The other day I wanted to get a natural tan at the beach, but the weather was too gloomy and cloudy.
It’s a common assumption that cloudy weather means no tan, but is that even true? I did my research, and here’s what I found out.
Can You Tan When Its Cloudy?
Tanning on a cloudy day is possible, as sunlight is not what causes tanning but UV (Ultraviolet) radiation. 90 percent of the rays penetrate through the clouds in the form of UVA and UVB rays.
This means that even if you can’t physically see or feel the sun on your skin, you’re still at risk of skin cancer and damage.
The type of clouds determines the UV index (UVI), allowing a certain amount of UV rays to pass through. Heavy, grey clouds block more UV rays than white clouds.
Are Cloudy Days Better For Tanning?
You might think sunny days are ideal for sunbathing, but cloudy days provide almost the same effects. As mentioned, up to 80 to 90 % of UV rays can penetrate clouds.
However, tanning on cloudy days is more harmful than on sunny days, as the risk of overexposure to the sun remains higher. Thus, applying sunscreen, even on cloudy days, is important to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation.
Effects of Tanning On Your Skin
If you love to get a tan every couple of months like I do, it’s important to know all the effects.
Increased Melanin Production
Tanning triggers melanin production, the body’s natural defense against UV radiation. While a tan may provide a temporary glow, excessive exposure can lead to uneven skin tone and dark spots.
Skin Aging
Frequent tanning accelerates the skin’s aging process. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness.
Risk of Skin Cancer
Both tanning beds and sun exposure increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells, potentially leading to mutations.
Sunburn and Skin Damage
Overexposure to UV rays can cause redness, pain, and peeling. This immediate damage can lead to long-term consequences, such as increased sensitivity and a higher risk of developing skin conditions like actinic keratosis.
Do You Need To Wear SPF In The Winter?
Yes, you do. While it may be tempting to skip your sunscreen routine when it’s cold, UV rays can still harm your skin in snow and ice. In fact, research and studies suggest that snow intensifies sunlight, making winters the worst time to get a tan.
Even if there’s no sunlight, it’s essential to remember that the visible sunlight is not what causes you to tan. I recommend using a broad spectrum SPF of at least 30, even in winter.
How To Tan Safely
Yes, it is possible to tan safely. Here’s how you can achieve that healthy glow:
Choose the Right Time: I like to tan in the early morning or late afternoon. The sun’s rays are less intense, reducing the risk of burns.
Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. This protects your skin while allowing you to still get a tan.
Select Tanning Lotion: Consider using a tanning lotion that enhances color without additional UV exposure.
Limit Exposure: Start with short sessions. Gradually increase your time in the sun to avoid overexposure.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Hydrated skin tans better and stays healthy.
Reapply: Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Aftercare: After tanning, use a moisturizing lotion and exfoliate to hydrate your skin and help maintain your tan.
Final Thoughts
There you go! Like I said earlier, it’s possible to tan in cloudy weather. You just have to keep a few things in mind. So grab that sunscreen and ignore the clouds!