Sitting in the sun is one of life's simple pleasures, but doing so safely is among life's wisest habits. Over 90% of ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate light cloud cover and lead to sunburn—so wear sunscreen all year round.
Debunking Fall Sun Protection Myths
Myth 1: The Sun's Rays Are Weak in Fall
Cooler temps don't mean weaker UV rays. UVB (sunburn-causing rays) ease up in fall but never vanish. They still damage skin year-round, and snow/ice makes it worse: snow reflects 80% of UV light, doubling your skin cancer and aging risk. Skiers/snowboarders face extra harm too—higher altitudes mean thinner air that blocks less UV.
UVA (aging rays that cause dark spots/wrinkles) stays strong 365 days. It cuts through clouds, fog, and even glass—so you're still at risk sitting by a bright window on chilly days.
Myth 2: Cloudy Days Mean No Need for Sunscreen
Clouds might give the impression of a shield against the sun, but they're far from it. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) points out that clouds can block only about 20% of UV rays. This means that on an overcast fall day, a substantial amount of UV radiation can still reach your skin.
Myth 3: Indoor Activities Don't Require Sunscreen
Many of us assume that once we're indoors, we're safe from the sun's rays. However, UVA rays can pass through windows. According to research, standard window glass blocks most UVB rays but allows a significant amount of UVA rays to enter. If you're sitting near a window at work, in your car, or at home for an extended period, your skin is at risk.
Why Fall Sun Protection Is Crucial
Fight Premature Aging
The sun's UVA rays are a major contributor to premature skin aging. Collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep our skin firm and elastic, are damaged by UVA rays. In the fall, when we may be less vigilant about sun protection, these rays can continue to break down collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. By wearing sunscreen daily, we can slow down this aging process.
Lower Skin Cancer Risk
UV exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation. Even though the risk may seem lower in the fall, continued unprotected exposure to UV rays—both UVA and UVB—can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer. Sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk.
Save Your Skin Barrier
Fall air can be dry and harsh on the skin, and UV rays only exacerbate this problem. The skin's barrier function, which helps retain moisture and protect against environmental aggressors, can be compromised by UV exposure. Sunscreen helps to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and healthy.
Choosing the Right SPF for Fall
You don't need heavy summer formulas—just focus on these three things:
- SPF 30–50: SPF 30 for daily commutes, SPF 50+ for hikes or long outdoor days. No sunscreen blocks 100% of rays, so don't skip higher SPF for extended time outside.
- Broad-spectrum: This means it covers UVA and UVB—check the label. Look for ingredients like avobenzone (UVA) or octinoxate (UVB) if you're curious.
-
Match your skin type:
- Oily skin: Pick a gel or lotion sunscreen with an oil-free formula—these won't clog pores, so you avoid that greasy midday shine while staying protected.
- Sensitive skin: Go for a fragrance-free sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—these gentle, physical blockers won't irritate easily reactive skin.
- Dry skin: Opt for a moisturizing sunscreen that includes hyaluronic acid or glycerin; it'll lock in hydration for your parched skin, no tightness or flakiness post-application.
Make Fall SPF a Habit
Do it first (or last): Slather SPF as the final step of your morning skincare—right after moisturizer. It takes 10 seconds.
Reapply smart: Indoor all day? Reapply once around lunch. Outdoors? Every 2 hours (carry a travel-size tube in your bag).
Pair with other protection: Throw on a wide-brimmed hat for walks, or pull down a window shade during commutes. Sunscreen + small steps = maximum protection.
At the end of the day, fall's beauty shouldn't come at the cost of your skin. SPF isn't a seasonal chore—it's your skin's year-round BFF. Keep it in your routine, and you'll thank yourself when your skin stays glowing (and healthy) all the way to winter.