Do You Still Need Sunscreen in October? What to Look for in a Fall SPF

As the summer winds down and the days start feeling cooler, many of us think we can finally put away the sunscreen. But the truth is: UV rays don’t take a break when the calendar flips to October.

If you’re wondering whether you still need sunscreen once fall begins, and what to look for in a good sunscreen at this time of the year, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down so you can protect your skin year-round.

Do You Need Sunscreen in October?

The answer is simple: Yes! You need sunscreen in October—and every other month of the year. 

Sunscreen is still a must during the fall months. Cooler weather can be deceiving but the UV rays don’t disappear when the summer ends. Their intensity does decrease as compared to the peak summer months, but UVA rays—the ones that speed up skin aging—stay just as strong all year round.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV damage is cumulative, meaning it builds up over time and increases your risk of skin cancer later in your life. If you haven’t been consistently using sunscreen in the past, now is the perfect time to start and make it your daily habit.

In October, you’re probably outdoors more than you think. Fall is full of outdoor fun, whether you’re going for a morning walk, enjoying a fall hike, or simply driving to work, your skin is still getting sun exposure. 

So making sunscreen part of your daily routine is one of the best ways to protect your skin and prevent gradual damage that adds up over years.

Sunscreen in October: What to Look for

When choosing a sunscreen for fall, most of the basics stay the same—you still want a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher. However, your skin’s needs may change as the weather cools and air becomes drier. Fall is a great time to swap your summer sunscreen for a formula that feels more comfortable and nourishing.

Here’s what to look for in a good fall sunscreen:

1. Broad-Spectrum Protection

Always choose sunscreen that’s labeled as “broad-spectrum”. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Even if you’re not getting sunburned, UVA rays—that mainly cause wrinkles, brown spots, and loss of skin elasticity—are still quite damaging to your skin.

2. SPF 30 or Higher

SPF stands for sun protection factor—it tells how well the product protects against UVB rays of the sun. Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day.

Just a heads up: Sunscreen doesn’t 100% protect your skin from UV rays so it’s still important to limit direct sunlight exposure as much as you can and reapply sunscreen every few hours when outdoors.

3. Hydrating Formulas

As the weather cools down, air tends to become drier, which can leave your skin feeling tight, flaky, or dull. Opt for a sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. It’ll help keep your skin moisturized while still protecting it from the harmful UV rays.

Professional tip: Always apply sunscreen over your moisturizer for vibrant and radiant looking skin.

4. Non-Comedogenic and Skin Friendly

Non-comedogenic formulas aren’t just for summers, they are beneficial year-round especially for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Make sure the sunscreen you choose suits your skin type. For oily and acne-prone skin, look for oil-free and matte finish formulas. For dry skin, creamy or moisturizing sunscreen is better. If you have sensitive skin, go for fragrance-free mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

We recommend BelleCôte’s Mineral Double Sun Protection Cream—a lightweight mineral sunscreen enriched with marine peptides, collagen, and marine sun filters with chlorella and spirulina that hydrates and protects your skin while leaving a shine-free matte finish. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and helps prevent photoaging, dark spots, and fine lines.

Tips for Using Sunscreen

Even with the right sunscreen, application matters. Here are some simple tips you need to follow for using sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen every morning over your moisturizer even if you’ll be mostly staying indoors—UVA rays can penetrate through window glass and cause damage to your skin.
• Use enough sunscreen. Apply your sunscreen generously and evenly. Most adults require at least half teaspoon of sunscreen for the face—roughly the amount needed to cover the full length of your index and middle fingers.
• Apply sunscreen to all of your exposed skin and don’t miss areas like neck, ears, and lips.
• Reapply the sunscreen if you’re outdoors. If you’re hiking, gardening, or attending an outdoor event, reapply your sunscreen every few hours.
• For cooler weather use our Ultra Lifting Day Cream under sunscreen to nourish, lift and protect. 

The Bottom Line

Yes, you still need sunscreen in October—and all year long. What you have to do is find a formula that feels good on your skin and fits your fall skincare routine.

Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 plus, broad spectrum coverage, and hydrating ingredients to keep your skin healthy as the season changes.

Keep sunscreen a part of your daily skincare routine—even after the summer is over. Your future self will thank you for this!