People may have likely become acclimated to the new norm by now after months of being in quarantine. Working from home, social distancing, and limited time spent in public spaces may have become normal for many.
Although sunscreen is commonly used outdoors, now that people work from home and spend most of their time indoors, wearing sunscreen might be the last thing in mind. However, is sunscreen still needed even with little exposure to the sun? Medical experts have an answer to that.
Why wear sunscreen inside?
According to NBC News, four out of five dermatologists they interviewed recommend wearing sunscreen indoors. Experts said that if someone is sitting near the window or in front of a computer screen, they are exposed to potentially skin-damaging light.
They identified three main reasons why wearing sunscreen with SPF indoors would be best. All of those involve the UVA, UVB, and blue light from smartphones, computers, and TVs.
For instance, ultraviolet A rays can cause signs of aging like loss of elasticity and wrinkles. According to the nonprofit Skin Cancer Foundation, UVA "can penetrate windows and cloud over." Unfortunately, not all windows are treated with protection for the sun's rays.
Furthermore, Robyn Gmyrek, MD of Park View Laser Dermatology, said it is important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen while inside for all year long because of UVA's harmful side effects the skin. "It does not cause tanning, so you may be unaware of how much UVA exposure you are getting," says Gmyrek.
Of course, there are also the ultraviolet B rays that can damage the skin's DNA, which creates an inflammation that leads to sunburns, said Orit Markowitz, MD, director of Pigmented Lesions and Skin Cancer at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Moreover, he also explained that blue light emitted from digital screens, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and TVs, could affect the skin in two ways.
One, blue light increases the production of the skin's pigmentation or known as melanin, which can lead to melisma and age spots. Secondly, blue light can also produce free radicals that might cause an inflammatory reaction, which leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastic tissue in the skin.
So, what type of sunscreen is best to wear indoors?
The next step to do after deciding to wear sunscreen is to determine what formulation meets the skin type and its SPF needs. Gymrek noted that all chemical and physical sunscreens are effective as long as they are labeled SPF 30 or higher.
Mineral or physical sunscreens use iron oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide, which create a physical barrier that blocks ultraviolet rays and blue light from reaching the skin. Since they are made to sit on top of the skin, physical sunscreens are less likely to clog the pores.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens "absorb UV rays before they can damage the skin." However, this also means that they are absorbed into the skin, a harmful side effect from using them. Not only that, but they can also be detrimental to the environment and marine life.
