Do You Really Need SPF in Autumn?
September in the UK doesn’t always feel like the obvious time to start talking about sunscreen.
The summer holidays are ending, mornings are getting cooler and most of us are probably thinking more about jumpers than sun cream.
But skin protection isn’t really about how warm it feels outside.
It’s about UV.
And that’s one of the reasons I’ve chosen to introduce the Airyday SPF range at Bourne Valley Beauty now.
Sunscreen isn’t just for hot weather
One of the biggest misconceptions around SPF is that you only need it when it’s hot or sunny.
UV rays are different from the heat we feel from the sun, so a cool or cloudy day doesn’t necessarily mean there is no risk to your skin.
In the UK, the sun can be strong enough to damage skin from around mid-March to mid-October. Cancer Research UK recommends checking the UV index and considering sun protection when it reaches 3 or above.
So yes, September still counts.
And even beyond that, getting into the habit of checking the UV index and thinking about sun protection as part of your skincare routine can make things much simpler.
Why SPF matters
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage skin cells, and repeated exposure increases the risk of skin cancer. Sunburn is a visible sign of that damage, but UV exposure isn’t only something to think about when your skin turns red.
The NHS recommends choosing sunscreen with at least SPF30 and good UVA protection, and using it alongside other measures such as clothing and shade when the sun is strong.
SPF isn’t a suit of armour and it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to stay in strong sun for longer. But it is an important part of protecting exposed skin when UV levels are high.
Why I wanted something people would actually enjoy wearing
There’s another side to this, though.
A sunscreen can have excellent protection on the label, but if you hate the texture, finish or feel of it, you’re much less likely to use it consistently.
That’s one of the things I liked about Airyday.
The range gives you a choice of finishes and textures, so SPF doesn’t have to mean one thick, sticky formula for everybody.
There are options for people who love a glow, others for those who prefer a more matte finish, completely clear formulas and mineral options designed with more sensitive skin in mind.
That makes it easier to find something that feels more like part of your skincare routine and less like something you only reach for on holiday.
SPF and makeup can work together
Another reason I like the range is that many of the Airyday SPF50+ formulas are designed to work well underneath makeup.
Some act almost like a primer, while others give the skin a soft glow, a bronzed finish or a smoother, more matte appearance.
That means you don’t necessarily need to think of sunscreen as an extra layer that gets in the way of everything else.
It can simply become the final step in your morning skincare routine before makeup.
And on no-makeup days, some of the tinted and luminous options can be worn on their own.
What about cloudy days?
Cloud cover can reduce UV, but it doesn’t necessarily remove it altogether. Cancer Research UK notes that UV can still be strong enough to cause skin damage even when it’s cloudy or cool.
That’s why I think looking at the UV index is far more useful than looking out of the window and deciding it “doesn’t look sunny enough”.
Most weather apps include a UV reading now, so it’s a very easy thing to check.
And what about moisturiser or makeup with SPF?
SPF in makeup or moisturiser can sound reassuring, but it may not provide enough protection on its own because people often apply much less of those products than they would a dedicated sunscreen.
Cancer Research UK advises using sunscreen even when your moisturiser or makeup contains SPF, particularly when sun protection is needed.
That’s another reason I prefer a dedicated SPF as the final skincare step.
Don’t forget reapplication
Putting SPF on first thing in the morning isn’t necessarily the end of the story.
If you’re spending time outside, sunscreen needs to be reapplied regularly, particularly after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Both NHS and Cancer Research UK stress the importance of generous application and regular reapplication.
How often you need to reapply will depend on what you’re doing and the instructions for the product you’re using.
Why Airyday at Bourne Valley Beauty?
For me, bringing Airyday into the salon wasn’t just about adding another skincare brand to the shelves.
I wanted SPF options that people might genuinely enjoy using.
The range includes:
Golden Glow SPF50+ for a warm, luminous finish.
Pearl Glow SPF50+ for a brighter, pearlescent glow.
Bronze Glow SPF50+ for added warmth and a softly bronzed finish.
Clear as Day SPF50+ for completely clear protection with a soft-touch finish.
Clear as Day Fragrance Free SPF50+ for those who prefer their daily SPF without fragrance.
Mineral Mousse SPF50+ for a velvet-matte mineral option.
Pretty in Zinc SPF50+ for sensitive, reactive or acne-prone skin.
And alongside the SPF range, I’ve also introduced Airyday’s overnight masks, including Night Rain for extra hydration and Bright Nights for gentle exfoliation and brightening.
Finding the right SPF for your skin
There isn’t one finish that suits everybody.
Some people want glow. Some want matte. Some want completely clear. Some would rather choose a fragrance-free or mineral formula.
The most useful SPF is one that suits your skin, your routine and your preferences well enough that you’re happy to use it when you need it.
If you’re not sure which Airyday product would suit you, ask me next time you’re in the salon or send me a message.
I’m always happy to help you choose.
Shop the Airyday SPF & Skincare collection at Bourne Valley Beauty.