It's September now. Even though the breeze has turned cool, my Korean friend takes sunscreen out of her bag on cloudy days and pats another layer onto her face. "It's not hot anymore, so why?" You end up wanting to ask. ## The answer you find when you search If you search, it says, "Because UV rays age your skin regardless of the season." That's true. But that answer alone doesn't fully explain Koreans' habits. ## Why That Answer Falls Short In Korea, sunscreen is about health care, but it's also about managing your "skin tone." In Korea, clear, even skin without blemishes is seen as beautiful. Melasma and dark spots caused by sun exposure are believed to be hard to get rid of once they appear, so people think it's better to prevent them before they form. Many people believe UV rays get through even on cloudy days or through a window, so they wear sunscreen indoors too. Reapplying is another reason. Sunscreen gets wiped away by sweat, oil, and touch. People figure that if they apply it just once, the protective layer will have worn thin by the afternoon. That's why sticks, cushions, and sprays that can be used over makeup sell well. Parasols come from the same way of thinking. You add something that covers on top of something you apply, blocking the sun in two layers. ## Try This Right Away At convenience stores or drugstores, you'll find stick sunscreens and sun cushions. Check the packaging to see whether it can be used over makeup. Some products sting if they get in your eyes, so be careful around the eye area. Standards like the protection index can change, so it's best to check the back of the package or ask a pharmacist. Sunscreen in Korea isn't about being fussy; it's a habit born from the belief that "it's easier to prevent dark spots than to get rid of them once they show up." Autumn sunlight reaches your skin just the same, you know.