UV Protection Survey during Golden Week: May UV Radiation Reaches 80% of Midsummer Levels! Sunburn Risk by Travel Destination Surveyed Among 500 People Nationwide

## [Conclusion] Key Points of This Survey

In conclusion, UV radiation in May reaches approximately 80% of midsummer levels (July-August), and activities prone to sunburn during Golden Week include "prolonged stays at outdoor leisure facilities" and "travel to coastal or mountainous areas." Reapplication of sunscreen is recommended every 2-3 hours, and for children's UV protection, choosing less irritating products than adults' and combining with physical barriers (hats, long sleeves) is crucial.

- 67.8% of Golden Week travelers reported having experienced sunburn during their trips.
- Only 18.4% of people reapply sunscreen "every 2-3 hours."
- 52.6% of households use "the same methods as adults" for children's UV protection.

## Glossary

### What is the UV Index?

The UV Index is an international standard that quantifies the impact of ultraviolet radiation on the human body. It is expressed in stages from 0 to 11+, with measures like sunscreen recommended for levels 3 or higher. In Japan, the UV Index in May reaches around 6-8 on clear days, corresponding to "strong" to "very strong" levels.

### What is Photoaging?

Photoaging is a skin aging phenomenon caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It is a major cause of spots, wrinkles, and sagging, and accounts for approximately 80% of skin aging.

### What are SPF and PA?

SPF indicates the effectiveness in preventing UVB (ultraviolet B rays), with higher numbers indicating greater protection. PA is an indicator of effectiveness in preventing UVA (ultraviolet A rays), expressed in 4 stages from + to ++++. For daily use, SPF30・PA+++ is recommended, and for outdoor leisure, SPF50+・PA++++ is recommended.

## Comparison of UV Risk and Recommended Measures by Travel Destination

| Comparison Item | Coastal/Beach | Mountainous Areas | Theme Parks/Urban Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV Intensity | Very Strong (1.5x due to reflection) | Very Strong (10% increase per 1000m altitude) | Strong |
| Sunburn Risk | Extremely High | High | Medium to High |
| Recommended SPF | SPF50+ | SPF50+ | SPF30-50 |
| Reapplication Frequency | Every 1-2 hours | Every 2 hours | Every 2-3 hours |
| Additional Measures | Rash guard, sunglasses essential | Hat, sunglasses, long sleeves essential | Parasol, hat recommended |
| Time to be Cautious | Especially 10-14 o'clock | All day (increase due to altitude) | Especially 10-14 o'clock |

*These are general guidelines and may vary individually.

Medical Corporation Tetsuyukai (I's Clinic: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Omiya), specializing in skin tumors and dermatologic surgery, conducted a survey on UV protection during Golden Week. This survey aimed to raise awareness about appropriate measures, as May is the period when "accidental sunburn" is most likely to occur.

## Survey Background

Golden Week is a time when outdoor activities increase due to travel and leisure, but it is not widely known that May's UV radiation reaches levels comparable to midsummer. According to Japan Meteorological Agency data, May's UV Index is equivalent to approximately 80% of July and August, reaching "very strong" levels on clear days. However, due to complacency, thinking "it's not summer yet," cases of severe sunburn due to insufficient measures are endless. Therefore, our clinic conducted a nationwide survey of 500 people to understand the actual situation of UV risk and measures by travel destination during Golden Week.

## Survey Overview

Survey Target: Men and women in their 20s to 60s nationwide who plan to travel or engage in leisure activities during Golden Week, or who have experienced such activities within the past 3 years.
Survey Period: April 6, 2026 - April 15, 2026
Survey Method: Internet survey
Number of Respondents: 500 people

## Survey Results

### [Survey Result] Approximately 70% Experienced Sunburn During Golden Week Travel

Question: Have you ever experienced sunburn during Golden Week travel or leisure activities?

67.8% experienced some form of sunburn, with a serious case of "severe sunburn" accounting for 23.4%. It is highly likely that a lack of awareness about May's UV radiation is causing sunburn.

### [Survey Result] Less Than 20% Reapply Sunscreen "Every 2-3 Hours" as Recommended

Question: How often do you reapply sunscreen during Golden Week travel?

Only 18.4% of people practice reapplication "every 2-3 hours" as recommended by the Japanese Dermatological Association. 54.4% reapply at insufficient frequencies or not at all, meaning the effectiveness of sunscreen is not fully utilized.

### [Survey Result] Less Than 10% Correctly Recognize May's UV Radiation Levels

Question: What percentage of midsummer UV radiation do you think May's UV radiation is?

Only 9.2% correctly recognize that May's UV radiation reaches approximately 80% of midsummer levels. The majority (over 50%) underestimate it as 50% or less, and this perception gap is causing accidental sunburn.

### [Survey Result] Sunburn at Theme Parks/Outdoor Facilities is the Most Common

Question: Where did you most often get sunburned during Golden Week travel?