The first showers of the monsoon bring a relief from the scorching summer heat. The weather turns cooler, the skies become overcast, and suddenly the harsh sun seems to disappear.
For many people, this also marks the point where sunscreen quietly disappears from their skincare routine.
"It's cloudy today."
"I'm barely stepping out."
"Do I really need sunscreen when it's raining?"
It's a common assumption but it's also one of the biggest skincare myths.
The truth is, your skin doesn't respond to how bright the day looks. It responds to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. And unlike visible sunlight, UV rays don't completely disappear behind the clouds.
What Does the Monsoon Actually Do to Your Skin?
One of the biggest changes during the monsoon is the increase in humidity, which simply means there's more moisture in the air.
This extra moisture reduces the amount of water that evaporates from your skin, which is why your skin may feel softer or less dry compared to summer.
But humidity has another side.
It also increases sweating and, for many people, stimulates excess oil production. Combined with pollution, dirt, and frequent exposure to rainwater, this creates the perfect environment for clogged pores, acne breakouts and skin congestion, especially if you already have oily or combination skin.
So while the monsoon changes how your skin behaves, it doesn't change how UV radiation reaches your skin.
Cloudy Doesn't Mean UV-Free
One of the biggest misconceptions is that if the sun isn't visible, your skin isn't exposed to UV rays.
Think of clouds like a thin curtain. They reduce the brightness of visible sunlight, making the day look darker and cooler. However, UVA rays can still pass through cloud cover, which means your skin continues to receive UV exposure even on rainy or overcast days.
In fact, research studies suggest that up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate clouds, depending on the type and density of the cloud cover.
This is why you may still notice tanning or pigmentation after spending time outdoors during the monsoon, even without direct sunshine.
So, Does Humidity Replace Sunscreen?
No.
Humidity may make your skin feel hydrated, but it doesn't protect it from UV radiation. Similarly, a moisturizer helps maintain the skin barrier but cannot replace a sunscreen unless it has a tested SPF and is applied in the recommended amount.
How Should You Adapt Your Routine?
Instead of removing sunscreen from your routine, adjust it to suit the season.
Choose a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen that feels comfortable even in humid weather. If your skin becomes oilier during the monsoon, opt for non-greasy or mattifying formulations. And if you're outdoors for extended periods, don't forget to reapply, especially after excessive sweating or towel drying.
The best sunscreen is one that you'll enjoy wearing consistently.
At Qurez, we understand that every skin type and lifestyle has different sun protection needs. That's why we've created a range of broad-spectrum sunscreens from lightweight everyday formulas to mattifying & tinted variants. We have also formulated a sunscreen range with up to 80 minutes of water resistance for outdoor and monsoon-friendly wear. Every Qurez sunscreen is OMC & Oxybenzone-free, vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologically tested, and independently tested, so you never have to choose between effective protection and skin-friendly formulations.
So the next time the skies turn grey, don't mistake the absence of sunshine for the absence of UV radiation.
Rain or shine, sunscreen remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin every single day.