Why sunscreen is important on cloudy days

With the summer season in full swing, many will take part in outdoor activities across the country. Some may be doing so without protection from the sun, resulting in a very uncomfortable sunburn. According to the CDC, skin cancer is still on the rise and for the most part can be easily preventable by taking care of your skin. One of those ways in which your skin can be protected is through the use of sunscreen, a combination of products that prevents UV rays from reaching your skin.

While sunscreen is exceptionally important for the protection of your skin, numerous studies show that sunscreen use is decreasing. Not only that, but several myths keep many from using sunscreen when they should. One in particular is the use of sunscreen on cloudy days, as many people think the increase in clouds will prevent a sunburn.

It’s relatively easy to skip the sunscreen when it isn’t sunny outside, but according to many doctors and scientist even when the sun isn’t shining the rays are still doing damage to the body. This occurs because there are two types of sun’s rays which make it to the earth, that being UVA and UVB rays. Ultraviolet rays are part of the electromagnetic spectrum, a term used by scientists to describe the entire range of light, most of which is invisible to the human eye. These UV rays are classified as either UVA, UVB, or UVC, of which the latter doesn’t reach the earth’s surface, as it is absorbed by the ozone layer. It’s the UVA and UVB rays that ultimately damage our skin, whether it be the dermis or epidermis of the skin.

So, why do clouds not absorb those rays and how can a cloudy day cause one to get a sunburn? One may notice how visible light is greatly reduced when clouds are in place, as the clouds act as a barrier. While visible light is reduced by clouds, UV rays are completely blocked by overcast skies. While they can reduce the UV radiation to some extent, enough of rays are reaching your skin and causing skin damage. The Skin Care Foundation reports that depending on how thick the cloudy skies, nearly 80 percent of the UV rays can penetrate a cloud deck.

It’s always important to remember that anytime the sun is up, that sunscreen is applied when outside. Here are some tips from the Skin Care Foundation on how to protect your skin when outside during the day:

– Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or more.

– Avoid the strongest rays during the time of 10 AM to 4 PM.

– Spend time in the shade, although remember that UV rays can bounce off of surrounding objects onto your skin.

– Cover your skin with clothing, particularly clothing that blocks UVA and UVB rays.

The UV Index through the rest of the week is expected to remain on the high side. If you are going to be outside for extended periods of time, you want to make sure that you keep yourself protected by using the appropriate sunscreen.

Stay with ABC 17 News as we continue to monitor the summer pattern and follow us on Twitter @ABC17Stormtrack.