Here's why you shouldn't skip sunscreen indoors
Think you're safe from sun damage indoors? Think again!
Even those gadget screens you're glued to can zap your skin with harmful UV rays. And with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reporting "danger" level heat indexes—ranging from 33 to a scorching 45 degrees Celsius—across the Philippines, it's not just the heat you need to worry about. We're talking about UV radiation, too.
The UV index, which measures how intense those rays are, can hit extreme levels (11+). So, even if you're chilling inside, sunscreen is your best friend. Here's why.
Why do you need to wear sunscreen when indoors?
Dr. Emmerson Vista, a board-certified dermatologist, explained to PhilSTAR L!fe that the sun has two types of rays: UVA, which has longer wavelengths that can penetrate the skin deeper and is associated with skin aging and hyperpigmentation; and UVB, which has shorter wavelengths and can cause direct damage to the external part of the skin, like sunburn.
If you work remotely, you must also protect your skin from the blue light emitted by screens.
“If you’re near the windows inside the house or spend a lot of time in front of the screens, sunscreen can still provide protection from the blue light and UVA rays,” he said.
To protect your skin, Vista suggests choosing a sunscreen with a “broad spectrum” label with SPF30 or higher.
“It has protection for UVA, UVB, and even the blue light. The recommendation from the guideline from different dermatologist associations would be SPF30 or higher because it can protect your skin longer and also prevent you from causing damage from UVB rays,” he told L!fe.
Contrary to belief, you are still at risk of skin damage even if you spend the entire day at home. Vista warned that neglecting sunscreen, whether outdoors or as part of a skincare regimen, significantly contributes to premature aging.
“It can also develop hyperpigmentation, so there would be dark spots, melasma, or uneven skin tone. This is more common for people with darker skin color,” he explained. Another effect is skin dullness, which causes dry texture and sagging skin.
He noted that those with skin sensitivity may experience an allergic reaction to the skin if they are always exposed to these kinds of light, like sunburn appearance.
What is the best sunscreen to use?
The market offers a wide selection of sunscreens. To help you make your choice, know that there are two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen, which contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide to deflect UV rays away from the skin, usually has less chance of irritation.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV rays and turning them into heat. This heat is released from the skin, which helps to lessen the damage caused by the sun. However, its downside is that you may develop a reaction from its components of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Each person’s preferences vary, but regardless of the type, Vista suggests choosing one that is lightweight, non-greasy, non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores, and hypoallergenic.
“Better to ask your board-certified dermatologist what you can use, because there are so many available options now in the market, sometimes they add other chemicals which can induce further damage to your skin,” he stressed.
Vista further emphasized the importance of selecting alcohol- and fragrance-free products to minimize sun-induced irritation and allergic reactions.
Proper application
Apply the product 20 minutes before sun exposure, and similar to how you apply sunscreen when going outdoors, a one-half teaspoon or two-finger rule is enough to cover the face and neck area.
For the face, neck, and ears, you should apply around one gram or the size of a small coin. For exposed areas like arms and hands, Vista said to use just enough amount to cover the surface area.
“The key is to cover all the exposed areas of your body,” he said.
To maintain effective protection while indoors, reapply every four to six hours. For those with prolonged screen time, Vista recommends reapplying every four hours for maximum defense.
“If you’re working in front of the screen for long hours, consider reapplying every four hours, or better to use other protective equipment like sunglasses that also have a sun protection factor,” he said.
Undeniably, sunscreen can be expensive. Vista noted that other ways to keep your skin protected are to limit sun exposure, wear long sleeves or other UV-protected clothing when going out, and apply a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum but less fragrant.
“Most important is something that you will be more comfortable [applying] everyday... no need to make it really expensive, as long as it’s FDA-approved with UVA and UVB [protection],” he said.
