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Last weekend, we took our 4-year-old daughter to the local pool for what turned out to be its last open day of the season.
Before we headed out, I overheard my husband tell her, “It’s not that sunny—I think we can skip sunscreen today.” Believe me when I tell you I ran downstairs in seconds! Because here’s the thing about sunscreen: it doesn’t care what season it is. UV rays don’t clock out just because the temperature drops or the sky looks a little overcast. In fact, sunscreen usage drops 43% from summer to fall, which means a lot of people are making exactly the same call my husband almost made.
While I completely understand the logic (it feels less sunny, therefore it must be less dangerous), UVA rays—the ones responsible for skin aging and long-term damage—are present year-round, regardless of how warm or bright it feels outside. So yes, I handed my husband the tube of sunscreen.
And it’s nice to know I’m not alone in my SPF advocacy, either; EltaMD, the #1 dermatologist-recommended professional sunscreen brand, just launched its “No Offseason for SPF” campaign. TBH, it made me feel very seen.

The campaign’s whole premise is built around the fact that sunscreen is a year-round non-negotiable, and EltaMD partnered with Kristin Juszczyk, founder and chief creative officer of Off Season, to help bring the message to life. Known for her fashion-forward take on gameday apparel, she’s a natural fit for a campaign that connects football culture with everyday sun protection. The campaign also features board-certified dermatologists, including Dr. Dustin Portela, who put it best when he said, “If you want great skin, you have to protect it more than three months a year.”
Of course, the campaign is a good reminder, but the right sunscreen also depends on your skin’s needs. EltaMD’s lineup includes options designed for different concerns, from breakout-prone skin to sensitivity and dryness, making it easier to find an SPF that fits your routine year-round.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 ($46)
A fan favorite for a reason, Elta MD’s UV Clear SPF is ideal for anyone whose skin tends to break out. It’s designed to calm acne-prone skin without clogging pores or leaving a heavy, greasy feeling that makes some sunscreens such a chore to wear. Basically, it’s doing your skincare’s job and your SPF’s job at the same time!
EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Face Sunscreen SPF 50 ($53)
One of my biggest sunscreen frustrations has been finding a formula that feels comfortable on my skin, especially when heavier products seem to contribute to breakouts. EltaMD’s UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 is designed for sensitive, rosacea-prone, and compromised skin, with a 100% mineral formula made to support the skin barrier. I also love that there’s a green-tinted version for anyone looking to minimize the appearance of redness and create a more even-looking complexion.
EltaMD UV Daily Hydration+ Tinted Face Sunscreen, SPF 50 ($47)
I live by tinted sunscreen, and this is a fantastic wear-it-and-forget-it option. EltaMD’s UV Daily Hydration+ Tinted SPF 50 combines sun protection with hyaluronic acid and clinically proven 24-hour hydration, helping simplify your morning routine by bringing two steps together. Its lightweight finish also makes it easy to wear under makeup or on its own for a more streamlined everyday look.

If you need another reminder to keep SPF in your routine this fall, EltaMD is teaming up with Glamsquad to make it a little easier. Through October 24, 2026, customers can receive a complimentary “EltaMD Prep & Protect” add-on with any makeup service, featuring the UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint Broad-Spectrum SPF 50. It’s a nice reminder that sun protection can be part of your getting-ready routine, too. The offer is available in select markets while supplies last, and terms apply.
EltaMD is also encouraging people to show off their own #EltaMDGameFace this football season. The idea is simple. Just as players apply eye black before a game, making SPF part of your daily routine helps get your skin ready for whatever the day has in store, whether that’s a tailgate, an outdoor game, or your usual fall errands. And of course, applying enough sunscreen matters, too. EltaMD recommends following the two-finger rule, which means using two full finger-lengths of sunscreen to cover your face and neck.
If my family’s little pool-day scramble taught me anything, it’s that sunscreen is one of those things that’s easy to overlook when the weather starts to change. But whether it’s summer sunshine or a crisp fall gameday, protecting your skin is always worth making time for.





