Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Broad spectrum protects against UVA and UVB rays, and water resistant sunscreen is useful if you expect to swim or sweat. Sunscreen is one part of sun protection, so use shade and clothing that covers exposed skin too. Cloud cover is no substitute for shade, which is a surprisingly low bar for a cloud.34

How should I apply sunscreen on a cloudy day?

  1. 1Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside. Cover all exposed skin. An average adult needs about one ounce to cover the body.
  2. 2Reapply every two hours while outdoors, and sooner after swimming or sweating. Reapply after toweling off.
  3. 3Use shade and covering clothes along with sunscreen. Keep those protections in place even after applying sunscreen.
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Does a cloudy forecast change the risk?

Clouds do not provide a reliable way to judge how long you can stay outside. Sunburn can happen in as little as 15 minutes, and sunscreen is advised regardless of skin colour. SPF describes sunburn protection, not a number of extra hours outdoors. SPF is a protection rating, not an extension of your afternoon.15

What about children and babies?

Cover children's exposed skin with sunscreen even on cloudy days, and use shade and clothing for extra protection. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants younger than six months.56

Do I need to reapply sunscreen after getting caught in the rain?

If rain leaves your skin wet and you towel off, reapply sunscreen. Toweling off and water exposure are reasons to reapply. Water resistant sunscreens have a 40 or 80 minute rating for time in water, depending on the label. Rain does not read the label, so check the water resistance directions before the weather gets involved.3

Does fog change how I should use sunscreen?

No. Fog does not make sunscreen unnecessary outdoors. Treat it like cloudy weather and use the same sunscreen routine.1

Does misting my face affect sunscreen?

A light face mist does not replace sunscreen or reset the usual reapplication timing. Continue reapplying every two hours outdoors, and sooner if you sweat, get wet, or towel your face dry. Your sunscreen still runs on the outdoor schedule, because a face mist does not get to rewrite it.4

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Summer Health: Sun Safetystanthonyshealthcentre.nhs.uk
  2. 2Does Powder Sunscreen Actually Work?health.clevelandclinic.org
  3. 3How to decode a sunscreen labelaad.org
  4. 4How to use stick and spray sunscreensaad.org
  5. 5Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sunfda.gov
  6. 6Hot weather advice – stay safe in the heatqvh.nhs.uk