Skip to main content

It's cloudy. Can I skip the sunscreen?


As a dermatologist, I often see patients who are surprised to find out they have a sunburn, despite being outside on a cold winter day or on a cloudy day. Many people believe that the sun's harmful rays are blocked by clouds or that they are only at risk of sun damage during the summer months. However, this is far from the truth.

Firstly, it is important to understand that the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is divided into UVA and UVB rays. These rays are present year-round, regardless of the weather or season. UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburns, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging and skin damage.

While clouds may provide some protection from UVB rays, they do not offer complete protection. Clouds can reduce the amount of UV radiation that reaches the earth's surface, but they do not block all of it. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, which means that even on a cloudy day, you can still get sunburned.

Moreover, certain types of clouds provide less protection than others. For instance, thin, high-altitude clouds like cirrus clouds offer very little protection from UV rays. On the other hand, thick, low-altitude clouds like cumulus clouds can provide more protection. However, it is important to note that this protection is not foolproof.

Additionally, it is worth noting that snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, which means that the risk of sunburn is even higher on a sunny winter day when there is snow on the ground.

It is essential to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, even on cold or cloudy days. Wearing protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses, can go a long way in reducing your risk of sun damage. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is also helpful, regardless of the weather or season.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Dermatologist's Insight: The Significance of Waterproof Bandages in Infection Prevention

As dermatologists, we understand the importance of protecting wounds from infection. Even seemingly minor cuts, scrapes, or surgical incisions can become a gateway for harmful bacteria when exposed to moisture during activities like showering. In this article, we will highlight the crucial role of waterproof bandages in reducing the risk of infection. By keeping wounds covered with a waterproof barrier, we can significantly safeguard against potentially harmful pathogens. Understanding the Showering Process and Infection Risk: Showering is an essential part of our daily hygiene routine, but it can introduce a variety of germs and bacteria to our skin. When water flows over our body, it carries bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that naturally reside on the skin's surface. If there is an open wound, these microorganisms can enter and cause an infection. The Role of Waterproof Bandages in Infection Prevention: Waterproof bandages act as an effective barrier, preventing water...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dermatologist's Guide: Seat Cushions for Pressure Ulcer Prevention on the Buttocks

  As a dermatologist, I often encounter patients who suffer from pressure ulcers, particularly on the buttocks. Pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, can be debilitating and challenging to treat. They primarily affect individuals who are bedridden or spend prolonged periods seated, such as the elderly. In this article, we will discuss the importance of seat cushions, specifically donut cushions, in protecting the skin and preventing pressure ulcers, especially among the elderly who may have reduced protective fat and lead sedentary lifestyles. Understanding Pressure Ulcers on the Buttocks: Pressure ulcers develop due to prolonged pressure and inadequate blood flow to specific areas of the body. The buttocks are particularly vulnerable to these sores as they bear much of our body weight during sitting or lying down. Factors contributing to pressure ulcer development include prolonged immobility, reduced protective fat padding, poor nutrition, and friction or shear forces against ...
Post a Comment
Read more

A Clever Trick - Try Frozen Milk Cubes For Bug Bites.

As a dermatologist, I often have patients who come in complaining of itchy bug bites. While scratching may provide temporary relief, it can actually cause more harm than good, leading to skin irritation, infection, and scarring. That's why I'm always on the lookout for safe and effective alternatives to scratching. Here is a trick that I often recommend to my patients: freezing whole milk into ice cubes ( here is a perfect tray for it ) and using them to soothe bug bites or itchy areas of the skin. While it may sound unconventional, there is actually some scientific evidence to support the use of milk as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Milk contains contains proteins and fats that can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. When milk is frozen into ice cubes, it provides a cooling sensation that can further help to relieve itching and discomfort. To use milk ice cubes for bug bites or itchy skin, simply freeze whole milk in an ice cube tray and apply the cubes...
Post a Comment
Read more