Ah, fall—the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes, and the inexplicable belief that sunscreen is suddenly optional. As the summer sun bids us farewell, many of us are tempted to stash away the SPF with our bikinis and flip-flops, thinking, “The sun’s not as strong, right? I can skip this step now.” But hold on a minute—before you retire that bottle of sunscreen, let’s talk about why that’s one fall skincare myth that needs to be put to bed, right along with the notion that carbs don’t count if you’re wearing a scarf.
The Reality: UV Rays Don’t Care About Your Sweater Weather
Let’s get one thing straight: the sun doesn’t pack up and head south for the winter. Those sneaky UV rays are out there year-round, waiting to do a number on your skin if you let your guard down. And while the sun may not feel as intense in the fall as it does in July, it’s still there, sending out both UVA and UVB rays like an overzealous DJ at an outdoor wedding—persistent, uninvited, and totally unavoidable.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But I’m inside most of the day!” Sure, but unless you live in a cave, chances are you’re exposed to sunlight more than you realize. Those brief morning strolls to the coffee shop, the sun streaming through your office window, or even the light from your car’s windshield during your commute—all these little moments add up. UVA rays, in particular, are the main culprits behind premature aging. They penetrate glass and clouds like they’re auditioning for a role in the next superhero movie, silently working on those fine lines and wrinkles while you’re blissfully unaware.
But It’s Fall! Isn’t the Sun Weaker?
Sure, the UV index tends to drop as the days get shorter, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. UVA rays, the ones that lead to aging and contribute to skin cancer, are pretty consistent all year round. They don’t take a vacation just because the temperature dips below 70°F. In fact, these rays are so stealthy that they can reach you on a cloudy, chilly day without breaking a sweat.
And here’s a plot twist you might not see coming: those cool fall breezes can actually trick your skin into thinking it’s all good while the sun is quietly doing its damage. It’s the ultimate skincare betrayal—like when your favorite moisturizer gets discontinued.
The “I’m-Not-Going-to-the-Beach” Argument
Look, I get it. When the sun’s not glaring down on you like an overenthusiastic spotlight, it’s easy to think you’re safe. You’re not lounging by the pool anymore; you’re apple picking, hiking, or sipping cider at a fall festival. But here’s the thing: UV exposure is cumulative. It’s not about the intensity of the sun in one day, but the little doses you get over time. So unless you’re planning to spend fall hibernating (in which case, we need to talk about Vitamin D), SPF should still be part of your daily routine.
The Solution: Make SPF Your Year-Round BFF
So, what’s a savvy skincare enthusiast like you to do? Simple: make SPF a non-negotiable part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth or checking Instagram. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it every morning after your moisturizer. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, reapply every two hours. And no, makeup with SPF doesn’t count unless you’re willing to cake it on like frosting on a wedding cake—which, let’s be honest, no one’s doing.
The bottom line? Don’t let the cool weather fool you. Keep that SPF handy, and you’ll keep your skin looking fabulous all fall long—no matter how many pumpkin patches you visit.
So, go ahead, embrace fall with all the flannel and foliage your heart desires, but don’t forget to keep your sunscreen game strong. Your future self (and your skin) will thank you for it.