Do you know what pairs well with pumpkin spice lattes? SPF! (No, not IN your PSL-- on your skin, of course!) Some people think that once summer is over, temps drop, and the sun seems less strong that you no longer need to apply sunscreen-- but this isn't true! UVB rays (the type of ultraviolet rays that have been linked to skin cancer) are quite strong year-round. In fact, the ozone layer is thinner during the fall and winter months meaning we actually have less protection from the sun. (Fun fact: The earth is closest to the sun in January and farthest in July. ) While the sun’s rays may not feel as warm or strong on your skin during cooler seasons, UV rays continue to break down skin cells at a faster rate, resulting in a condition called photoaging and premature aging of our skin by accelerating fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and discoloration. Even worse, exposing yourself to these UV rays without protection significantly increases your chances of skin cancer. Most of us aren't seeing snow just yet, but snow and ice can reflect these rays and actually increase their intensity. So, regardless of season, reach for the sunscreen and cover any skin not covered by clothing! Sources: https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7759112/ https://www.cmaj.ca/content/192/50/E1802 #unbiasedscipod #wearsunscreen #psl #pslseason #WomenInSTEM #scicomm #sciencecommunication #ScienceLiteracy #publichealth #PublicHealthMatters #preventativehealth #prevention