a woman is using sunscreen | Do You Need A Sunscreen on A Cloudy Day

Harmful UVA UVB Rays Can Damage Your Skin Even On A Cloudy Day

It's natural to believe that if it's not sunny outdoors, you don't need sunscreen since you can't feel the sun on your skin. Even if the weather is cloudy and drab, you might still be sunburned. The UV index is what puts you in danger of burning, and it exists whether the weather is bright and sunny or overcast.

Rather than depending on the weather or temperature to determine whether or not you need sunscreen, you should consult the local UV forecast. You should protect your skin if the UV index is three or higher. Wearing protective clothing and using the best sunscreen cream for the face with a minimum 4-star UVA rating and an SPF of 30 or higher should always be your first line of defence, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Don't believe that just because you're in the shade, you're safe. UV rays may be reflected off sand, water, or concrete and still cause skin harm. Even driving and skiing may result in sunburn, so use sunscreen in the form of sunscreen lotion, cream, etc at all times.

Why is ultraviolet light harmful to your skin?

Sunburn occurs when your skin is exposed to dangerous UV rays, which not only causes cosmetic damage to your skin, such as wrinkles but also puts you at risk for skin cancer.

When your skin is injured by the sun, it may promote cell alterations, which can lead to cancerous tumours.

On clear, hot days, the UV index is greater; yet, UV rays may penetrate even when the sky is fully overcast. Although you are less likely to be sunburned if the sky is cloudy, you run the danger of being lulled into a false feeling of security if the sky is not clearly sunny.

On an overcast, cooler summer (and even spring) days, this might result in sunburn. UV protection is unlikely to be required in the UK during the winter months, save in persons who are highly sensitive to sunshine.

UVA and UVB are two kinds of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. As a result, you must ensure that you are protected against both. That involves investing in the best sunscreen cream for the face with a sufficient SPF and a good UVA star rating.

Clouds shield as little as 20% of UV radiation, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, meaning you may still receive up to 80% of the sun's harmful effects on a gloomy day. UVA penetrates the dermis, the deepest layer of the skin, whereas UVB mostly affects the epidermis, the surface layer of the skin. Both may result in cancer. Both harmful UVA and UVB rays enter the skin and damage the skin cells.

What are your options for defence?

UVA is linked to rapid skin ageing, whereas UVB is the most common cause of sunburn. Skin cancer may be caused by both kinds of UV rays.

When selecting a sunscreen, look for one that has a high UVA rating as well as a high SPF to guarantee that you are protected from both UVA and UVB radiation.

If you work outside or intend on spending the whole day outside, you'll want more protection than someone going for a brief stroll. However, you should always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and appropriate UVA protection. Also, you must wash your face with good face wash to remove dirt, and oil from the face.

It's vital to note that sunscreen expires after a year, so if it's over its expiration date, it won't protect your skin as well from damaging UV rays. Always verify the label before using it.

Is a moisturiser's SPF sufficient?

Some moisturisers and cosmetics include SPF, but don't believe that's enough if you're going to be outdoors for the whole day.

You should apply sunscreen to any region of your skin that is exposed to the sun or is not covered by clothes.

If you're not planning on being outside for an extended amount of time, such as heading to the shop for lunch, SPF moisturisers and foundations may provide enough protection.

Sunscreens, on the other hand, are much more effective if you want to spend time outside, especially during the summer months, not least because they are applied considerably thicker.

Symptoms of skin cancer

One of the most frequent malignancies in the world is skin cancer. Each year, about 100,000 new instances of non-melanoma skin cancer are detected in the United Kingdom. It is more frequent in the elderly and affects more males than women.

Melanoma, the deadlier kind of skin cancer, is identified in about 13,500 new cases each year. The most typical signs to watch for include changes in a mole's shape, colour, size, and borders; the growth of a new mole; and a bleeding mole on the skin.

Skin cancer may develop anywhere on the body, with the majority of occurrences occurring in those under the age of 50. Melanoma kills over 2,000 individuals in the UK each year.

Take Away

Yes, sunscreen is essential, but it isn't your sole weapon in the battle against cancer-causing UV radiation. Clothing that protects you from the sun is ideal. Even better than sunscreen is clothing and a hat. The less sunscreen you need, the more covered up you are. You can preserve your skin while still being fashionable.