitude: The higher the sun is in the sky, the stronger the UV radiation.
  • Ozone and airborne particles: Higher levels of ozone and aerosols reduce radiation; lower levels result in higher readings.
  • Note: Water , sand, snow, or light-colored facades can increase the strain.
  • Cloud cover: Reduces UV radiation but does not provide complete protection—UV rays can still penetrate clouds.

Tip: You can find out the exact value by checking many weather services or using a UV index card. 

How do you use the UV index in practice? 

The UV index is not just an abstract number; it helps people take specific protective measures. The WHO has clearly defined this: 


Source: WHO, Graphic: pme Familienservice

Even brief exposure to the midday sun can otherwise lead to painful redness and blistering—and, over the long term, also increase the risk of skin cancer and eye damage.

Sun Protection Factor: What You Need to Know 

The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much longer you can extend your natural protection time after applying sunscreen without getting sunburned. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends: 

  • When the UV index reaches 3 or higher: Sun protection for everyone! 
  • Children: SPF 30 or higher 
  • Adults: SPF 15 or higher 

Even more important than choosing the right SPF is how you apply it: 

  • Amount: About 5–6 tablespoons for the whole body. 
  • Reapply sunscreen: Every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or drying off. 

Your skin type is key: Very fair skin can burn after just a few minutes. Remember: It’s important to apply sunscreen consistently and to supplement this with protective clothing and staying in the shade!

Which sunscreen is right for me?

Not sure which sunscreen is right for you or how to best protect your skin from the sun? In our in-depth article, you’ll learn what matters most when it comes to proper sun protection. 

 

Myths About the Sun and Sun Protection – Debunked 

“It’s cloudy, so I’m safe.” – Wrong. Clouds reduce UV radiation, but they don’t block it completely. 

“Tanned skin doesn’t need protection.” – False. Darker skin offers some additional natural protection, but not complete protection. 

“Sunscreen alone is enough.” – Wrong. The best approach is a combination of sunscreen, clothing, shade, and adjusting the amount of time spent outdoors. 

“Using sunscreen leads to vitamin D deficiency.” – False. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. 

Practical tips for sun protection in your daily life 

  • Use UV information (from weather services, UV index charts) to adjust your daily plans—such as what to wear, how long to stay outside, and when to engage in outdoor activities. Handy tip: An UV index chart shows you the exact UV index value for your current location. 
  • When the UV index is high: Try to schedule outdoor activities outside of the hours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 
  • Extra protection is necessary, especially in conditions with strong glare (water, sand, snow, bright surroundings, or in the mountains). 
  • Take special care to protect children—their skin is very sensitive. 

Conclusion

The UV Index protects your skin The UV Index is your reliable guide for sunny days. Experts recommend consistent sun protection starting at a UVI of 3: apply plenty of sunscreen, reapply regularly, seek shade, and pay special attention to children.

Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type and activities—whether you prefer a mineral-based or chemical-based formula depends on your personal preferences.  

Don't be fooled by myths: even clouds and pre-tanned skin don't give you a free pass. Use the UV index to plan your day, avoid the intense midday sun, and enjoy the summer worry-free. 

In short: By checking the UV index, you can protect yourself and others in a smart way and enjoy the sun without worry. 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the UV Index & Sun Protection 

What is the difference between UVA and UVB?

UVA rays primarily cause skin aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. 

Do I still need sunscreen when it's cloudy?

Yes! UV rays penetrate clouds, and are often even stronger on the other side. 

How often do I need to reapply the sunscreen?

As a general rule, apply sunscreen at least every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating, or drying off. 

Are mineral sunscreens always better?

They are often recommended for sensitive skin and children. For sports or swimming, waterproof products—including those containing chemicals—are a good choice. 

What does the sun protection factor (SPF) on sunscreen mean?

The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much longer you can stay in the sun after applying sunscreen without getting sunburned, compared to your natural protection time.  

Sources & Recommended Reading 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945275/ 
https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/94a908ec-14ee-4bb4-84eb-ace483c9eb51/content 
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/radiation-the-ultraviolet-(uv)-index 
https://www.dwd.de/DE/leistungen/gefahrenindizesuvi/gefahrenindexuvi.html 
https://www.verbraucherzentrale.de/wissen/umwelt-haushalt/produkte/sonnencreme-worauf-sie-achten-sollten-13710 

zero pme and Generation Ü: From retirement to working life

Retiree partial retirement
Leadership & HR
14.03.2024 Christin Müller 12882

pme and Generation Ü: From retirement to working life

By 2030, over eight million people will be of working age. Only around 5.5 million workers will join the labor market. Many companies are already feeling the effects of this huge skills gap. In order to anticipate this development at an early stage, the pme Familienservice Group is deliberately focusing on new ways of recruiting through a partnership with the "Generation Ü" job agency.

For some time now, pme Familienservice has been committed to keeping team members in employment - at their own request - after they retire. At the beginning of March, pme Familienservice launched a partnership with the job placement agency "Generation Ü", which helps to recruit people with extensive work experience. In future, the focus will be on more than 90 childcare and educational institutions across Germany.

Silver worker: From retirement to working life

At the 30 pme locations throughout Germany, Generation Ü will search for and place suitable "Üs" as a job placement service for retirement. Üs are women and men, generally between their late 50s and early 70s, who want to remain active towards the end of their working life or in retirement.

"Through the partnership with Generation Ü, pme Familienservice wants to focus even more strongly than before on the experience and motivation of older generations. This is an important component of our diversity strategy and should also help to counter the increasing shortage of skilled workers," says Alexa Ahmad, CEO of the pme Familienservice Group.

Who is Generation Ü?

Ü founder and former State Secretary Christian Ege says: "Generation Ü brings companies and Üs into contact and organizes the cooperation, hand-mediated and with an internal IT platform in which over 1200 Üs are currently registered".

Generation Ü offers SMEs and public employers in particular many advantages and credibility in the search, placement and recruitment of skilled workers over 55. Whether in the office, childcare, classroom, accounting, as a driver, in sales, production, technology or a doctor's surgery: the Üs fulfill many tasks and important projects reliably, with knowledge, drive and many years of experience in a wide variety of professions and areas. Just in a slightly different way than in conventional working life.

Patrizia Lehmkuhl

Educational Consultant and Health Manager

 

Contact:

familienservice