Just because Halloween’s around the corner doesn’t mean that sun protection isn’t a must! Read on to find out more about my favourite fall sunscreen products, and why you need to shield yourself from the sun’s rays – no matter the season!
{Fall In Love with Sunscreen}
Disclaimer: The Neutrogena and Pro-Derm sunscreens mentioned in this article were provided to me at no cost for editorial consideration. I purchased the Shiseido and Etude House products independently. All opinions are my own.
With autumn in full force, the change of season conjures thoughts of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy knits, and an update to skincare routines. Lightweight moisturizers are swapped out for thicker creams, and purifying cleansers no longer serve their purpose. But what does that mean for your sunscreen? Should you continue to use one for the fall season? While the warm days of summer have passed, let’s not forget what we’ve learned from Maddie’s summer skincare tips – the sun is still shining bright and sunscreen is still a must, regardless of the date on the calendar!
With shorter days and more frequent time spent indoors, it may seem like the perfect time to skip the fall sunscreen, but those pesky UVA/UVB rays still penetrate through the clouds. And those of us who work from home and sit near a window (best Zoom call lighting!) are still susceptible to sun damage. We’re talking fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots and discolouration. No thank you! A June 2020 study conducted by Aveeno and Neutrogena reported about two thirds of Canadian adults (66%) don’t know you can get a sunburn while indoors. But don’t fret: wearing fall sunscreen shouldn’t feel like a chore. With today’s wide variety of brands and formulas, there are many options to meet your skincare needs.
Here are some sunscreen favourites to check out this season:
Neutrogena Hydra Boost Sunscreen SPF 50
I’ve been using Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 ($19.99) since the summer and fell in love with its lightweight, non-greasy formula. Powered by Neutrogena’s Helioplex® sunscreen technology, this product provides photostable capabilities, meaning it doesn’t break down its broad-spectrum protection once your skin is exposed to the sun. I’ve continued to wear this sunscreen well into the fall months since it also contains hyaluronic acid. For those with dry skin types, you may want to amp up the hydration by wearing a moisturizer underneath. Hydro Boost Sunscreen would pair perfectly with Neutrogena’s Bright Boost line to protect and maintain your bright, glowing skin.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($19.99) is a great summer-to-fall sun protector. It’s a mineral-based product powered by Neutrogena’s Purescreen® , a sunscreen technology that’s clinically proven to be gentle on the skin, yet effective in UVA/UVB protection. While most zinc-based sunscreens can be white-cast-heavy and tough to rub in, I found this formula easy to spread on my face and still felt confident in its protective properties. A great fall sunscreen to use outdoors while on a day trip to a pumpkin patch or leaf peeping (yes, it’s a thing!) near cottage country to catch those autumn colours.
Pro-Derm: Daytime Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Testing out Pro-Derm’s Daytime Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($65.00) was my first exposure to this Canadian-based skincare line. I love this product’s lightweight and fragrance-free formula! This sunscreen contains micronized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide an invisible, matte finish when applied, creating a physical blocker between your skin and the sun. Although this fall sunscreen has the lowest SPF (sun protector factor) of the group, SPF 30 is the minimum number we should consider when using sunscreen, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association. Just make sure to reapply regularly!
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 42
Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 42 ($40.00) is one of my favourite year-round sunscreens. Its fast-absorbing formula manages to avoid the chalky or sticky residue of typical sunscreens, so it’s perfect to layer with a face cream. This non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested sunscreen has a built-in sebum-absorbing powder that keeps you shine-free and blurs out pores (the perfect primer for foundation!). And if the added benefits haven’t wowed you enough, this Shiseido sunscreen is small but mighty, delivering antioxidants such as rose apple leaf extract to protect you from environmental aggressors like sun and pollution. Great for those downtown residents enduring the daily commute to and from work during the fall season.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+/PA+++
As an oily skin type, I’m always on the hunt for skincare products that are highly effective and can keep my shiny forehead at bay. Say hello to Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+/PA+++ ($22.90)! This 100% mineral-based sunscreen has climbed high in my chart of favourite sunscreens of all time. The milky consistency makes it easy to apply, disappearing into my skin in mere seconds. Sunprise contains Centella asiatica extract, a medicinal herb widely used in Asia that’s rich in antioxidants and amino acids. Centella asiatica helps reduce inflammation, while increasing skin hydration and protection from free radical damage. Sensitive, mature and acne-prone skin types would be the perfect users for this fall sunscreen!
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