When the weather cools down and summer fades, many assume sunscreen is no longer necessary. The crisp autumn breeze and cloudy skies can create the illusion that UV rays aren’t as strong, but that’s far from the truth. Even in the fall, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your skin, leading to sunburns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. The question is: Should you still wear sunscreen in the fall? The answer is yes, as year-round protection is essential.
AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is here to provide same-day care for all of your fall healthcare concerns. Our clinic is open 7 days a week, and we provide care to patients of all ages. Simply walk into the clinic for rapid same-day care, or save your spot in advance below.
Should You Still Wear Sunscreen in the Fall?
Absolutely. UV rays are present every day, regardless of the season. However, the intensity may be lower than at the peak of summer. UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and accelerate aging, are as strong in the fall as in July. Whether you’re out for a morning jog, hiking among the autumn leaves, or driving, your skin is still exposed. Applying sunscreen daily helps maintain long-term skin health and prevents cumulative damage that adds up over the years.
Dermatologists recommend using at least a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. This protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Remember, fall weather often means spending more time outdoors enjoying the cooler air, making consistent sunscreen use as important as during summer.
Do You Really Need to Reapply Sunscreen Every Two Hours?
Yes, reapplication remains essential, even in cooler months. Sunscreen effectiveness decreases over time due to sweat, natural skin oils, and environmental exposure. If you’re spending extended hours outdoors, it’s best to reapply every two hours, especially on high-exposure areas like your face, neck, and hands.
A morning application may be sufficient for those working indoors most of the day unless you sit near windows, since glass does not block UVA rays. Carrying a travel-sized sunscreen or using a powder-based SPF product can make reapplication easier and more convenient throughout the day.
Is a Higher SPF Always Better?
Not necessarily. Many believe SPF 100 offers double the protection of SPF 50, but the difference is minimal. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks around 98%. Anything higher offers a slight increase and may encourage a false sense of security, leading people to stay in the sun longer without reapplying.
Instead of focusing only on SPF numbers, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Consistent and proper application is more effective than relying solely on higher SPF ratings.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for Sunburn Care
Even in the fall, sunscreen should remain a part of your daily routine to protect against hidden UV damage. Reapplying every two hours and choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 will help prevent sunburns and long-term skin problems. If you’re sunburnt or in need of general medical care but don’t want to wait for an appointment to open up with your primary care provider, walk into AFC Stoneham!
Our walk-in clinic provides same-day care for most non-life-threatening conditions. We have short wait times, and never require patients to schedule an appointment in advance. Our clinic works with most medical insurance providers, and we provide affordable rates for self-paying patients. To learn more, give us a call at (781) 279-4000.
