Regardless of the season, we're all at risk of sunburn and other sun damage, so sunbathing safety is important to everyone. Ever wonder if you can get a sunburn on cloudy days? The answer may surprise you.
UV protection isn't just for summer.
We will explain some of the most important aspects of sun protection even in cloudy weather. The following article will help you understand more about UV rays and how to best prevent sunburn.
Do clouds block UV rays?
Before finding out if you can get sunburned even on cloudy days, let's learn the definition of UV rays and their three different types. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible light rays emitted by the sun and are divided into three groups based on wave lengths measured in nanometers (nm).
- Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays are long wave rays (315 to 400 nm) that are less powerful but penetrate deeply into the skin and melasma and freckles. UVA rays cause skin aging by breaking down collagen fibers.
- Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are medium wave rays (280 to 315 nm) that penetrate only the surface layers of the skin. UVB rays cause more intense sunburn as well as damage the skin's DNA.
- Ultraviolet C (UVC) : are short wave rays (100 to 280 nm) that are completely absorbed by the ozone layer, so they do not reach your skin.
Can you still get sunburned on cloudy days?
Now that we understand what UV is and the difference between the three, can you get a sunburn on an overcast day?
The answer is yes - you can still get a sunburn on an overcast day .
In fact, clouds only block 10% of the sun's UV rays, which means up to 90% of UVA/UVB rays can reach your skin depending on the type and coverage of the cloud.
Sunlight through the cloud can be more dangerous because you don't realize you're being exposed and may not take the necessary precautions. Some of the main signs of sunburn on an overcast day are skin becoming sensitive, irritated, and itchy.
- UV rays can pass through clouds
- The degree of absorption depends on the type of cloud
- Sunburn when it is overcast can be more harmful because you are subjective and do not use precautions when going outside.
Can you get a sunburn on a stormy day?
At any time of year, the sun's UV rays can cause lasting damage to your skin.
UV rays on overcast and rainy days can also cause sunburn, but are not as intense as UV rays on hot summer days.
Our skin can absorb UV rays directly from the sun and indirectly through reflections of water, sand, concrete, fresh snow. To avoid sunburn on a cloudy day, wear UPF 50+ clothing, wear a sun hat, and use sunscreen every day.
- Increased UV exposure on surfaces like sand and snow
- Sunburn can happen in any season, including winter
- Prevent sunburn by wearing UPF 50+ clothing along with the use of SPF sunscreen.
How to avoid sunburn on cloudy days
Avoiding sunburn on overcast days doesn't have to be complicated. Remembering a few small tips can dramatically improve the health of your skin.
- Clothes UPF 50+
- Sun hat
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
You can refer to the effective sun protection methods .
Protect your skin against all types of weather with Clalacc clothing UPF50+
Sun, snow, clouds, storms - protect your skin in all weather conditions and seasons all year round. The sun's ultraviolet rays are subtle, and can reach you through clouds and even when you're indoors.
Claclac not only uses UPF 50+ fabric technology, but also a company that follows the direction of environmental protection through the use of bamboo materials. Protect your health and our planet with Clalacc.
Articles are referenced at: Consumer Reports