Skipping sunscreen in monsoon? Your skin doesn't know what season it is
ETimes | July 21, 2026 10:39 PM CST
UV exposure isn't something that switches off once summer ends. Sunny, cloudy, or rainy, ultraviolet rays keep reaching the skin, and over time, this can show up as tanning, pigmentation, and early signs of ageing. Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO of Deconstruct, points out that "one of the most common misunderstandings about sun care is assuming sunscreen is only needed when it's hot outside. Since UV rays are present all year, sunscreen deserves a spot in daily skincare, not just a slot reserved for summer."
Don't Let Cloudy Skies Fool You
Cloud cover cuts down on visible sunlight, but it doesn't block UV rays. Even during the monsoon, skin stays exposed, and surfaces like water, wet roads, glass, and concrete can reflect additional UV onto the skin. So the decision to wear sunscreen shouldn't depend on how sunny or warm a day feels. It works best as a fixed part of the morning routine, no matter the weather outside.
Think Beyond Summer
UV rays don't go away just because temperatures drop. Cooler monsoon days and mild winter afternoons can trick people into thinking they're safe, so sunscreen often gets skipped even though exposure hasn't actually stopped. Instead of treating it as something summer-specific, it helps to think of sunscreen the way one thinks of cleansing or moisturising: a routine step that stays constant through the year.
Choose Protection That Works for Your Skin
Staying consistent with sunscreen gets easier when the formula suits the skin, not just when it has a high SPF number. Ingredients like ceramides and ectoin help support the skin barrier and keep it comfortable, while Vitamin C, niacinamide and allantoin can add antioxECTON brightening or calming benefits depending on what the skin nevitaminpecially for those with oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can help manage excess oil and clogged pores. The goal is finding a formula that feels like it fits into the skin's needs rather than one that feels like a chore to apply.
Pay Attention to Everyday Exposure
Sun exposure doesn't only happen on beach trips or during long hours outside. Walking to work, waiting for a cab, driving around town, running errands, and even sitting near a large window – all of these add small amounts of errands, and the more that build up over time, the more that applies sunscreen and builds that time. little to no time outdoors.
Look Beyond SPF Alone
A solid sunscreen routine starts with knowing what's actually in the formula. Broad-spectrum SPF 50 with PA++++ protection helps guard against both UVA and UVB rays, and newer photostable filters such as MBBT, DHHB, BEMT and EHT are built for more lasting protection. Texture matters too. A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen is simply easier to stick with every day, which makes wearability just as important as the SPF number itself.
Don't Forget Reapplication
Applying sunscreen in the morning is a good start, but reapplication matters just as much, especially during long stretches outdoors, travel, sweating or swimming. A texture that's easy to reapply without feeling greasy or messing with makeup makes it far more realistic to keep up sun protection through the day, not just at the start of it.
Consistency Is the Real Protection
The best sunscreen routine isn't the one saved for bright, sunny days. It's the one followed every day, regardless of season or weather. Once sun protection becomes as routine as washing or moisturising the face, it stops feeling like an extra step and simply becomes part of taking care of the skin. Weather changes throughout the year. UV exposure doesn't.
Don't Let Cloudy Skies Fool You
Cloud cover cuts down on visible sunlight, but it doesn't block UV rays. Even during the monsoon, skin stays exposed, and surfaces like water, wet roads, glass, and concrete can reflect additional UV onto the skin. So the decision to wear sunscreen shouldn't depend on how sunny or warm a day feels. It works best as a fixed part of the morning routine, no matter the weather outside.
Think Beyond Summer
UV rays don't go away just because temperatures drop. Cooler monsoon days and mild winter afternoons can trick people into thinking they're safe, so sunscreen often gets skipped even though exposure hasn't actually stopped. Instead of treating it as something summer-specific, it helps to think of sunscreen the way one thinks of cleansing or moisturising: a routine step that stays constant through the year.
Choose Protection That Works for Your Skin
Staying consistent with sunscreen gets easier when the formula suits the skin, not just when it has a high SPF number. Ingredients like ceramides and ectoin help support the skin barrier and keep it comfortable, while Vitamin C, niacinamide and allantoin can add antioxECTON brightening or calming benefits depending on what the skin nevitaminpecially for those with oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can help manage excess oil and clogged pores. The goal is finding a formula that feels like it fits into the skin's needs rather than one that feels like a chore to apply.
Pay Attention to Everyday Exposure
Sun exposure doesn't only happen on beach trips or during long hours outside. Walking to work, waiting for a cab, driving around town, running errands, and even sitting near a large window – all of these add small amounts of errands, and the more that build up over time, the more that applies sunscreen and builds that time. little to no time outdoors.
Look Beyond SPF Alone
A solid sunscreen routine starts with knowing what's actually in the formula. Broad-spectrum SPF 50 with PA++++ protection helps guard against both UVA and UVB rays, and newer photostable filters such as MBBT, DHHB, BEMT and EHT are built for more lasting protection. Texture matters too. A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen is simply easier to stick with every day, which makes wearability just as important as the SPF number itself.
Don't Forget Reapplication
Applying sunscreen in the morning is a good start, but reapplication matters just as much, especially during long stretches outdoors, travel, sweating or swimming. A texture that's easy to reapply without feeling greasy or messing with makeup makes it far more realistic to keep up sun protection through the day, not just at the start of it.
Consistency Is the Real Protection
The best sunscreen routine isn't the one saved for bright, sunny days. It's the one followed every day, regardless of season or weather. Once sun protection becomes as routine as washing or moisturising the face, it stops feeling like an extra step and simply becomes part of taking care of the skin. Weather changes throughout the year. UV exposure doesn't.
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