You're not alone if you've ever forgotten to apply sunscreen on a foggy day because you reasoned that the sun wasn't even out. A common misconception is that SPF is only required in bright sunlight, but is that actually the case? Let's dissect it and determine if this widely held notion is true or a myth.

Knowing SPF and How It Operates
The purpose of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is to shield your skin from damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UVA and UVB radiation. Sunburn is caused by UVB rays, whereas UVA rays cause accelerated aging and raise the risk of skin cancer since they penetrate deeper into the skin. The catch? Cloud cover does not simply cause these rays to vanish.
 
Overcast Days Aren't Safe
Up to 80% of UV radiation can still reach your skin through clouds when the sun isn't visible. This implies that if you forgo SPF on a cloudy day, your skin is still vulnerable to harm. For this reason, physicians stress the value of using sunscreen every day, rain or shine.

Wintertime and Sun Exposure Indoors
Do you think SPF is only for the summer? Rethink your thought. Winter is just as harmful to your skin because snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays. Furthermore, those big windows don't do much to screen UVA radiation if you're spending the day indoors. They still have the ability to pierce glass and damage your skin, causing hyperpigmentation and early aging.
 
The Final Verdict: Myth!
It's a fallacy that SPF is only for sunny days. Wearing sunscreen every day is essential if you want to maintain healthy, youthful skin because UV rays are present all year round, regardless of the weather. For best protection, use a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours.