November means early sunsets, cozy layers, and a weather app that keeps saying 41 degrees. It is also National Healthy Skin Month, an awareness month the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has run every November since 1997. The idea is simple: pay attention to your skin, build habits that last, and know when to check in with a dermatologist.

The tips for the month are refreshingly unglamorous: keep a simple routine of a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen; add new ingredients slowly; wash with warm water instead of hot; exfoliate safely; protect your skin from the sun; and check your skin for changes.

Sunscreen makes the list because UV does not clock out when the temperature drops. So if your SPF has been collecting dust since Labor Day, consider this your sign. Here is why it deserves a spot in your November routine, and how CoTZ mineral sunscreen makes the habit easy to keep.

Do you need sunscreen in November? Yes, and here is why

Short answer: yes.

Longer answer: Yes, because not all UV is the same, and the kind that quietly does long-term damage does not take the winter off.

• UVB is the main cause of sunburn and peaks in summer, but it can still burn and damage skin year-round, especially at high altitude and on reflective surfaces like snow and ice.
• UVA stays constant all year and can pass through clouds, fog and glass. That cloudy commute and the desk by the window still count.
• Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun's UV light, so a ski weekend can hit you twice.
• Your face is always out. The face, head, and neck stay exposed year-round, and that is where most skin cancers occur, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

The AAD says it plainly: even on cloudy or cool days, UV rays can damage your skin. The FDA agrees, recommending broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher even on cloudy days.

What to look for on the label

Broad-spectrum means the sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB. The SPF number mainly tells you about UVB protection, which is why the "broad-spectrum" line matters just as much as the number. For daily wear, we recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, applied 15 minutes before you head outside.

The Science Behind Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. These filters sit on the surface of your skin instead of being absorbed, and dermatologists often recommend mineral formulas for sensitive or acne-prone skin because they tend to be well tolerated.

Where CoTZ fits in your Healthy Skin Month routine

The routine is intentionally basic: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen. CoTZ mineral sunscreen is that last step before you leave the house.

CoTZ stands for Contains Only Titanium & Zinc. The brand was founded in 2002 by a plastic surgeon with a mission to make mineral sunscreens people actually want to wear every day. The formulas use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and skip chemical sunscreen filters. CoTZ says its products are free of fragrance and dyes, and that the tint in its tinted formulas comes from iron oxide, a mineral ingredient.

Shopping for a tinted mineral sunscreen for face wear? Here is how a few CoTZ formulas stack up.

Your November routine, in four steps:

1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser and warm water, not hot.
2. Moisturize.
3. Apply CoTZ about 15 minutes before heading out, and do not skip the often-missed spots: tops of the ears, around the eyes, and near the hairline.
4. Reapply as directed on the label, and add shade, clothing, and sunglasses when you can.

Healthy Skin Month is the perfect excuse to make SPF a no-brainer. Find your formula at cotzskincare.com and keep your skin protected from now through next summer.

Quick answers

Do you need sunscreen in November? Yes. UVA stays constant year-round and passes through clouds and glass, and both the AAD and the FDA say to protect your skin even on cloudy or cool days.

Do you need sunscreen indoors by a window? UVA passes through glass, so if you sit near a window or drive a lot, daily SPF on exposed skin is still worth it. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes you can damage your skin on a bright winter day indoors.

What SPF should you wear in winter? We recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for everyday sun protection in every season.

Can you wear mineral sunscreen under makeup? CoTZ describes Face Prime & Protect as a sheer mineral sunscreen that layers under makeup or works alone for a matte finish.

Is mineral sunscreen good for sensitive skin? Dermatologists often recommend mineral formulas for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Everyone's skin is different, so patch test any new product first.

Sunscreen is one part of sun protection. If you notice a spot that looks different, itches, bleeds, or is changing, the AAD recommends seeing a board-certified dermatologist.