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Do You Need Sunscreen Indoors? Debunking the Myths

J Laasritha Naidu

4 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

Yes, you should wear sunscreen indoors. UVA rays, which cause premature ageing, can penetrate windows. Additionally, blue light from screens may contribute to skin damage.

Picture this: You’re working from home on a bright, sunny day, sunlight streaming through your window. Or perhaps you’re diligently focused on your computer screen for hours, immersed in work and online activities. While the warmth of the sun or the glow of your screen might feel comforting, it’s easy to overlook the hidden dangers lurking in this seemingly harmless light. Even indoors, your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and blue light, both of which can contribute to premature ageing and other skin concerns. So, is wearing sunscreen indoors merely a myth or a crucial step in your skincare routine? Let’s illuminate this surprising truth.

The Sunscreen Basics: UV A Vs. UV B Rays

Before we delve into the complexities of indoor sun protection, let’s revisit the fundamentals of sunscreen and UV radiation. The sun emits two primary types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.

UVA Rays: They are the primary cause of premature skin ageing. They can penetrate deep into your skin, breaking down collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. Over time, UVA exposure leads to wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of skin tone.
UVB Rays: They are primarily responsible for sunburns. While UVB rays are largely filtered out by windows, UVA rays can easily pass through glass and reach your skin indoors.

Understanding this distinction is crucial, as it highlights the importance of protecting your skin from UVA rays even when you’re not directly exposed to sunlight.

Read: Post swim skincare routine: How to protect skin from sun, chlorine, and salt water?

Sunscreen Indoors: Fact, Not Fiction

Contrary to popular belief, the need for sunscreen isn’t limited to outdoor activities. Dermatologists agree and recommend that wearing sunscreen indoors is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

Here’s why:

According to an article published in the British Journal of Dermatology by board-certified journalist Diffey Brian L, it is essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen all year round, even when indoors. As most people spend a significant amount of time indoors and outdoors throughout the day, applying sunscreen daily is necessary to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Further, the sun’s UV A and UV B rays can penetrate windows, and unfortunately, many windows do not have UV protection. As a result, these rays may harm your skin, which is why applying sunscreen indoors is crucial even if you are inside.

Consider your skin as a vital organ requiring protection. Every moment you spend exposed to UVA rays, whether outdoors or indoors, contributes to cumulative skin damage.

By applying sunscreen indoors, you’re essentially creating a protective barrier against these harmful rays, preserving the health and youthful appearance of your skin.

Read: How to get rid of sunspots on your face?

Do We Need Sunscreen to Protect Us From Blue Light Emitted From Screens?

As our world becomes increasingly digital, concerns about the impact of blue light emitted from electronic devices on our skin have gained significant attention. Although research on blue light’s effects on the skin is still developing, preliminary studies suggest that there may be a potential link between blue light exposure and skin damage, such as pigmentation issues and premature ageing.

According to the same preliminary study, even though blue light from electronic devices and artificial light sources does not emit as much radiation as the sun, it can still harm our skin over time due to daily exposure. However, it’s important to note that while artificial light sources emit blue light, the sun is still the primary source of potential skin damage.

How Does Blue Light Affect Your Skin?

In another study, it was found that blue light emitted from mobile phones can harm your skin cells and disrupt your circadian rhythm ie., your body’s internal clock.

Your skin has a natural cycle that protects it during the day and repairs damage at night. However, using your phone too much, especially at night, can confuse your body internal clock and mess up your skin’s natural repair process.

Skin cells are sensitive to light, and blue light in particular can disrupt their internal clock, making them think it’s daytime even when it’s not. This can result in harmful effects like DNA damage, inflammation, and ROS production that can speed up skin ageing and damage.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Indoor Use

Selecting the right sunscreen for indoor use is essential for optimal protection. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, ensuring it shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Choosing the right sunscreen not only protects against the harmful effects of UV A and UV B rays, they also helps repair skin damage caused by sun and reverse signs of ageing like the MFine Brightening Sunscreen Gel SPF 50/PA+++.

Read the importance of using this sunscreen in anti-ageing regimen!

Additional Tips for Indoor Sun Protection

Beyond applying sunscreen, there are additional measures you can take to safeguard your skin indoors:

Window Films: Consider installing UV-blocking window films on your windows to minimize UVA radiation transmission.
Screen Breaks: Take regular breaks from screens to reduce blue light exposure. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Antioxidant-Rich Skincare: Incorporate skincare products with antioxidants into your routine to help neutralize free radicals generated by UV and blue light exposure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the notion that sunscreen is only necessary for outdoor activities is a misconception. The reality is that both UVA rays from windows and blue light from electronic devices can silently damage your skin over time. By embracing sunscreen as a daily habit, even when you’re primarily indoors, you’re investing in the long-term health and youthfulness of your skin.

Remember, consistent sun protection is not just about preventing sunburn; it’s a proactive approach to safeguarding your skin from premature ageing, pigmentation issues, and even skin cancer. So, whether you’re working from home, enjoying a relaxing day indoors, or scrolling through your phone, don’t underestimate the power of sunscreen in preserving your skin’s natural health and radiance.

Make sunscreen an integral part of your daily skincare routine, both indoors and out, and enjoy the confidence of knowing you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your skin.