Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD Even on cloudy and overcast days, it’s important to wear sunscreen. On cloudy days, between 50%-80% of the sun’s damaging UV (ultraviolet) rays can penetrate the clouds—and reach your skin! That’s why it’s important to put on your sunscreen on cloudy days too! Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen can help block both UV-A and UV-B rays, both of which can be damaging, leading to skin cancer, older looking and wrinkled skin, sunburns and an uneven complexion.
Do You Need Sunscreen on Cloudy Days?
Yes! On cloudy days, between 50%-80% of the sun’s damaging UV rays can penetrate the clouds and get to your skin, On snowy days, the snow can actually reflect UV rays back onto you, making your skin even more prone to damage!
Does Dark Skin Need Sunscreen?
Even if your skin is naturally darker, your skin can burn, wrinkle and develop skin cancer. Those with darker skin can also be prone to blotchy and uneven skin pigment, loss of fullness and other signs of aging that can happen with time and prolonged sun exposure.
Sunscreen Recommendations
When looking for a sunscreen, make sure that the one you purchase is broad spectrum (blocks UVA and UVB). It should be SPF 30 or higher. If you’re going to be outdoors for an extended period of time, rain or shine, make sure that you re-apply your sunscreen every 2 hours! Wear your sunscreen on cloudy days too. There are a lot of great sunscreens out there, and you’ll have to find your own personal favorites. A popular moisturizer with sunscreen is Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 30.
Looking for a physical sunblock instead? Elta MD UV Pure Sunscreen sunscreen is well regarded among dermatologists.
You can check out the Skin Cancer Foundation’s website for useful and reliable info about skin cancer in skin of color and recommended sunscreens!
