Oklahomans Face High UV Risk for That Summer Glow

Tis' the season of sunburns and suncreen in Oklahoma, especially on the days that most people just want to soak up the sun after a long rainy period. But, Oklahoma's UV rays are no joke and among some of the worst across the country. So, while you're trying to get that natural tan, just remember that it could come at a cost.

Back in the day, it was more attractive for people across the United States to have fair or light skin. Typically, those who were wealthy never worked outside, in labor, or were exposed to the sun for long periods of time. But time has changed and so has society.

Some studies show that those in the dating pool think that a good tan is more attractive than lighter skin. According to Psychology Today, some studies report "73 percent of daters regularly suntanned, with 64 percent believing that tanned skin made them more attractive to potential relationship partners." This was the case for both women & men being studied.

But staying tan in Oklahoma is a dangerous game to play. What price are you willing to pay to stay looking good?

Oklahoma is among the top 20 states with the strongest UV Index during the summer.

We may not have the highest UV Index, but we do sit at #14 on the list of states with the UV Index By States in 2025 by World Population Review. According to their research, Oklahomans saw 3,099 daily UV irradiance in 2015, or the average amount of UV rays exposed to the earth's surface over a 24-hour period.

It takes no time at all to go from getting that nice sun-kissed look to brightening up as red as a firetruck in Oklahoma's sunlight. Maybe that's why we also have one of the states most prone to getting sunburnt, ranking at #12 in the country based on "sunburn" research values in 2022.

Tanning turns to toasting and before you know it, you're visiting the doctor.

An unfortunate truth for Oklahoma is that one of the most common ways that people die in Oklahoma is due to cancers, including skin cancer. According to USA Facts, 17% of deaths were caused by cancer in 2022. Without delving too far into the science of how long it might take to develop cancer over long periods of exposure to the sun, why not consider just healthier ways to be outside in Oklahoma?

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Try some natural ways to stay tan with a lower risk of overexposure.

We know that for many folks, it can take less than 10 minutes to burn in Oklahoma's sun thanks to the UV Index usually staying at least at 8. But there are a few ways that can help you get that tan, give you a chance to work outside and not have the same risk.

• Do outside work or activities early in the morning or late in the evening, when the sun's rays aren't directly shining down at full blast.
• Wear sunscreen and should be applied within 20 minutes or less of being outside.
• If you're trying to tan, it's recommended to shoot for 2-3 hours specifically; after that much time, the sun is doing more damage than what you're striving for.

You can always opt for a spray tan instead of exposing yourself to UV rays to get that look.

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