Is it possible to experience sunburn on an overcast day?
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Cloudy days might seem like a reprieve from the harsh rays of the sun, but a significant portion of ultraviolet (UV) radiation can still penetrate thin clouds or fog. This means that the risk of sunburn and long-term skin and eye damage remains high even on overcast days.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), up to 80-90% of UV rays can pass through a light cloud cover. This substantial UV exposure can cause sunburn and lead to potential skin and eye problems.
Broken or scattered clouds can sometimes even focus or intensify UV exposure on the skin, increasing the risk of damage. Both UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to skin aging and sunburn respectively, can penetrate clouds and fog, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
The absence of heat or direct sunlight sensation on cloudy days can be misleading. UV radiation is invisible and not strongly correlated with perceivable warmth. Therefore, dermatologists recommend daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, especially when outdoors for extended periods.
Not all sunscreens are waterproof or sweatproof, so it's essential to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. The Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing the absorption of the active ingredients of chemical sunscreens into the body as well as the long-term effects of absorption.
Melanin, a pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes, helps block out UV rays. However, it's important to note that while the risk of experiencing sunburn is lower in a person with a darker skin tone, they should still apply sunscreen and limit their exposure to sunlight to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
Sunburn in people of all skin tones will cause a sensation of heat or warmth, sensitivity to the touch, pain, irritation, itching, peeling skin, and possible blistering.
When choosing a sunscreen, it's crucial to opt for a broad-spectrum option that is water resistant for 40-80 minutes and has an SPF of 30 or higher. These sunscreens contain blockers that absorb both UVA and UVB rays. There are currently two types of sunscreen available: physical (sunblocks) and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens typically contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb UVB and UVA rays.
Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen may reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by approximately 40% and the risk of melanoma by 50%, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. In the United States, common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens include aminobenzoic acid, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.
In summary, even on cloudy days, about 80-90% of UV rays reach the earth and can cause sunburn and long-term skin and eye damage. Therefore, sun protection should not be neglected irrespective of cloud cover. It's essential to apply sunscreen, wear UV-protective eyewear, and limit sun exposure to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.
- The risk of sunburn and long-term skin and eye damage remains high on overcast days, as up to 80-90% of UV rays can pass through light cloud cover, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).
- In the health-and-wellness sector, experts advocate for daily use of broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, which contains blockers that absorb both UVA and UVB rays, whether it's sunny or cloudy, to protect the skin effectively.
- Sun protection is related to skincare, as the science shows that regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen may reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by approximately 40% and the risk of melanoma by 50%, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.
