Experts say sunscreen is important even on cloudy days to protect your skin

Many people believe they can skip sunscreen when the sky is cloudy because they cannot see the sun. However, skincare experts say this is a common misunderstanding. Even when the weather is overcast, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can still reach your skin and cause damage.

Experts recommend making sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine, no matter the season or weather. Regular use of sunscreen can help protect your skin from sun damage, reduce the risk of pigmentation and premature ageing, and support long-term skin health.

Clouds do not stop harmful UV rays

According to skincare specialists, clouds may block some sunlight, but they do not completely block ultraviolet rays.

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Co-founder and Director at MedLinks Aesthetics, says one of the questions he is asked most often is whether sunscreen is necessary on cloudy days. His answer is simple: yes.

He explains that although the sun may not be visible, a large amount of UV radiation can still pass through clouds and reach the skin.

Because of this, your skin remains exposed to the same harmful rays that can cause tanning, dark spots, uneven skin tone and early signs of ageing.

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays may also increase the risk of skin cancer. While sunscreen cannot completely eliminate this risk, using it regularly is widely recommended by dermatologists as an important part of sun protection.

Many people think UV exposure only happens during beach vacations or on very hot summer days. Experts say this is not true.

Everyday activities such as walking outdoors, travelling to work, shopping or waiting at a bus stop also expose the skin to ultraviolet rays.

Even indoors, your skin may receive exposure through windows. According to experts, UVA rays can pass through ordinary glass and contribute to wrinkles, fine lines and uneven pigmentation over time.

For this reason, dermatologists advise treating sunscreen as a daily habit, just like brushing your teeth or washing your face.

Make sunscreen part of your daily routine

Akanksha Sharma, CEO and Co-Founder of CITTA, also advises people not to skip sunscreen simply because the weather feels cooler or cloudy.

She explains that sun damage builds up gradually over time. Even a short amount of daily UV exposure adds to the total damage your skin experiences over the years.

This gradual exposure can weaken the skin barrier, increase pigmentation and make signs of ageing appear earlier.

To protect your skin, experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens help protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays mainly cause premature ageing and wrinkles, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. Both types can damage the skin.

Experts suggest choosing a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that feels comfortable enough to wear every day. This makes it easier to maintain the habit throughout the year.

If you spend long hours outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours for continued protection. Reapplication is especially important after sweating heavily or washing your face.

The monsoon season often makes people avoid sunscreen because of humidity and the sticky feeling that some products leave on the skin.

However, experts say this is another mistake.

Jeevan Kasra, Chairman at Steris Healthcare, says lightweight sunscreens are ideal during humid weather because they protect the skin without feeling heavy.

According to him, avoiding sunscreen during the rainy season can slowly lead to dull skin, uneven skin tone and increased pigmentation, especially in people with acne marks or dry skin.

Using sunscreen daily helps maintain healthier-looking skin despite changing weather conditions.

Experts also remind people that sunscreen is only one part of good sun protection.

Other helpful habits include wearing sunglasses, using umbrellas or hats when outdoors, seeking shade during the hottest hours of the day and wearing clothing that covers the skin when possible.

Applying sunscreen correctly is equally important. Most adults need enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas, including the face, ears, neck, arms and hands. Many people unknowingly use too little, which reduces its effectiveness.

Making sunscreen part of your morning skincare routine is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin in the long term.

Whether the day is bright and sunny or cloudy and rainy, ultraviolet rays remain present. Although clouds may reduce the amount of visible sunlight, they do not fully stop the UV radiation that affects the skin.

By using sunscreen every day, people can reduce the chances of tanning, pigmentation, premature ageing and other forms of sun damage. Experts agree that daily sun protection is a simple habit that can make a meaningful difference to skin health over time.

While sunscreen cannot guarantee complete protection from all skin problems, consistent use, along with other sun-safe habits, is considered one of the best ways to care for your skin throughout the year.