When the sky is overcast and the air feels cool, reaching for sunscreen might not feel as instinctive as it does on a bright summer day. After all, if you can’t see the sun, how much harm can it really do? But here’s the thing: Even when the weather looks gloomy, your skin is still being exposed to UV rays.
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Sun 101
Here’s Why You Need Sunscreen On Cloudy Days
If you want to keep your skin happy and protected from invisible sun damage, you should wear sunscreen every day — no matter what your weather app says.
Ahead, we’ll break down why sunscreen matters just as much when it’s gray outside, how it benefits your skin, and which Supergoop! favorites make it effortless to stay protected year-round.
Why You Need Sunscreen On Cloudy Days
Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can still reach your skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In fact, UVA (aging) rays maintain the same strength year-round — they can even pass through windows! So even though your skin may not feel warm or sunkissed, UV exposure is still happening — and it’s quietly impacting your skin’s health.
2 Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen When It’s Cloudy
A layer of sunscreen every day goes a long way, and that includes cloudy days, too. Here’s why.
1. Helps Maintain Your Skin’s Protective Barrier
When the weather turns cold and dry, your skin barrier has to work overtime to stay hydrated. But even minimal UV exposure can weaken that barrier, making dryness and irritation worse. Daily sunscreen helps defend against both — keeping moisture in and damage out.
2. Helps Prevent Premature Aging
Even on cold days, UVA rays can penetrate clouds and glass, gradually weakening your skin’s barrier and accelerating visible signs of aging. Daily broad spectrum protection helps prevent dryness, fine lines, and discoloration while helping you feel more hydrated.
5 Sunscreens to Keep with You On Cloudy Days
No matter your skin type or routine, Supergoop! makes it simple to stay protected, even when the sun is playing hide-and-seek.
1. Superscreen Hydrating Daily Cream SPF 40
We believe sunscreen should fit seamlessly into your daily routine, so we added it to your morning moisturizer. This ultra-rich, nourishing SPF moisturizer is ideal for drier skin types that crave extra comfort, especially during cooler months, and delivers both hydration and broad spectrum SPF 40 protection.
2. Triple Prep Weightless Multitasking Moisturizer SPF 40
Prefer a lightweight SPF moisturizer? Triple Prep delivers hydration and protection in a bouncy, weightless formula that’s ideal for oilier skin types. It has a complex of ectoin, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to support and replenish your skin’s moisture barrier.
3. Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
This one’s a fan favorite, even on cloudy days. Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 provides invisible sun protection for all skin types and tones, making it easy to add to your year-round routine. Plus, it doubles as a primer!
4. Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
The Unseen Sunscreen Stick takes our game-changing invisible formula and puts it in a travel-friendly, mess-free stick. It glides effortlessly over makeup or bare skin for touch-ups on the go, making it perfect for cloudy-day commutes or outdoor errands.
5. PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30
Your lips need sun protection on cloudy days, too. PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30 features a blend of shea butter, natural oils, and broad spectrum SPF to lock in moisture and shield against the elements. Plus, it’s water and sweat resistant.
Sunscreen: A Clear Choice On Cloudy Days
Even when the sun’s hiding, UVA rays can creep through the clouds. That means your skin still needs daily protection. Adding SPF to your routine is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep your skin protected and hydrated through every kind of weather. At Supergoop!, we believe in making suncare an everyday ritual, no matter what the forecast may be.
