Should you wear sunscreen indoors?

Hello everyone!

A couple of weeks ago, I published an article about the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens. As we all know, sunscreen is a crucial part of our daily skincare routine. It helps protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause premature ageing, sunburns, and even skin cancer. 

While most of us understand the importance of wearing sunscreen when going outside, there is a common misconception that we don't need it indoors. Many people believe that they are safe from the sun's harmful rays when they are inside. Until recently, I used to think so myself! However, this couldn't be further from the truth. UV rays can penetrate through windows and reach your skin, causing damage even when not directly exposed to sunlight. 

Studies have shown that UVA rays, which are responsible for premature ageing and skin cancer, can pass through glass. So, it's essential to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen indoors.

UV rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. They can cause various harmful effects, including premature ageing, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. 

Furthermore, in today's digital age, we are constantly surrounded by screens - from smartphones and tablets to laptops and televisions. While these devices have undoubtedly made our lives more convenient and connected, they also expose us to a lesser-known threat: blue light. Blue light is a high-energy, short-wavelength light emitted by these screens. It can have a significant impact on our lives. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to blue light can disrupt our sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and fatigue. It can also cause eye strain, dryness, and discomfort, commonly known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. 

Additionally, studies suggest that blue light may contribute to long-term eye damage and increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration. With the increasing amount of time we spend in front of screens, it's crucial to understand how to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of blue light. 

Sunscreen uses physical or chemical filters to create a protective barrier on our skin. As I explained in a previous post, these filters act as a shield, absorbing or reflecting harmful ultraviolet rays. But did you know that some sunscreens can also protect against blue light? Certain ingredients in sunscreen, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, can scatter and reflect blue light away from our skin. 

When we apply sunscreen, not only are we protecting ourselves from the sun's UV rays, but we're also creating a barrier against blue light emitted by our screens. However, not all sunscreens offer the same level of blue light protection. So be sure to look for broad-spectrum sunscreens that specifically mention blue light protection on the label. By incorporating sunscreen into our daily skincare routine, we can take an active step towards minimising the potential negative effects of blue light.

Applying sunscreen creates a barrier that blocks these harmful rays, keeping the skin looking youthful and radiant. Besides, wearing sunscreen indoors can also help prevent certain types of skin cancer, as prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a major risk factor. So, don't underestimate the importance of wearing sunscreen even when you're inside. It's essential for maintaining healthy, beautiful skin for years to come. So, make an informed decision and prioritise the health and beauty of your skin by incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Do you apply sunscreen every day? Even when staying indoors?

Talk soon,