Don’t forget the sunscreen, even if it’s cloudy!
Posted May 2, 2014 8:56 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS1130) – After yesterday’s glorious sunshine, the cloud cover is back in the forecast again for the Lower Mainland.
But that doesn’t mean you should forget about protecting your skin.
Many people think you can’t burn when it’s cloudy. But dermatologist Dr. Shannon Humphrey says you should put on sunscreen every morning — no matter what the forecast calls for — and regardless of your skin colour.
“It’s on a spectrum. The most fair-skinned patients, by genetics, are at the highest risk for sunburn and skin cancer development. But patients with darker skin types are still at risk and should be attentive to sun protection, too.”
“[It’s] about how much time you’re going to be spending outside during the day and if you’re going to be doing active activities outdoors. Even on days that appear cloudy, when the UV Index may be lower, you still need to be protecting your skin because the UVA level is just as high.”
Humphrey says, if possible, you should stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the UV rays are at their strongest. She suggests parents use long-sleeved swimsuits on their kids for the best protection.
Her best tip is to be prepared; always have sunscreen, a hat, and glasses with you because you never know when you will need them.
