The cumulative effects of daily UV exposure, even on cloudy days

We often associate sun damage with sunburns on bright, sunny days. But the truth is, ultraviolet (UV) radiation doesn't take a day off—even when the sun hides behind clouds. Over time, this invisible exposure accumulates, leading to premature aging, inflammation, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Understanding UV Radiation: More Than Just Sunburn

UV radiation includes both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing long-term effects like wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity (link).

Here’s the surprising part: up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin on cloudy days (link).

The Cumulative Effect: How Daily Exposure Adds Up

Even small amounts of UV exposure build up over time—and the damage goes beyond the surface. Here’s how:

DNA Damage: UV radiation can directly mutate DNA in skin cells, leading to premature aging and a higher cancer risk.
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress: Daily sub-erythemal doses (below sunburn level) can still cause inflammation and oxidative stress in skin layers, accelerating signs of aging (link).
Photoaging: Repeated UV exposure breaks down collagen and elastin, leading to fine lines, sagging, and uneven tone (link).
Cloudy Days Are Not Exempt: Research has shown that even on hazy days or those with low visibility, UV levels are still high enough to exceed the recommended daily exposure limit (link).

Daily Defense: Why You Need Sunscreen—Every. Single. Day.

Dermatologists recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day—even when it’s cloudy, raining, or you’re mostly indoors. Why? UVA rays penetrate windows and clouds and contribute to cumulative damage over time.

Rejuvaskin's Solution: Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 32

At Rejuvaskin, we’re dedicated to helping you protect and restore your skin using science-backed formulas. Our Mineral Facial Sunscreen SPF 32 is designed for daily wear—no matter the weather.

Why It’s Your Daily Essential:

100% Mineral Protection with 20% zinc oxide to defend against UVA + UVB rays.
Sensitive-Skin Safe with no parabens, fragrances, or irritating ingredients.
Boosted with Niacinamide to soothe, even skin tone, and strengthen the barrier.

By applying it daily, you’re giving your skin what it needs to combat the effects of everyday UV exposure—keeping it healthy, glowing, and protected long-term.

Protect Today for a Healthier Tomorrow

UV damage doesn’t always show up immediately—but over time, it adds up. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference. Make sunscreen part of your daily skincare routine to protect your skin from invisible damage and preserve its youthful glow for years to come.

Works Cited

Lavker, R., Veres, D., Irwin, C., & Kaidbey, K. (1995). Quantitative assessment of cumulative damage from repetitive exposures to suberythemogenic doses of UVA in human skin. Photochemistry and Photobiology. link

Marionnet, C., Pierrard, C., Lejeune, F., Sok, J., Thomas, M., & Bernerd, F. (2010). Different oxidative stress response in keratinocytes and fibroblasts of reconstructed skin exposed to non-extreme daily-ultraviolet radiation. PLoS ONE. link

Igoe, D., Parisi, A., Downs, N., & Butler, H. (2022). A case study of UV exposure risk in Sydney during the 2019/2020 New South Wales bushfires. Photochemistry and Photobiology. link