Do I need to apply sunscreen indoors?

Most of us are well aware of protecting our skin from the harmful rays of the sun, and we do apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. But did you know that we should also apply sunscreen even when we are indoors? Well, many of you might find it bizarre but it's very important to wear sunscreen even if you are indoors. In today's blog, we'll tell why we should apply sunscreen even indoors and its importance. Stay tuned till the end to know all about it.

Let's understand the UV Radiation:

• UVA Rays: We all have heard about UVA rays, and we all know about it in layman's terms, but do we know what it is and how it affects us? These rays enter deep into our skin, which further causes premature aging, wrinkles and sometimes it also causes skin cancer.
• UVB Rays: Same as UVA Rays, we all know about UVB rays in layman's terms, so these rays also affect the surface of our skin. It causes sunburn and it plays a major role in developing skin cancer. Although we think that we are indoors, how will the sun's rays affect us? But you know, UVB rays are partially blocked by glass, but still, they penetrate our skin.

How do we expose ourselves to UV rays indoors?

• Windows: Standard glass windows block most UVB rays,  but still a very considerable amount of UVA rays pass through the glass and can affect our skin.
• Artificial Lighting: You know Halogen, fluorescent, and incandescent bulbs, emit very low levels of UVA and UVB radiation, if compared with natural sun rays, but still, they could be harmful to our skin.

What can UV Exposure cause?

UV Exposure can cause multiple long-term effects on our skin which are as follows:

• Premature Aging: This is one of the primary skin concerns caused by UV exposure. One can see wrinkles, fine lines, and loss in skin elasticity at a very young age.
• Hyperpigmentation: Long UV Exposure can also cause hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, which further leads to dark spots and patches.
• Skin Cancer: UVA rays also play a major role in the risk of developing skin cancer, apart from this it can also lead to melanoma, which is stated to be the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Thus, it's very important to apply sunscreen for long-lasting glowing and radiant skin.

How to choose the right sunscreen for indoor use?

Well, choosing the best sunscreen when indoors can be tricky, but we are here to ease your trouble of finding the best sunscreen.

Here are a few points by a dermatologist in Delhi at Dadu Medical Centre to remember while buying the best sunscreen.

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: Before buying any sunscreen always ensure that it offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF 30 or Higher: It's very important to use SPF 30 and higher sunscreen because it offers the most effective protection from these harmful rays.
• Lightweight formulas: Always opt for lightweight, nongreasy formulas, to avoid a heavy feel on your skin.
• Physical Sunscreen: Always use physical sunscreen, because they contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, because they ensure effective protection and they cause less irritation.

Here are a few tips for Indoor sunscreen application:

• Morning Routine: Sunscreen application should be the last step in your morning skincare routine, even if you are not planning to step out.
• Reapplication: Always reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, if you are sitting near the windows or under artificial lighting.
• Never forget key areas: Always remember to apply sunscreen on all the exposed areas, which includes your face, neck, ears, and hands.
• Layer it with moisturizer: If you have dry skin, then you should apply sunscreen after applying moisturizer on your skin. It will help in maintaining hydration and comfort.

By applying sunscreen properly you can easily prevent the side effects of UVA rays, and get glowing radiant skin.