DO I NEED TO WEAR SUNSCREEN ON CLOUDY DAYS?

Wearing sunscreen is so important, even on cloudy or overcast days.

Many people believe that sunscreen is only necessary when the sun is shining bright, but the truth is that UV radiation from the sun can harm your skin even on days when the sun isn't visible. In this post, we'll explain UV indexes, at what UV index Airyday recommends you need to wear sunscreen and provide examples of UV indexes on cloudy days.

What is UV Index and When Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen?

The UV Index is a measure of the strength of UV radiation from the sun. In Australia, the UV Index is calculated and reported by the Bureau of Meteorology, and can range from 0 (low) to 14+ (extreme). The higher the UV Index, the more intense the UV radiation, and the greater the risk of sunburn and other damage to your skin.

So, at what UV Index do you need to wear sunscreen? The Cancer Council of Australia recommends wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, regardless of the UV Index. However, if the UV Index is 3 or higher, it's especially important to wear sunscreen and take other sun protection measures, such as wearing a hat and seeking shade.

UV Index on Cloudy Days

Even on cloudy or overcast days, UV radiation can still reach your skin. In fact, up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate through clouds, according to the Cancer Council of Australia. This means that it's still important to wear sunscreen, even when it's not sunny outside.

To illustrate the impact of UV radiation on cloudy days  UV Index can reach 3 or higher on cloudy days and even though you can't feel it, UV radiation can still be strong enough to cause damage to your skin. This is why it's so important to wear sunscreen every day, even when it's not sunny outside.

In addition to adding SPF to your daily routine, don't forget to also protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats, and seeking shade whenever possible.

Wearing sunscreen every day is crucial for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, no matter the weather. So, make sure to apply sunscreen every day, even on cloudy or overcast days, and take other sun protection measures to keep your skin healthy and glowing.