Think you don't need sunscreen on rainy days? Dermatologist busts myth

It’s a grey, drizzly morning. The sky is heavy with clouds, there’s no sun in sight, and your umbrella is by the door. Surely, on a day like this, sunscreen can stay in the drawer?

According to skin specialists, this is one of the most common - and most damaging - beliefs about sun protection.

Many people assume that if the sun cannot be seen or felt, it is not affecting the skin. However, dermatologists warn that clouds are far from a protective barrier.

Clouds do not block harmful UV rays

Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant - Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, explains that cloudy weather can be misleading when it comes to sun exposure.

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He says, “Many of us assume that if we can't see or feel the sun, it isn't doing anything to our skin. But clouds are far from a solid shield. They're made of water droplets, and while they can block some visible light, they let a significant amount of ultraviolet (UV) rays pass straight through.”

In fact, “up to 80 per cent of UV radiation can easily penetrate even thick cloud cover,” she adds.

UVA and UVB rays: the hidden difference

Dermatologists highlight that ultraviolet radiation is made up of UVA and UVB rays, both of which affect the skin differently.

Dr Passi explains, “UVB rays are the rays that cause sunburn, and their intensity decreases significantly when there is no sunlight due to cloudy weather.

But it is not so with UVA rays, which remain constant all year round and all day long, independent of the presence of clouds in the sky, rain or even the seasons.”

She adds, “UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, resulting in early skin ageing, wrinkles and an increased risk of skin cancer.”

Cumulative skin damage builds over time

One of the most concerning aspects of UV exposure is that its effects are not always immediately visible.

Dr Passi notes, “Skin damage from UV exposure isn't always immediate or obvious. Unlike a sunburn, which shows up within hours, the effects of UVA exposure build up quietly over months and years. This is sometimes called cumulative damage.”

She warns that skipping sunscreen on cloudy or rainy days can contribute significantly to long-term damage.

Rain and umbrellas do not provide protection

Another widespread myth is that rain or umbrellas can protect the skin from UV rays. Dermatologists strongly dismiss this idea.

Dr Passi explains, “Rain has no bearing on UV levels reaching your skin. Even walking under an umbrella offers only partial protection, since UV rays can reflect off pavements, buildings, and even water puddles, reaching your skin from angles an umbrella won't cover.”

Dermatologists' recommendation: daily sunscreen is essential

Experts emphasise that sun protection should be a daily habit, regardless of the weather.

Dr Passi advises, “Get into the practice of using sun protection every day and don't wait until sunny weather comes along. Every morning, a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion of at least SPF 30 must be put on, no matter what the weather forecast says - be it sunny, cloudy, or rainy weather.”

She further adds, “The sunscreen must be reapplied after a few hours of being in the open air.”

Overcast skies are deceptive

Summing up the misconception, Dr Passi says, “Overcast days are deceiving. They darken the brightness of the sun and protect us from nothing, except for its invisible ageing and damaging rays.”

She concludes, “Therefore, whenever you decide to put on a raincoat instead of sun protection cream, keep in mind that its use doesn't necessarily depend on the weather outside.”