Cloudy With a Chance of UV

When the forecast calls for clouds, many people leave the sunscreen in the drawer. It is one of the most common skin habits we see, and one of the easiest to change.

When the forecast calls for clouds, many people leave the sunscreen in the drawer. It is one of the most common skin habits we see, and one of the easiest to change. UV rays still reach your skin on gray days and if you are in cancer treatment, your skin may also be more sensitive to the sun than it used to be. At Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, we want sun protection to feel easy, so here is what to know and how to make it part of your day.

 

Where UV Hides

Clouds can make the sun feel milder, but they don’t block UV rays completely, which is why so many people come home sunburned after an overcast day at the lake or an afternoon working in the yard. They can also reach you in your car. While most windshields block much of it, side windows usually let UVA rays pass through, so your arm and the side of your face get more exposure than you might think. The sun sits lower during the colder months, yet its rays still reach your skin. If there is snow on the ground, it can bounce that sunlight back up toward your face and add to your exposure.

Some cancer treatments can change how your skin responds to sunlight. Certain chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies, and other medications may cause your skin to burn faster or react differently to the sun, which is called photosensitivity. Radiation can also leave the treated area tender and more easily damaged by the sun, both during treatment and for some time after. Your care team at OCSRI can tell you whether your treatment carries this effect and what signs to look out for.

 

Everyday Protection

At OCSRI, we recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. If your skin feels dry or gets easily irritated, try a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, since these ingredients sit on top of the skin and tend to be gentler. Look for labels that say fragrance free and made for sensitive skin. Before using a new sunscreen on your face, test a small amount on your inner arm and wait a day to see how your skin responds.

It’s easier to remember sun protection when you connect it to a daily habit. Keep your sunscreen next to your hairbrush and apply it every morning, regardless of the weather. Covering your face, ears, neck, and the backs of your hands helps protect the places that are easy to miss but exposed nearly every time you step outside. Keep a carry-on sunscreen and SPF lip balm in your purse or car console so you can reapply every two hours outdoors. If you’ll be out longer, a wide brim hat, sunglasses, and loose long sleeves give you extra protection that doesn’t need to be reapplied.

If you are receiving or have finished radiation, we recommend keeping the treated area covered with soft, loose clothing and asking us before putting any sunscreen or lotion on it, as some products can irritate treated skin. That area can stay tender for months after treatment ends, so check with your care team about how long it needs extra protection.

Your skin can tell you a lot during treatment. If you notice a new rash, redness, blistering, peeling, darkening, or a change in a mole, let your OCSRI care team know at your next visit, or call sooner if something concerns you. Catching skin changes early gives us more ways to help. The forecast may call for clouds, but with a little daily care, your skin can stay protected no matter the chance of UV.