Do you apply Sunscreen on Cloudy days?

Do you apply Sunscreen on Cloudy days?

I regularly get asked whether it is necessary to apply SPF in cloudy weather - the answer is a resounding YES!

Sunscreen IS your “anti-ageing” in a bottle. Nothing else even comes close.

There is still ultraviolet radiation from the sun in winter - 80% of UV light still penetrates cloud cover.

This is one universal item that every dermatologist will agree needs to be part of your daily skincare routine.

Sunscreen protects against solar radiation - UVA AND UVB in particular.

There are other forms of radiation, such as high energy visible light and infrared. Some sunscreens will also provide additional protection against these.

There are 2 main benefits both equally important:

1. Reduce risk of cancer

2. The suns rays are 80%-90% responsible for ageing features (wrinkles, loss of elasticity and pigmentation)

Thus, on a side note, if an eye-cream doesn’t have any sort of protection spf or vit c (which helps protects agains UV) in it, its highly unlikely going to help the “anti-aging” process around the eyes.

It might hydrate, but not protect.

When looking for a good sunscreen for your face - choose a minimum of SPF (sun protection factor) 15-50 with UVA cover (it has to state this on the product).

Olive and darker skin types, an spf 15 is fine, Caucasion skins - SPF 30. And if you are very pale, SPF 50.

Alot of our creams have spf in them but the truth is that most of us don’t use enough of our cosmetic product to achieve the same SPF as a sunscreen alone.

For many theres still confusion on what exactly SPF and its numerical value means.

SPF - SUN PROTECTION FACTOR - is a measure of the ability of a sunscreen to protect against UVB.

UVB damages the outer layers and gives as sunburn. Easy way to remember - “B” for “Burn”. :)

SPF is a theoretical multiplier of the amount of time you can stay in the sun without getting burnt.

So if YOUR unprotected skin goes red after 10 mins in sun, and SPF 20 will theoretically allow outdoor time 20 times the original duration. Thus, SPF 20 will give this individual about 3 hours.

have an amazing Sunday, and remember to apply your SPF this morning! #spf #beautybloggers