Is It Really That Bad to Skip Sunscreen When I'm Indoors All Day?

 

Welcome to Ask a Derm, a series from SELF where certified dermatologists tackle your burning questions about skin, hair, and nail health. In this edition, we've got insights from Susan Massick, MD, FAAD, an associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, specializing in acne, moles, skin cancer, and eczema.

Let's talk sunscreen. It's a health essential, but let's face it, it can be a bit of a chore. The constant application, reapplication, and the quest to find the right formula for your skin can be a hassle. So, the question arises, do you really need to go through the whole routine when you're cozied up indoors during winter or any time of the year?

According to Dr. Massick, the answer is a resounding yes. Shielding your skin from UV light exposure consistently can help prevent skin cancer and signs of premature aging, such as wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. So, whether it's sunny or cloudy, summer or winter, warm or cold, or if you're planning on staying indoors, wearing sunscreen is a good idea.

The science behind this advice harks back to your school days. UV light encompasses UVA rays, which accelerate premature aging, and UVB rays, responsible for sunburns and a significant role in skin cancer development. Even if you're inside, natural sunlight can filter through windows, with UVA rays making their way to your skin. Factors like the type, color, and thickness of the glass, as well as coatings, determine the percentage of UVA rays reaching you.

Dr. Massick adds that high-energy visible light, including the blue light from screens, can penetrate windows and contribute to hyperpigmentation. While more research is needed on the effects of screen exposure, she recommends playing it safe and applying SPF, especially if you're glued to a screen throughout the day.

Moreover, the cumulative nature of ultraviolet damage underscores the importance of making sunscreen a consistent part of your routine. Dr. Massick suggests using a broad-spectrum formula with an SPF of at least 30 on exposed areas like your face, neck, ears, and hands, making it as routine as brushing your teeth.

To streamline the process, she recommends using a moisturizer-sunscreen combo, applied before makeup if you wear any. For those battling dry skin in the winter, formulas with hydrating elements like ceramides and hyaluronic acid are ideal.

In essence, staying indoors doesn't grant you complete protection from UV exposure. Though SPF may seem like a chore, it's an investment in your future skin health that you'll appreciate as the years roll by.

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