Can We Use Sunscreen in the Rainy Season: When the rainy season arrives, many people think it’s time to take a break from sunscreen. After all, the sky is overcast, and the sun’s rays are nowhere to be seen. However, this belief is a common misconception. Just because it’s raining or cloudy doesn’t mean your skin is safe from harmful UV radiation. In fact, it’s just as important to wear sunscreen in the rainy season as it is during the bright, sunny days of summer.
Why Sunscreen is Necessary During the Rainy Season
It’s easy to assume that the gloomy weather makes sunscreen unnecessary. After all, if you can’t feel the sun’s warmth or see it shining through the clouds, why would you need sunscreen? The answer lies in the fact that UV rays are still present and can penetrate through the clouds, reaching your skin.
Even though rain clouds block visible sunlight, ultraviolet rays (UV)—the ones responsible for skin damage—are much less affected by cloud cover. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, meaning your skin can still suffer damage, including premature aging, pigmentation, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
How UV Rays Affect Your Skin in the Rainy Season
UV rays come in two forms: UVA and UVB. While UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburns, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage, such as wrinkles and skin aging. During the rainy season, even if you can’t see the sun, these rays are still active.
Prolonged exposure to these rays without protection can lead to:
- Premature skin aging, including wrinkles and fine lines.
- Hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- Increased risk of skin cancer, as prolonged exposure to UV rays damages DNA in skin cells.
The rainy season doesn’t shield you from these harmful effects. So, just because it feels cooler and the skies are overcast, your skin is still vulnerable to UV damage.
Read more: Which Aqualogica Sunscreen Is Best for Oily Skin?
The Misconception of Overcast Days
A common belief during rainy weather is that UV rays are not strong enough to cause harm. This is due to the fact that UV rays can travel through the clouds. While you might not feel the heat or direct sunlight, the risk of skin damage still exists. In fact, many people are unaware that indirect sunlight, such as the rays reflected from water, buildings, or even the ground, can still cause harm.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that UV radiation exposure is still significant on overcast days, even when the sun isn’t directly visible. As much as 30-50% of the sun’s radiation can reach you through the clouds, depending on cloud thickness and other weather conditions. This means that, despite the rain, your skin can still be exposed to damaging UV rays.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for the Rainy Season
When it comes to selecting the best sunscreen for the rainy season, the key factors to consider are water resistance and broad-spectrum protection.
Water-resistant Sunscreen
During the rainy season, you’re likely to get wet either from rain or humidity. Choosing a water-resistant sunscreen ensures that the protection stays intact longer, even if you get caught in a shower or sweat. Look for labels like “water-resistant” or “very water-resistant” to ensure you’re getting reliable coverage.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
UV rays consist of two types: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns. Both types can lead to skin cancer, so it’s crucial to use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF Recommendations
When it comes to SPF, look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for daily use. SPF 50+ is ideal for extended outdoor exposure. While SPF measures protection from UVB rays, don’t forget that your sunscreen should also protect against UVA, which is often overlooked but equally harmful.
Sunscreen Application Tips During the Rainy Season
Even if you apply sunscreen, it’s essential to reapply it throughout the day, especially if you’ve been out in the rain or sweating. The protection doesn’t last forever, so it’s important to reapply every 2 hours.
Here are a few tips to ensure you’re using sunscreen properly during the rainy season:
- Apply generously: Many people don’t use enough sunscreen. Make sure you apply a generous amount to all exposed skin—don’t skip areas like the ears, neck, and hands.
- Reapply regularly: Rain or sweat can wear sunscreen off. Make it a habit to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
- Don’t forget your lips: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from UV rays, which can burn and dry out the delicate skin.
- Indoor UV protection: Remember that UV rays can still penetrate windows, so if you’re near a window, consider applying sunscreen.
Read more: Can We Use Sunscreen at Home? Why It’s Just as Important Indoors as Outdoors
Additional Skin Protection Tips
Alongside sunscreen, there are other ways to protect your skin during the rainy season:
- Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses can help shield your skin from indirect sunlight. Opt for clothing with an UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for added defense.
- Stay hydrated and moisturized: The rainy season often brings humidity, which can cause your skin to lose moisture. Keep your skin hydrated with a good moisturizer to maintain its barrier and prevent damage.
- Avoid peak UV hours: Even on rainy days, try to limit sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) when UV radiation is strongest.
Conclusion
The rainy season doesn’t offer complete protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Despite the overcast skies, UVA and UVB rays can still penetrate through clouds, affecting your skin’s health. To keep your skin safe, it’s crucial to continue using sunscreen—preferably one with broad-spectrum protection and water resistance. Reapply every few hours, even on cloudy days, and remember that the right sunscreen can make all the difference.
By protecting your skin from harmful UV rays during the rainy season, you can maintain a youthful, healthy complexion and reduce the long-term risks of skin damage.
