Yes, you still need sunscreen on rainy days as harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause skin damage.
Detailed response to a query
Yes, you still need sunscreen on rainy days as harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds and cause skin damage. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 80% of harmful UV rays can still pass through clouds. It’s essential to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on rainy days, especially during peak UV hours (10 am-4 pm).
A well-known resource, Environmental Working Group, recommends applying a shot glass amount of sunscreen to cover your entire body. You can also apply sunscreen to your face and any other exposed areas at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Many people think that if it’s not sunny outside, there’s no need for sunscreen. However, even if it’s cloudy or raining, the sun’s harmful UV rays can still contribute to skin damage, and it is crucial to protect your skin year-round.
Moreover, regular use of sunscreen can help reduce the risk of skin cancer. “The incidence of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is on the rise in the United States. Sunburns, especially during childhood, increase the risk of melanoma,” says Dr. Tom Rohrer, a board-certified dermatologist.
Here’s a table to help you choose the right Sun Protection Factor (SPF) according to your skin type:
| Skin type | SPF recommendation |
|---|---|
| Type 1: Very fair skin, freckles, red hair | SPF 30 – 50+ |
| Type 2: Fair skin, blue eyes | SPF 30 – 50+ |
| Type 3: Fair skin, tans easily | SPF 20 – 30 |
| Type 4: Olive skin, rarely burns | SPF 15 – 20 |
| Type 5: Brown skin | SPF 10 – 15 |
| Type 6: Dark brown or black skin | SPF 8 – 10 |
In conclusion, sunscreen should be part of your daily routine regardless of the weather. As established, cloudy, and rainy days do not offer protection from harmful UV rays. Apply sunscreen correctly and regularly, and you’ll keep your skin healthy and prevent skin cancer in the long run. And to quote dermatologist Dr. Rohrer, “The best sunscreen is the one you will use daily.”
There are additional viewpoints
Do I have to put sunscreen on if it’s an overcast or rainy day? Yes, because even on overcast days, up to 80 percent of UV rays can still penetrate light cloud cover and reach your skin, according to the World Health Organization.
Watch a video on the subject
Anna from Brush On Black emphasizes the importance of wearing sunscreen on cloudy days because even on overcast days, 80% of UV rays can still hit the skin and cause damage such as premature aging, wrinkles, decreased elasticity, and dark spots. It is recommended to wear sunscreen daily and reapply it to prevent any damage to the skin.
Furthermore, people ask
Do I need to wear sunscreen even if it’s raining?
The response is: Myth 1# You don’t need to use sunscreen during cloudy days.
If you’re stepping outside, you need to apply sunscreen. Even if it’s rainy or cloudy. This is because the clouds don’t block the harmful UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin.
Then, Should you wear sunscreen even if you’re not going outside? There is typically no need to wear sunscreen when indoors, as the risk of sun exposure is low. If you are spending a lot of time by a window with direct sunlight you might want to think about sun protection, though clothing may be sufficient and sunscreen won’t usually be necessary.
Also question is, How long is sunscreen good for if you don’t get wet?
Response will be: So, how long does sunblock* last on skin? Usually, you can rely on your sunscreen for protection for up to two hours. However, your sunscreen will only last about 40 to 80 minutes with water (or sweat) exposure.
Is it OK not to wear sunscreen? In reply to that: For example, persistent sun exposure without sunscreen can cause you to age prematurely, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and even skin discoloration. If you experience repeated sunburns over a number of years, you could also increase your risk of developing skin cancer.