3 dermatologists explain why you still need to wear sunscreen in the fall
As the temperatures finally start to dip, you may be eagerly anticipating the day you break out favorite barn jacket and admiring the fall foliage. But that doesn’t mean your sunscreen should be put away along with your beach balls and bathing suits. While sunscreen is often viewed as a summertime staple, it’s really meant to be used year-round.
That’s because exposure to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays doesn’t just happen at the beach. It happens when you’re driving in your car, working by the window at your office and walking around outdoors running errands.
“The most common reason we experience photo damage is not from sunny summer beach days, but rather cumulative incidental sun exposure,” Mississippi-based dermatologist Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky (known as Dermguru to her 1 million Instagram followers) tells Yahoo Life. “These are the minor exposures we receive on a daily basis from the sun, which is all year round. So applying SPF every single day is imperative at not just reducing premature photoaging but helping to prevent skin cancer as well.”
Dermatologists share more on why sun protection is still important even in autumn, as well as what to look for in a fall sunscreen.
Clouds don’t offer much sun protection
On a cloudy day, sun damage like sunburns may be the farthest thing from your mind. And that’s understandable given that the UV index — the daily forecast of how intense ultraviolet light radiation from the sun will be — tends to be lower during the fall compared to summer. Part of that is thanks to cloud cover, which offers some protection, but it’s far from 100%. “While clouds can block UV rays, most will still penetrate, especially if the cloud cover is thin,” says Dr. Jason Miller, a dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey. “Additionally, when the weather is cooler, you may not feel the warmth on your skin that would prompt you to cover up or move indoors sooner.”
As Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City, tells Yahoo Life: “It is still possible to get a sunburn on an overcast day when you can’t see the sun.” Adds Zubritsky: “So it's vital that we wear sunscreen every day, even cloudy days.”
How UV light can damage skin year-round
UV rays can cause genetic changes to the skin, explains Miller, increasing the risk of precancerous or cancerous lesions, aka skin cancer, over time. “In addition, UV rays can cause a loss of the elastic tissue that keeps our skin tight, leading to an aged appearance — more wrinkles,” he says.
Camp explains that UV radiation can “accelerate the aging process by triggering the breakdown of structural proteins like collagen and elastin, which leads to the premature formation of fine lines and wrinkles.” He adds, “Sunspots, or areas of dark discoloration, also result from exposure to UV rays.”
Do you need to change your sun protection routine in the fall?
Zubritsky says that the steps you take to protect your skin shouldn’t change based on the season. “I still recommend applying sunscreen to all sun-exposed areas,” she says. “Makeup with SPF is usually not enough. You would need to apply a significant amount of makeup — more than we typically use — to achieve the stated SPF claims.”
However, Miller says makeup with sunscreen may be sufficient for short stints outside, like a quick errand, on overcast days. But he emphasizes that sunscreen needs to be applied if you plan to be outside for more than two or three hours.
When you apply sunscreen also matters. Camp recommends putting on sunscreen as the last step of your daily morning skincare routine — in other words, right after any serum and moisturizer you may use, but before putting on makeup for those who wear it.
What should you look for in a fall sunscreen?
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that offers a minimum protection of SPF 30, broad-spectrum coverage so it will properly defend against UVA and UVB rays, both of which damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer, says Camp.
Miller recommends choosing a fall sunscreen that’s a little thicker than what you might apply during the sweaty summer months. Zubritsky agrees. “With cooler weather, I recommend opting for a sunscreen that is moisturizing,” she explains. “Cooler weather usually means less humidity in the area, which means drier skin. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to help hydrate your skin barrier.”
But even if you’re staying indoors, it’s still a good idea to use sun protection. That’s because blue light from digital devices like laptops and smartphones can also damage skin over time and accelerate aging. “If spending more time indoors,” says Camp, “consider using a product that also protects skin from blue light, such as those containing iron oxides, zinc, titanium” — think mineral sunscreens — “and antioxidants like vitamins C and E.”
☀️Sun safety
These are the 10 best body sunscreens of 2024, according to celebrities, dermatologists and experts. [Yahoo Life Shopping]
Sun damage — also known as photoaging — is responsible for 90% of visible changes to the skin. The good news is that it can mostly be prevented. [Yahoo Life]
Are chemical sunscreens safe? In short: yes. Dermatologists break it down. [TODAY]
Remember to dress for the weather. “Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate through the clouds, so wearing UV protective clothing ensures consistent protection,” dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman says. [Yahoo Life]
Please don’t make your own sunscreen. [Yahoo Life]
Sunscreen sticks are moisturizing, fast-absorbing and easy to use. [Yahoo Life Shopping]
Korean sunscreen is superior, dermatologists say. Should U.S. consumers buy SPF products from abroad? [Yahoo Life]
Are you suffering from ‘sunxiety?’ [Allure]
If you do get burned, there are dos and don’ts to follow. [Yahoo Life]
These are expert-loved sunscreens from Black-owned brands that are perfect for darker skin tones. [Harper’s Bazaar]
Window seat? You probably want to wear sunscreen on your next flight. [Yahoo Life]
Did you know sunscreen expires? [Yahoo Life]
Advice for parents to get sunscreen on wiggly kids. [Country Living]
High-quality tinted sunscreens work double duty: providing light coverage and all the SPF you need. [Yahoo Life Shopping]
