The one skincare command you hear over and over is “Don’t forget your sunscreen!”. We all know the importance of protecting our skin from the sun when it comes to beach days and time outdoors. You still need sunscreen when it’s cloudy and during colder seasons like winter, especially with snow that can reflect UV rays.
But what about when you’re spending most of your time indoors, especially if you’re a sun-deprived parent who’s keeping vampire-like hours with a newborn? Many of us don’t even think about reaching for the sunscreen unless we’re headed outside. So, do you really need sunscreen indoors?
The reality is that indoor environments can still expose us to certain types of UV rays and other skin-aging light sources through our phones and other electronic devices. We’ll explore why applying sunscreen daily is important, even if you’re spending the majority of your day indoors.
How UV Rays Affect Us Indoors
Let’s break down the two types of UV rays from the sun: UVA and UVB.
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UVA rays: These rays penetrate deep into our skin, contributing to signs of aging like wrinkles and dark spots. They also have the ability to pass through glass, which means that if you’re sitting by a window, UVA rays can reach you. And yes, that includes the window seats of airplanes, which means the UVA rays are even stronger.
- UVB rays: These rays cause sunburn and are mostly blocked by windows. But just because you don’t immediately feel the burn or turn red quickly doesn’t mean that your skin isn’t damaged or that your risk of skin cancer is lowered.
Windows in homes, offices, and cars may protect us from most UVB rays, but most glass won’t stop UVA rays. If you sit regularly near a sunny window, your skin could be more vulnerable to these harmful rays than you realize.
Reasons to Consider Wearing Sunscreen Indoors
There are a few factors that suggest using sunscreen indoors can be beneficial, especially if you’re exposed to sunlight throughout the day.
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Glass Exposure: If you’re sitting by a window or spend lots of time in the car with sunlight streaming in, your skin is receiving UVA exposure. You can often even see the physical difference between the arm that’s getting more sun and the other. Over time, this can lead to skin aging and even increase the risk of skin cancer.
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Prolonged Screen Time: Many of us spend hours in front of our devices being chronically online. Research has shown that infrared radiation and blue light from screens can contribute to skin damage and aging. While blue light isn’t as harmful as UV rays, it can still affect the skin, causing pigmentation changes and accelerating signs of aging. This is why everyone at the office has blue light-blocking glasses now.
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Incidental Exposure: You might not notice it, but even walking past a window or sitting in a sunlit room contributes to your daily UV exposure. While the risk may seem minimal, these small moments add up over time.
- Cumulative Damage: Skin damage is a cumulative process, meaning small, repeated exposures can contribute significantly to aging and health risks over time. Daily habits like spending hours next to a window, long car commutes, and excessive time on devices can add up to more UV exposure than you ever imagined.
When Do You Not Need Sunscreen Indoors?
We’re here to tell you that daily sunscreen should be an essential part of your skincare routine. Not every indoor situation warrants slathering yourself in SPF 50+ from head to toe like you would for a sunny hike, for example. If you’re in an area with very limited natural light, such as a basement, or if your exposure to sunlight is brief and not near windows, you might not need to worry so much about applying sunscreen. In these cases, the risk of UV damage is minimal, and you could save sunscreen for when you’ll be spending more time in direct sunlight.
But unless you’re trapped in a windowless basement or living in an underground bunker due to a zombie apocalypse or you’re actually a vampire, you’re most likely going to get *some* sun exposure. So apply sunscreen for safety. Better safe than sunburnt.
Types of Sunscreen for Indoor Use
When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen for indoors, lightweight, broad-spectrum formulas are key. Here are some tips for choosing an indoor-friendly sunscreen:
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Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens: Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients and create a physical shield on top of skin. They’re great for sensitive skin and offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. We’re biased, but Mama Sol is safe and great for everyone.
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Chemical Sunscreens: These absorb into the skin and work by converting UV rays into heat, which is then released. Some people find chemical sunscreens to be lighter and less visible on the skin, making them more comfortable for indoor use. There are also hybrid chemical-mineral formula sunscreens that have added benefits, like different shades for deeper skin tones.
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Broad-Spectrum SPF 15-30: For indoor environments, SPF 15 can provide protection against daily exposure. If you’re exposed to significant sunlight near windows, consider a sunscreen with SPF 30 for better protection. Personally, we stick to SPF 30 at a minimum.
Other Indoor Sun Protection Strategies
If applying sunscreen indoors each day feels like a lot, you can limit UV exposure in other ways:
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Blinds or Curtains: Drawing blinds during peak sunlight hours can help reduce indoor UV exposure.
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UPF Clothing: Specially designed clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating can block UVA and UVB rays.
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Tinted Window Films: Adding a protective film to windows can reduce the amount of UVA light that penetrates glass, offering an added layer of sun defense.
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Become an Actual Vampire: They can’t handle *any* UV exposure, unless you’re the “Twilight” kind of vampire whose skin glitters in the sun. Just checking to see if you’re still reading this. Bonus points for applying sunscreen indoors!
Common Indoor Sunscreen Myths, Busted
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“I’m safe from UV indoors.” While UVB rays are blocked, UVA rays can still affect your skin if you’re sitting near windows for extended periods.
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“Blue light is harmless.” While not as intense as UV light, blue light exposure from screens can still contribute to pigmentation changes and early skin aging.
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“I only need sunscreen when I go outside.” Many of us unknowingly get sun exposure indoors, leading to cumulative skin damage over time.
Using sunscreen indoors might feel unnecessary or excessive at first, but it’s a simple way to keep your skin healthier in the long run. By incorporating a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen into your daily skincare routine, you can protect your skin from the subtle but cumulative effects of UVA and UVB rays, blue light, and incidental sun exposure. So when you’re getting ready in the morning, just reach for that daily sunscreen—even if you’re staying indoors.
