Did You Know It's Important To Wear Sunscreen Indoors Too?

Posted: August 14th, 2020

By now, everyone knows about the importance of using (and regularly reapplying) sunscreen when outside. The sun protection provided by doing so ensures the health and vitality of the skin's collagen and elastin more effectively than a trip to the esthetician ever could. However, a new question regarding skincare has risen: is it important to wear sunscreen indoors, as well?

It turns out, according to the experts, applying copious amounts of a good sun blocking spray or lotion is just as important when you're spending most of your time inside, like most of us during the global pandemic. The harmful UV rays that produce issues like sunburn, discoloration, and fine lines are not limited to sunlight. Unlike UVB rays, which can be filtered and do not penetrate through materials like glass, UVA rays can. These strong, aging rays can reach the skin even when you are indoors, and too much exposure (particularly without protection) can lead to severe and dangerous skin conditions, such as cancer.

While we may be at reduced risk of exposure to these rays while inside, there is another type of light on the spectrum that does not come from the sun at all: HEV. This light type of light is emitted by almost all devices that have screens, from our massive flat-screen TVs to our razor-thin cell phones. HEV, also known as "blue light", is high-energy and has been shown in studies to penetrate deep into the skin. Potential damage includes melasma and hyperpigmentation.

Your best line of defense against all types of harmful light rays is to incorporate high SPF sunscreen into your daily skincare routine. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a minimum SPF 30, covering your entire face and neck, to ensure efficient protection from the sun.