How much damage can UV rays cause on a cloudy day?
On a sunny day more than the 95% of the UV rays reaching the earth’s surface are UVA rays and the other 4% are made of UVB rays. UVC rays on the other hand don't reach the earth surface because the ozone layer is able to block them. This type of UV rays can cause the most harmful damages as direct exposure can cause severe burns of the skin and eye injuries. With the hole in the ozon layer expanding, it raises the question on how we should protect our skin as there is a decreasing protection against all UV rays. Do you want to learn more about the different UV-rays and their respective damages? Be sure to check out our blog talking about all things UV.
Usually a cloudy day feels much colder than a sunny day because the clouds block out the Infrared rays which produce the warm sensation from the sun.
However, UV rays are less covered by the clouds, and up to 89% of the UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds. By not feeling the heat of the sun, we are less warned and we tend to increase the risk of overexposure to UV light.
The effects of indirect sun exposure.
Which visible damage can be caused by UV rays? Among others, age spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer are the most known effects. Besides the importance of wearing sunscreen (even) on cloudy days, sunscreen should also be worn when working inside near a window. UVA rays can penetrate through windows and cause significant damage. Let’s have a look at this famous picture of a truck driver who experienced accelerated skin ageing on the left side of his face due to years of indirect sun exposure through his truck window. The damage done can be seen on the image in the form of deep wrinkles and sagging of the skin.
Be sure to protect your skin daily, with our High Protection Sunscreen SPF30+
