If you’re in an area where the sun is always hiding behind the clouds, you’re probably wondering can you tan through clouds?
ABSOLUTELY!
You can turn through clouds. For the most part, the sun’s rays will make it through the clouds, and your skin can darken.
When the sun is out if you fear that clouds might roll in, position yourself on the side of your body where there is less shade and the least amount of foliage or other objects blocking the path of the sun. After five or ten minutes, shower and moisturize your skin.
Understanding Tanning
The skin will tan when exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun. The body produces melanin in the skin to help protect against harm caused by UV exposure.
However, it is important to remember that visible sunlight does not cause a tan or burn—but rather, UV rays do.
Therefore, exposing your skin to sunlight tans because of exposure to ultraviolet radiation of both types: UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B).
Manufactured indoor tanning devices, tanning beds, and booths can provide the same results in less time because these devices emit a broader range of UV rays.
Clouds and Ultraviolet Rays
It may seem that clouds block out UV rays. However, ninety percent of UV rays can penetrate through the fluffy cloud cover, and only ten percent are blocked.
Because you cannot feel the heat or see the light on a cloudy day, you may mistakenly think it does not pose as much of a risk to your skin as sunnier days.
You shouldn’t postpone tanning sessions just because of cloudy skies.
You will get sun-kissed results by preparing and planning properly, even on a cloudy day.
Note: Always plan your tanning sessions regardless of the weather condition.
Dark Fluffy Clouds
Varying solar radiation levels can often be measured on sunny days, depending on the type of clouds present and the time of day.
Clouds that block out a significant portion of the sun’s rays are often grey or heavy with moisture, and more than half the sunlight may not be able to pass through.
In contrast, white or fluffy clouds can let 10% of the same rays pass through. The intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet rays grows stronger as one ascends in altitude.
It is most intense between 10 am and 4 pm; it’s best to avoid exposure during those hours.
Fact: One way to get a healthy tan is to wait for late afternoon when the sun's rays are not so powerful, and then spend some time in the open air.
How to Tan on a Cloudy Day?
Since the answer to “will you tan through clouds” is a resounding YES, let’s delve into the tricks of tanning on a cloudy day.
When you’re tanning, remember to take proper skin protection measures beforehand to prevent prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
1. Prepare Your Skin
Even when it’s cloudy, you can still get a base tan and prepare your skin for the sun by protecting it from UV rays.
UV rays can damage your skin even before you burn even on cloudy days. You don’t need to spend as much time in the sun on cloudy days.
You should, however, follow your normal sun protection procedures to maintain your tan even if the weather isn’t too overcast to get any color without burning.
Follow the following procedures:
Wear Sunscreen
Have you ever noticed how some people never seem to get sunburned?
They don’t have a natural tolerance for the sun. Sunscreen is a good idea if you go outside, no matter what time of year.
Sunscreen with SPF 15 or more is a must at all times, and it’s best to apply sunscreen all over exposed skin, not just on spots that are at a particularly high risk of burning.
Moisturize your Skin
Moisturize before going out into the sun, even if it’s a cloudy day.
Here are some tips to protect that beautiful skin of yours:
- After coming out of the shower, apply a moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
- It’s very important to apply it before going out in the sun.
- Do this twice a day.
Fact: Applying a good quality moisturizer after the shower will help keep your skin healthy as well as prevent dryness from premature aging.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Exfoliate your skin before a spray tan. Always start with a fresh layer of skin for the most natural-looking base tan and longer-lasting results.
A day before your session, take a shower and exfoliate with your favorite natural scrub.
2. Tan Wisely
If you’re going to tan, you need to do it correctly, even on an overcast day. Lie down in a safe place and ensure the sun doesn’t get in your eyes.
Just do not lay down and start to snooze on a bed of tanning oil, thinking it will end up dark enough after a short nap.
Once you’re inside a booth, remember to use your time well and have fun!
Time your Sessions
On a cloudy day, position yourself so that the sun is behind you rather than in front of you when tanning. This will help even out your tan.
To get an even tan without the spray, you’ll need to flip sides and move your arm and legs throughout the session.
Tanning sessions should last between 10 and 20 minutes, according to your experience.
Don’t be Lobster
Don’t spend a lot of time tanning on a hazy day. Patience is your friend, so build up your tan slowly and don’t be a lobster.
You can still get the great color even if it’s cloudy outside; don’t think you have to move to the shade if you feel like you need more time to let your skin absorb the rays.
Just keep in mind that a burn is a bad thing, so ease into it and always remember the difference between a healthy tan and a sunburn.
Location! Location! Location!
Choose an unobstructed location, with a view of the horizon and not hiding behind any structures or objects.
Even though there may be cloud cover, the sun’s rays still have an effect on your skin.
It is best to tan when the sun is out in the early morning and late afternoon hours; this time of day provides optimum exposure to the sun.
Use the Best SPF
On a cloudy day, you’ll want to be sure to use the best-rated outdoor tanning lotion if you want to tan safely and quickly.
You’ll also want to make sure there are no obstructions in your outdoor tanning area.
Even on cloudy days, rays from the sun are still being produced. These rays are invisible, so it’s important to wear both sunscreen and sunglasses.
Care After Skin Tanning on Cloudy Day
People who enjoy sunbathing often do not understand how to care for the skin after exposure to the sun.
Therefore, it’s not enough to ask can you tan through clouds without understanding what you do after tanning is equally important.
Hydrate
Make sure that you drink at least 12 ounces of water each day to avoid getting dehydrated.
During the summer, when your skin is exposed, even on a cloudy day, don’t take drinking water for granted.
Moisturize
After tanning, moisturize your skin to smooth the texture of your skin and ensure that you keep your skin healthy.
You can find all kinds of moisturizers, but it is important to select quality products made for your particular skin type.
Also, do not use products that have expired or that have been sitting in the sun.
Read Next: What is a Comfortable Humidity Level Outside?
Final Thought
So, can you tan through clouds? You Definitely can. You’ll probably get a good tan if you follow the above tips.
As long as you don’t damage your skin, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get a nice tan.
Just make sure that you’re not sensitive to the sun and that your skin is okay with UV exposure.
Use sunscreen while tanning, and make sure that you protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
