The need to use sunscreen as part of a regular skincare regimen cannot be overstated. Whether it's winter or a rainy day, practically everyone has encouraged you to apply sunscreen outside, but did you know it's just as important to wear sunscreen inside?
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You might wonder why someone needs sun protection when they're home away from sunlight. But we are still closer to the sunlight than we assume. Sun rays can seep through your window and easily affect your skin. It doesn't matter if you're inside or outside; the sun's rays are amazing at finding skin that's easily damaged.
In this blog, we will debunk some sunscreen misconceptions and look at why is sunscreen necessary indoors.
The Misconception About Sunscreen
Sunscreen is frequently the subject of numerous myths. Let's look at some of these:
1. Myth: Sunscreen Isn't Needed Until It's Sunny Outside
UV radiation is still dangerous, even with the presence of clouds. Applying sunscreen is essential for sun protection, even on overcast days, because UV radiation can still reach the earth's surface.
2. Myth: Sunscreen With A High SPF Gives Full Protection
Higher sun protection factors better ward off UVB rays, but they can't keep out all of the sun's dangerous radiation. So, you must consider other factors instead of solely relying on SPF.
Why Sunscreen Is Important Indoors
If you are wondering should I apply sunscreen at home, the simple answer is yes. It's important to know that sunscreens shield your skin from UV rays and the blue light emitted by electronic gadgets. You may believe your skin is safe while cooped up in your home with your laptop, but that's not the case. The blue light released by electronic gadgets is known to be acidic, dulling, and stressful to the skin. In addition to hastening skin ageing, it harms skin cells.
UV light can also enter a room via open windows. Even when the sun isn't directly overhead, the glass windows in your home might still let some ultraviolet A (UVA) light in. UVA rays cause more serious skin problems because they reach deeper layers of skin than UVB rays.
Sunscreen is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of your skincare routine. It creates a protective barrier, optimising the application of other skincare products.
The Science Behind Indoor Sun Damage
Many people fail to realise that UVA radiation can penetrate indoor spaces through windows, causing solar damage. Glass does a good job of blocking the sun's damaging UVB rays, but UVA rays are able to pass right through. Hence, you are not just looking at face protection but using sunscreen for body protection. Our Vitamin C & Pro-Ceramides Fluid Body Lotion is a clinically tested In-Vivo SPF 50 PA++++ Body Sunscreen Lotion that can provide maximum protection.
Sunlight can penetrate deep into the skin, damaging cells, breaking collagen, and mutating DNA. Even through clouds and glass, UVA photons can reach the earth, unlike UVB rays that only appear during the day. Wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation are the results of skin ageing brought on by prolonged exposure to indoor UVA radiation.
Effects Of Indoor Sun Damage
Why is sunscreen important at home? Because indoor sun damage takes time to show its effects, but they are significant, let's look at some of these:
- The most noticeable change is the accelerated onset of skin drooping, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- Hyperpigmentation (the development of dark patches and an uneven skin tone) is a side effect of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA).
Recommendations For Indoor Sunscreen Use
Sunscreen isn't only for the beach; it's a must-have for indoor safety! If you want to know how to and when to apply sunscreen properly indoors, here are some easy tips:
1. Select the right sunscreen: Try to get one that covers a wide range of UV rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher. This will shield you from harmful ultraviolet A and B radiation. Our Hyaluronic Acid and Pro-Ceramides sunscreen gel with SPF 50 PA+++ provides protection and keeps your skin hydrated.
2. Apply generously: Be generous with the sunscreen; it's money well spent. Do not be shy about applying a thick layer to your hands, neck, and any other exposed parts.
3. Consider reapplying: Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, even if you spend most of your time indoors. This is particularly important if you spend time near windows or in a sunny room.
Even indoors, a small amount of sunscreen may do wonders for your skin's health and protection!
Proper Application For Maximum Protection
While you may have picked the right sunscreen for yourself, the right application makes all the difference. Here are some simple steps that can help you absorb the right benefits of sunscreen:
1. The first step is to find a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, preferably SPF 50 sunscreen. We recommend using our Niacinamide and Pro-ceramides sunscreen gel with SPF 50 PA+++. It not only shields your skin from UVA, UVB, and blue light but also helps fight pigmentation.
2. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your entire body, making sure to avoid bare skin on the face, neck, arms, and anywhere else that can't be covered by your clothes.
3. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even while you're indoors. This is particularly important if you spend most of your time near windows or in direct sunlight.
Takeaway
Sunscreen is essential for preventing the skin-damaging effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation that can permeate glass indoors. For the best protection, choose a sunscreen that covers a wide range of UV rays, apply it thick, and top it off every two hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:1 Don't windows already block harmful UV rays?
A. It’s important to know that windows only screen UVB rays, not UVA. Sunscreen is still needed because of the hazards associated with indoor exposure.
Q:2 What kind of sunlight exposure can I expect if I'm indoors?
A. Even when you're indoors, the sun's harmful UVA rays can still seep through your windows and damage your skin. Therefore, you still need sunscreen.
Q:3 Are all sunscreens made equal for indoor use?
A. Different sunscreens perform differently indoors. For optimal indoor use, seek a product that provides broad-spectrum from UV-Squad’s entire range of sunscreens that offer all-around protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Q:4 Which type of sunscreen is best for indoor use?
A. Choose a sunscreen that provides SPF 30 or higher for indoor use. This shields against UVA rays that penetrate windows.
Q:5 How often should I reapply sunscreen when I'm inside?
A. To maintain protection against UVA radiation, reapply sunscreen indoors every two hours, especially if near windows or in sunny rooms.
