Derm DMs: Do I Still Need to Wear SPF in the Fall?

It’s time to pack away your bathing suit, shorts and tank tops, and wish the beach goodbye until next year because fall has started. As you transition your skin-care routine from summer to fall (think: everything ultra-hydrating), you may be wondering if that daily SPF lotion is still necessary. In short: yes. Ahead, David Lortscher, board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Curology, explains. 

You Still Need to Wear Sunscreen Every Day in the Fall

“Sun protection should be part of your routine year-round,” stresses Dr. Lortscher. “Everyone — regardless of skin type — should prioritize sun avoidance, and when needed, sun protection.” Because the sun’s harmful UV rays can always reach you — rain or shine, summer or fall — it’s important to wear SPF. 

The biggest difference between sun protection in the summer versus the fall is your need for reapplying. “You probably won’t need to think about reapplying your sunscreen if you are spending your days indoors in the fall,” says Dr. Lortscher. But as soon as you’re going to be spending time outside (even if it’s just walking to and from work) or driving in the car (because hello, windows), you’re going to want to reapply. Look for makeup-friendly sun products like the SkinBetter Science Sunbetter™ Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact.

Your Biggest Skin-Care Concern in the Fall

While always important, sun damage probably isn’t your number one skin-care concern now that it’s fall. “Dry and dehydrated skin can get worse when the seasons transition into fall and winter. Low humidity causes our skin to lose moisture to the environment,” explains Dr. Lortscher. That, and windburn can cause your skin to become irritated. “Essentially, a windburn is dehydrated, compromised skin that may appear reddened, dry, and scaly. It may also itch, burn or feel sensitive.”

To keep your skin in the best shape this season (read: hydrated) and still protected from UVA and UVB rays, use a daily moisturizer that’s formulated with SPF. We like L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Rosy Tone SPF 30 or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30.

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