Should I Wear Sunscreen Indoors?
It may seem silly to wear sunscreen indoors, but dermatologists and the Cancer Council agree that wearing sunscreen, even when inside, is a wise idea if you're spending a lot of time near a window.
Thankfully in today’s beauty market, there are countless multi-purpose skin care products–like tinted SPF moisturizers, serums, and SPF foundations– that make sunscreen application effortless. And who can forget about UPF clothing to make the job even easier?
Why Should You Wear Sunscreen When You're Inside?
Let’s shine a light on the most important reasons why you should wear sunscreen indoors, along with several commonly asked questions about wearing sunscreen inside.
Two Simple Reasons Why You Should Wear Sunscreen Indoors
1. UVA Rays Can Pass Through Windows
It’s easy to think that you're safe from UV damage because you’re not sitting directly under the sun, but the truth is that UV rays can still reach your skin through open windows or doors.
While closed windows offer a bit more protection by deflecting UVB rays, glass does not block UVA rays, those responsible for aging skin cells and damage and most often to wrinkles and skin cancer. With your daily sunscreen application, you’re improving your odds of fending off premature skin aging. Go you!
2. Sunscreen Can Protect Against Other Skin Damaging Light
Like UV rays, blue light (the light emitted from laptops, phones, and TV screens) also contributes to premature skin aging. In fact, just 60 minutes of “screen time” exposure is enough to trigger cell shrinkage and death, leading to a loss of firmness, photo damage, wrinkles, and pigmentation–not to mention eye damage!
Wearing blue-light blocking sunscreen (sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) indoors, even on the cloudiest of days, and even if you’re away from windows and doors, will only contribute to the maintenance of youthful-looking skin.
FAQs About Wearing Sunscreen Indoors
Do You Have to Reapply Sunscreen If You Are Indoors?
Yes, if you are exposed to UV rays inside, you should reapply sunscreen indoors. How often or how many times each day do you reapply? Well, that depends on your setting. Reapplication is less necessary if you’re indoors, away from windows or glass doors. If you’re smack dab in the middle of an office surrounded by natural light, reapplying sunscreen about every two hours is recommended.
How Long Does Sunscreen Last on Your Skin When You're Indoors?
How long your sunscreen lasts indoors depends on the sunscreen you’re using and what you’re up to. If you’re working out, sweating, or in water, your sunscreen will naturally have a shorter lifespan than if you are stationary.
Our advice? Always check the label to determine how often to reapply. Don’t feel like reapplying? Consider drawing the curtains or blinds. This can help substantially, if not completely, block UV light from reaching your skin. Treated window films are another worthy option if you don’t want to worry about reapplying sunscreen throughout the day.
Should I Wear Sunscreen Indoors During Winter?
Whether indoor or out, wearing sunscreen in winter is recommended. Even though it may be cold and snowy, UV rays are still in full force, peering through the windows and bouncing off the snow. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, which means sunburns and skin damage is still a strong possibility. UV damage aside, wearing sunscreen indoors in the winter can help lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated. Who wouldn’t want that?
Should I Wear Sunscreen Indoors at Night?
Wearing sunscreen indoors at night isn’t usually necessary. However, this can vary based on geographical location and whether the sun is still shining in what would be considered the evening or night. If it’s 7, 8, or even 9 PM and the sun is still out, opt-in for the extended sun protection.
Is SPF 15 Enough for Indoor Protection?
When wearing sunscreen indoors, the general rule of thumb is to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you have a history of hyperpigmentation, melasma, or skin cancer, up your SPF levels to 65 or more.
Stay Sun Safe Indoors and Outdoors with Help from UV Skinz
At UV Skinz, we take pride in helping you and your family stay protected from harmful UV all year round, indoors and outdoors. Browse and shop UV Skinz today for all of the latest gear for sun care made easy!
