Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen Indoors?
October 27, 2020
It’s a no-brainer to wear your sunscreen when outdoors, but because of all the time being spent INDOORS, has wearing sunscreen been put on your back-burner? If your answer is YES, then this is for you!
Sunscreen should most definitely still be worn indoors because if you’re sitting near windows or are in front of a computer screen for most of the day, you could still be exposing your skin to damaging light. Read on for reasons on why you should still be wearing your sunscreen while indoors and the type to use that will protect your skin the most.
REASON #1: Ultraviolet B (UVB) Rays
These rays affect the outer layer of the skin. This is the type of ray that causes most skin cancers, which is why protecting against this type of ray is very important. Overexposure to UVB rays can lead to sunburn and skin cell DNA damage.
REASON #2: Ultraviolet A (UVA) Rays
These types of rays go further into the skin and affect deeper, inner layers. These are most responsible for causing wrinkles and loss of elasticity, resulting in signs of aging. They can even penetrate windows and cloud cover according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. “While these rays are slightly less intense than UVB, they penetrate your skin more deeply.” Exposure can cause damage to the cells on the deepest level of your top layer of skin, which is where most skin cancers occur.
REASON #3: Blue Light (from smart devices, computers & TV’s)
Blue light is the light that comes from all digital screens, including your computer, tablet, phone, and TV. You don’t typically think that this type of light can damage your skin but it can in two different ways. 1) it can increase the production of melanin, or pigmentation, in the skin, which over time could lead to age spots or melasma. 2) It can also create free radicals, which is known for causing inflammation and breaking down collagen and elastic tissue in the skin. Bottom line – if you’re indoors using digital devices (which, who isn’t at this point?) then you should be protecting your skin with sunscreen.
WHAT TYPE OF SUNSCREEN SHOULD I BE WEARING?
When choosing which sunscreen is best for indoor use, there are many options for protection against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you are wearing an SPF of 30 or higher, with broad-spectrum, as well.
We recommend lighter options that still protect your skin but are not as thick as those you would wear when exposed to direct sunlight for hours at a time, like you would be at a day at the pool or beach.
· SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 32: this hypoallergenic, oil, paraben & fragrance free sheer sunscreen has physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc, which make it ideal for blue light protection and for people with sensitive skin. More info here.
· EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: its a sunscreen great for those with acne and oily skin because it contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates the skin and regulates sebum build-up. Antioxidant protection combats skin-aging free radicals associated with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation (IR). More info here.
· Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Sunscreen – it is a fast-absorbing, ultralight emulsion that provides all-mineral broad spectrum sun protection. Its the perfect lightweight sunscreen for all day use, every day. More info here.
· Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Sunscreen – protect, repair, and correct with this ultralight tinted sunscreen! It is 100% mineral based and has zinc oxide which helps fight the signs of photoaging and repairs exiting sun damage while reducing appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. More info here.
If you have any questions about any of the above tips, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. If you’re wanting to make an appointment to see one of our dermatologists, contact us now.
Yours in good health,
Your West Dermatology Team
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