You’re getting ready to head out for the evening. The sun’s still out, but it’s lower in the sky now. You applied sunscreen this morning, but that was hours ago. The question is: do you need to reapply before you go out?
The answer is – yes. Here’s why, and find out the best ways to protect your skin from morning to nighttime.
How Sunlight Works Throughout The Day
The sun moves across the sky throughout the day, and so does the intensity of UV rays hitting your skin. The UV index is highest between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is directly overhead. But UV rays don’t disappear after 5pm, they’re just coming from a lower angle.
Think of it like this: the sun’s position in the sky determines the intensity of UV rays reaching your skin. At midday, the rays can be stronger and more intense because they travel a shorter distance through the atmosphere.
In the evening, the rays travel at a lower angle through the atmosphere, which means they’re more scattered. Weaker, but still there, and requiring protection against.
The key point to note is that there are two types of UV rays: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn, and they become less intense as the sun moves lower in the sky.
UVA rays, on the other hand, stay fairly consistent throughout the day, quietly working beneath the surface and contributing to long-term skin damage. Check out more on the difference between UVA & UVA rays in our blog post.
So, if you’re heading out after 5pm and there’s still daylight, UVA rays are still reaching your skin; your skin still needs protection.
What Is The UV Index?
The UV Index is a simple way to measure how strong the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are at any given time. The higher the number, the faster your skin can get damaged, even if it doesn’t feel hot. Knowing the UV Index helps you decide how much sun protection you need, so you can stay glowing and safe.
| UV Index | Level | Sun Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Low | Minimal risk for most, but prolonged sun exposure can still cause damage. Apply a light layer of SPF for peace of mind. |
| 3–5 | Moderate | Use SPF 30+ on exposed areas, wear a hat, and take breaks in the shade if possible. |
| 6–7 | High | Protection is essential. Apply SPF 50+ on face and body, reapply after 2 hours, and cover up with clothing or a hat. |
| 8–11+ | Very High / Extreme | Sun rays are intense. Full protection is needed—SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses, and staying in the shade is strongly recommended. |
Even when the UV Index is low, spending a longer period outside can add up. For example, 60 minutes under UV Index 2 exposes your skin to roughly the same total UV as 30 minutes under UV Index 4. The takeaway? The longer you’re in the sunlight, the more your skin absorbs those rays.
This means that even in the evening or on overcast days, if you’re outside for a while, your skin is still accumulating damage. So, applying sunscreen after 5pm when the UV index is 2, is still highly recommended.
Does Location Affect Sun Protection?
Here’s something that catches people out: you can burn even when you’re cold too. This is why skiers and snowboarders need sunscreen on the slopes, even when they’re wrapped up in layers and it’s below 0 degrees.
Fresh snow is highly reflective and can reflect up to 80 to 90% of sunlight, which means the rays bounce off it and hit your skin from multiple angles. The cold air can often make you unaware you’re burning until it’s too late.
The same applies to water, sand, and even concrete. These surfaces are reflective and therefore amplify UV exposure. If you’re by the sea or even in a building with glass panels, UV rays are hitting your skin.
Your location and altitude also matter. If you’re at higher altitude, the atmosphere is thinner, meaning less atmosphere to filter rays. The result: The higher you go, the stronger the sun gets. For every 1,000 feet you climb, UV exposure ramps up by around 4 to 5%.
If you’re closer to the equator, the sun is more direct year-round. Certain places like Brazil, Kenya and Indonesia have stronger UV levels all year round. But regardless of where you are, if there’s daylight and you’re outside, your skin is being exposed (even after 5pm).
The bottom line: cold weather and cloudy skies don’t mean you need less sunscreen. If anything, they mean you need to be more careful about reapplication because you might not feel like you’re burning until it’s too late.
Cloudy Days & Evenings Are Still a Risk
Clouds may soften sunlight, but they don’t block it completely. Up to 90% of harmful rays can penetrate even overcast skies. UVA rays, in particular, pass through almost entirely, while UVB rays are slightly reduced. Learn more about why sunscreen is a year-round commitment.
That’s why cloudy days often lead to unnoticed sunburns. The sun may not feel hot, and your eyes don’t squint, but the rays are still affecting your skin. A simple test: if it’s bright enough to see clearly, you’re still being exposed.
How Long Does Sunscreen Last?
Most sunscreens are designed to provide effective sun protection for about two hours after application. After this period, tests indicate that active ingredients begin to break down due to sweat, water, and natural skin oils.
To ensure full protection, reapply before your evening plans or after any activity that might remove sunscreen.
Practical Ways to Reapply Sunscreen After 5pm
If you’re heading out after 5pm, here’s what actually works:
Sunscreen spray: Quick, easy, and effective. Spray it onto exposed skin and rub it… Just be sure you’re applying enough and covering the often-missed areas like ears, the backs of hands, and tops of feet too.
PoolBar’s clear SPF sprays make this effortless, giving you broad-spectrum protection with a light, hydrating feel. Sprays are great for a fast touch-up wherever you are.
Cream or lotion sunscreen: Apply a layer to your face and any exposed skin. Let it sink in for a minute or two. PoolBar’s SPF 30 & 50 mineral creams are lightweight, hydrating, and easy to reapply.
If you’re unsure of the amount of product to use, follow our guide on how to apply mineral sunscreen here.
No option is the ‘best’ option, what matters most is using what feels right for you and keeping your skin protected.
The Sun Doesn’t Clock Out at 5pm
If you’re heading out after 5pm and there’s still daylight, your skin needs sunscreen. Keep a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) accessible for evening use.
Apply it before you head out, or reapply if you’ve already put some on during the day. Use whatever format works for you, the type of sunscreen doesn’t matter as much as actually ensuring you’re protected.
All of PoolBar’s SPF products offer broad-spectrum protection that works whenever you need it. Each formula is designed to be lightweight, hydrating, and easy to wear, so reapplying never feels like a chore.
Whether you prefer a quick application from the body spray or a smooth layer of our face SPF, PoolBar makes it simple to keep your skin protected and glowing.
Consistent protection is what keeps your skin healthy and prevents sun damage from building up over time, and that’s where good habits (and great SPF) make all the difference.
