Should I use sunscreen on my face even after summer? YES

Sunscreen is often associated with the summer months, beach days, and holidays in sunny places. However, its use should extend throughout the entire year, even when temperatures drop, and the sun seems hidden behind the clouds.

After summer, you should apply sunscreen especially on the most exposed areas, such as the face and neck. Here are some reasons why protecting yourself from the sun remains essential, even after summer has ended.

1. UV rays are present all year round

Even on cloudy or cold days, ultraviolet radiation still reaches the skin. Between 80% and 90% of UV rays penetrate clouds and can even cause severe burns. Additionally, UV rays can cause premature aging, dark spots, and increase the risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen daily is therefore an essential preventive measure.

Did you know? Even in the snow, you should wear sunscreen. Snow reflects up to 90% of UV rays, and for every 300m you climb in altitude, radiation levels increase by 4%.

2. Protection against premature aging

Skin aging is not just the result of time. A large share of wrinkles, spots, and loss of firmness is due to daily exposure to solar radiation—a phenomenon known as photoaging.

It is estimated that up to 80% of visible signs of premature aging are related to ultraviolet rays, which accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin, leaving the skin saggy, dull, and uneven. Solar radiation also promotes the appearance of fine lines, loss of firmness, and pigmentation. A daily sunscreen acts as an invisible barrier, preserving the skin’s health and youthfulness.

Photoaging is directly linked to the main concerns about appearance: wrinkles, spots, and skin firmness:

• Visible premature aging: Up to 80% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. Wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity appear much earlier without protection.

• Skin spots and uneven tone: UV rays stimulate melanin production, leading to dark spots, more pronounced freckles, and an uneven skin tone.

• Skin texture: Sun exposure accelerates the degradation of collagen and elastin, leaving the skin rougher, looser, and with more visible pores.

• Prevention is cheaper than correction: Treatments for spots, fillers, or lasers are costly and often cannot completely reverse sun damage. Sunscreen is the simplest, most accessible, and most effective way to prevent this aging.

What many people don’t know is that protecting yourself only on beach days is not enough. UVA radiation penetrates clouds and glass and is present every day of the year—even when most of the time is spent indoors. Correcting already existing damage can be expensive and not always effective, making sunscreen prevention the smartest and most affordable choice.

3. Sunscreen to protect against blue light

Nowadays, there’s another factor to consider: blue light emitted from computer, tablet, and smartphone screens. We spend hours in front of these devices and, while blue light doesn’t cause burns, studies show it contributes to skin aging, accentuating wrinkles and pigmentation. That’s why many modern sunscreens already include filters that protect not only against UV rays but also against blue light, ensuring complete daily care.

Thus, applying sunscreen daily is much more than a health measure: it is the most effective anti-aging habit you can adopt.

4. Example of a daily routine with sunscreen

Applying sunscreen every day is much more than a matter of health: it is the most effective anti-aging step. Here’s an example of a daily routine including sunscreen:

• Step 1: Cleanse the skin Wash your face with a cleansing gel or foam suitable for your skin type. This removes impurities, accumulated oil, and residues that could compromise the effectiveness of the following steps.

• Step 2: Toner (optional) If you use toner, apply it to balance the skin’s pH and prepare it to better absorb the active ingredients of the next products.

• Step 3: Serum Apply your chosen serum (hydrating, anti-aging, antioxidant, etc.). Serums contain concentrated ingredients that target specific skin needs.

• Step 4: Moisturizer Hydrate your skin according to its type (oily, combination, dry, or sensitive). Well-hydrated skin remains healthier and allows sunscreen to work better.

• Step 5: Sunscreen Apply sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine and before makeup. Spread generously and evenly, not forgetting areas such as the neck, ears, and hands.

• Step 6: Makeup (if used) After sunscreen, you may apply your foundation. Nowadays, many makeup products also include SPF, but they do not replace sunscreen.

• Reapplication throughout the day Reapply sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, especially if exposed directly to the sun, during outdoor activities, or even when spending long hours in front of screens. For convenience, you can use powder, stick, or spray sunscreens over makeup.

Sunscreen suggestions for year-round use

• La Roche Posay Anthelios Uv-Imune Fluido Antimanchas: Ultra-light texture, ideal for daily use, even under makeup. Protects against UVA, UVB, and visible light.

• Isdin Fotoprotector FusionWater SPF50 50ml: Matte finish and fresh sensation. Perfect for those seeking comfort and effectiveness in one formula, even for sensitive skin. Ultra-light and invisible for daily facial use.

Using sunscreen only in summer is a common mistake that can cost skin health dearly in the long run. Making it a daily habit is the best way to guarantee protection against the harmful effects of radiation—both visible and invisible.

Ultimately, taking care of your skin is an investment in both the present and the future. Visit the suncare category at fahma.pt today. Explore our carefully selected range of the best dermatological brands and take the first step toward youthful, radiant skin.