The Importance of Sunscreen: Fall Edition

When the warm, sunny days of summer are behind us, it’s tempting to pack away our sunscreen, thinking that our skin no longer needs protection. After all, with cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight, why worry about sun exposure, right? Not so fast! Sunscreen is a crucial part of your skincare routine, no matter the season.

Here’s why sunscreen should remain a staple in your skincare routine this fall.

UV Rays Don’t Disappear in the Cooler Months: Even though the sun may feel less intense in the fall, the UV rays responsible for skin damage are still very much present. There are two types of UV rays you should be aware of: UVA and UVB.

·       UVA rays: These penetrate deep into the skin and are responsible for premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.

·       UVB rays: These cause sunburn and are stronger in the summer but still harmful year-round.

While you may not feel the sun’s warmth as much, UVA rays remain constant throughout the year, even on cloudy days, meaning that your skin is still at risk for damage if left unprotected.

Prevent Premature Aging: Fall is often the time when we start to notice the effects of summer sun exposure—dark spots, fine lines, and dryness. To prevent further damage, it’s vital to continue using sunscreen daily. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature aging, contributing to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, which keep your skin firm and youthful.

By applying sunscreen every day, you’re actively protecting your skin from the cumulative damage that leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation over time.

Protect Your Skin from Sunspots and Hyperpigmentation: One of the most common skin concerns people face in the fall is dealing with sunspots and hyperpigmentation caused by excessive sun exposure during the summer. If you’ve noticed dark spots on your face, hands, or other exposed areas, it’s likely the result of unprotected sun exposure.

Sunscreen helps prevent existing hyperpigmentation from getting worse and protects against new spots from forming. Using sunscreen consistently can help even out your skin tone and keep your complexion looking bright and healthy.

Cloudy Days Still Pose a Risk: One of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that it’s only necessary on sunny days. But even when the sky is overcast, up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate through clouds. So while the sun may not be shining brightly, your skin is still vulnerable to damage if you skip sunscreen.

In fact, many people experience more sun damage during the fall and winter months because they mistakenly believe they’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Don’t let the cloudy skies fool you—sunscreen is a year-round essential!

Maintaining an Even Skin Tone: If you’ve been working hard on your skincare routine to achieve a smooth, even complexion, don’t let the cooler months derail your progress. Sunscreen acts as a protective barrier, helping to maintain the results of any treatments you’ve been doing, like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser treatments. These treatments can make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, so daily sun protection is crucial for preserving your skin’s even tone and texture.

Year-Round Sun Protection is Key for Skin Health: Sunscreen is your best defense against both skin cancer and premature aging. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. While sunscreen may not completely eliminate the risk of skin cancer, it is one of the most effective ways to significantly reduce it.

Whether you’re going for a fall hike, enjoying a pumpkin patch, or simply running errands, make sure you’re protecting your skin every day with broad-spectrum SPF.

As the leaves change and temperatures drop, don’t be fooled into thinking that your skin no longer needs protection from the sun. Sunscreen is an everyday necessity, even in fall, to keep your skin healthy, youthful, and free from sun damage.

Erica Sciarra, Trusted Bridal Beauty Expert & Esthetician