We assume we’re safe from sun damage in the shade, a false sense of security that leads us to skip sunscreen. Is this belief accurate? Should we protect our skin in the shade? We address these questions.
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Should you apply sunscreen when you’re in the shade?
Summary
Published June 30, 2025,
updated on June 30, 2025,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Sunscreen: should you apply it only in the sun?
Shade is seen as a refuge from sun hazards. Reducing light intensity lowers perceived heat and creates a false sense of coolness. In reality, shade does not mean absence of ultraviolet radiation. Indeed, UV radiation can reach the skin via reflection or atmospheric scattering, when the sun does not shine in a direct path. Light-colored surfaces such as sand, snow, or water have strong reflectivity. That means someone sitting in shade on a beach can receive a notable amount of ultraviolet radiation without direct exposure.
| Surface | UV reflection index |
|---|---|
| Snow | ` and ` 80% |
| Sand | … 15% |
| Herb | |
| Water | |
| Concrete |
UV reflectance index by surface.
Source: Linos E. et al. Types of shade vary in protection, similar to sunscreens. JAMA Dermatology (2017).
This is why some people observe that they have tanned even though they remained in the shade.
The clouds are not a reliable barrier either. An average cloud cover transmits between 30 and 70% of UV rays, while white, scattered clouds can increase total radiation through scattering by up to 10%. Only dense, dark, low clouds can block most UV rays.
A study in Sacramento, California, used UV sensors placed at different positions to quantify ultraviolet radiation in two shaded conditions. Researchers measured UV levels under a parasol and under a tree to reflect everyday situations. Sensors recorded data in full sun and within these shaded areas between 1 PM and 3 PM.
Global experimental configuration showing UV sensors under sunlight or in the shade of a tree or an umbrella.
Source: SIVAMANI R. K. et al. Quantification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in shade and in direct sunlight. Dermatology Online Journal (2019).
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Measurements showed that under a tree, about 5% of UV rays reached the skin, while under a sunshade, more than 17% of UV rays reached the shaded area.
These data show that not all shaded areas are equal in terms of photoprotection. Dense shade, such as that cast by a wall or roof, blocks a large portion of direct UV rays. In contrast, shade filtered through a leafy tree, an umbrella, or an open pergola allows a fraction of sunlight to pass through. Given that UV rays can reflect off certain surfaces and reach the skin, it is clear that being in the shade does not guarantee complete protection. Moreover, depending on the time of day, shaded areas offer varying levels of photoprotection.
UV dose in the shade of a parasol (A) or a tree (B) as a percentage of the dose received in direct sunlight.
Source: SIVAMANI R. K. et al. Quantification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in shade and in direct sunlight. Dermatology Online Journal (2019).
Thus, even in the shade, it is recommended to apply sunscreen as a precaution. Consider wearing sunglasses and a hat, as UV rays can damage the eyes and the hair.
Sources
CALBO J. & al. Empirical studies of cloud effects on UV radiation: a review. Reviews of Geophysics (2005).
LINOS E. & al. Types of shade vary in protection just like sunscreens. JAMA Dermatology (2017).
SIVAMANI R. K. & al. Quantification of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the shade and in direct sunlight. Dermatology Online Journal (2019).
ALMEIDA I. F. & al. UV filters: challenges and prospects. Pharmaceuticals (2022).
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