You may believe that you don’t need sunscreen when you get out of bed, move in your car, and drive to your workplace, where you sit at your desk all day. Or perhaps you’re spending a lazy Sunday binge-watching your favorite show and have no intention of brushing your hair or applying sunscreen. Is it true, though, that you don’t need sunscreen inside? Let’s talk about why you should use sunscreen daily even when indoors and check out the best sunscreens for everyday use in 2024 😍.
Aside from the apparent health benefits of moving, getting outside, and exercising, not wearing sunscreen — even indoors — may hurt your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Because, while glass effectively blocks most ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it does not do so in equal quantity for all of them. To fully comprehend this, it’s also necessary to understand the distinction between two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.
Why should you use sunscreen daily, even when indoors?
You must apply sunscreen to the exposed skin every day, not only when you’re going to be outside in the sun. Apply sunscreen to regions not covered by clothing, such as the face and hands, on days when you will be indoors, such as in the case of quarantine.
Sunscreens can be used beneath makeup, or various cosmetic products include sunscreens for daily use. The sooner you start shielding yourself from the sun, the more likely you are to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer in the future.
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Use sunscreen every day, not just on sunny days. Even on a gloomy day, the sun’s UV rays can travel through the clouds up to 80% of the time. Furthermore, sand reflects 25% of the sun’s rays, while snow reflects 80% of the sun’s rays.
Blue light from digital screens, such as your computer, phone, tablet, and television, can harm your skin in two ways:
- Blue light can cause melasma and age spots by increasing the production of melanin or pigmentation in the skin.
- Blue light can also produce free radicals, which can cause inflammation and cause the skin’s collagen and elastic tissue to break down.
When and How To Use Sunscreen?
You should use sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside to dry skin. Apply a generous amount to the skin and rub it in thoroughly. Lips can get sunburned as well, so use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. It can be reapplied every two hours or after swimming or significantly perspiring. After 40 minutes in the water, even so-called water-resistant sunscreens may lose effectiveness. Sunscreens rub off and wash off, so reapply sunscreen after towel drying for prolonged protection.
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Types of sunscreens:
Mineral sunscreens (also known as natural/physical sunscreens) and chemical sunscreens are the two types of sunscreens available. Each kind filters UV radiation and protect the skin differently.
a) Mineral (Physical) Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens stay on top of the skin’s surface, deflecting and dispersing UV rays away from the skin like small mirrors, functioning as a physical barrier. Mineral or Physical sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB radiation because they filter UV rays at the surface level.
b) Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin’s deeper layers and remain there. They absorb UV photons, convert them to heat, and then expel the heat through the skin.
Benefits of wearing sunscreen everyday (including cloudy day, winter season)
Clouds cannot block UV radiations completely . “On cloudy days, you still require sunscreen unless you are entirely shaded and sheltered from the sun.” Also, keep in mind that even brief periods outside can cause solar damage.
Sunscreen use is a vital preventive health habit that should be continued throughout the year, especially in the winter. Snow can reflect up to 80% of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, putting you at greater risk of sun damage. Sunscreen blocks these photons, reducing the risk of sunburn significantly.
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How often should you apply sunscreen?
In brief, apply your first sunscreen application 30 minutes before going out into the sun and reapply every 2 hours. When you are in the water or when you sweat a lot, you should reapply your sunscreen more frequently.
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What sunscreens should you wear indoors?
SPF values are similar to the EPA fuel economy ratings found on new car sales brochures. They both tend to exaggerate their effectiveness, but they’re still useful for comparing products. You should apply sunscreen around 30 minutes before going outside for better protection.
You are free to choose the kind of sunscreen you use. Creams are great for dry skin, whereas gels are better for hairy areas like the scalp and male chest.
✅ Sensitive skin – go for mineral/physical sunscreens
✅ Oily, acne-prone skin – go for non-comedogenic, gel formula
✅ Dry skin – go for sunscreen lotions/moisturizers/creams with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, etc.
Most medical experts recommend wearing sunscreen indoors to protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays, unless you are working in a windowless room.
Best sunscreens for indoors/everyday use in 2024:
Top 10 of best lightweight sunscreens to wear indoors for everyday use are (list updated in March ’24)-
1. Supergoop Glow Screen SPF 40
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2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
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3. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
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4. Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 55
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5. Heliocare Advanced Gel SPF 50
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7. Cetaphil Pro Oil Control Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 (Fragrance-free, lightweight, and noncomedogenic, this fast-absorbing SPF leaves a matte finish for flawless wear)
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8. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 25
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9. PURITO Daily Go-To Sunscreen 60ml
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10. REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral Mattifying Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin SPF 30
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We hope you found this article – Why you should use sunscreen daily even when indoors and our list of best sunscreens for indoors/regular, everyday use in 2024 helpful and informative. Please do not forget to share it with your friends as sharing is caring ❤️
Now, tell us, do you use sunscreen daily even when indoors? Have you tried any of these sunscreens?
Do you also use sunscreen indoors? Can you believe I had never heard of it? I found this article very useful to take care of my skin health more carefully.
Glad you found this article helpful! Thank you 🙂
I couldn’t agree more with this. You can never be too careful when your skin is involved.
True! Thank you 🙂
I wear sunscreen when going out and use an SP face cream all through the year, I never knew or thought about wearing sunscreen even if staying in.
Agreed! We often forget about using sunscreen indoors.
My mom always told me how important this is when I was younger but it’s honestly something I need to be better about doing!
Moms are always right!
I always wear sunscreen when going outside, but I never wear it if I’m staying indoors. I didn’t realize that blue light affected the pigmentation in our skin!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Yes, I need to get better at putting on sunscreen all the time. I tend to only put it on when I’m going out.
This is very insightful. I always put on sunscreen when I go out but had no idea that it is also important to put in indoors. This is really amazing.
I tend to just wear sunscreen in the pool. Maybe I need to wear it at other times.
This is great information, I love EltaMD. I got this brand as a gift a few years ago and never looked back. My one regret is not wearing sunscreen daily until my 40’s. I have noticed my skin look way better from constant coverage.
I tend to use it automatically. It’s part of my daily skin care regime. It does help protect the skin and I can see from having used it for years that it works well.
I totally agree with this. You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your skin.
Thank you 🙂
This is one tip I wish I could have given myself when I was younger! I’m seeing the nagging impacts of sun damage because of my negligence as a teenager.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
THe most important tip for healthy skin is wearing sunscreen. I never leave the house without sunscreen
That’s great!
I’ve never thought about using sunscreen while indoors, interesting article! Thanks.
you’re welcome 🙂
My moisturizer has some SPF in it, but aside from that I’ve never really thought about wearing it inside even though I always wear it outside. You’ve definitely got my wheels turning thinking about this now!
Thank you 🙂
I agree. I’ve been using sunscreen for years and it makes a big difference. Your skin is much better.
Thank you 🙂
I know you are supposed to wear it daily, but I haven’t found one that doesn’t feel sticky. I hope one of these might do the trick.
IKR! Kindly select sunscreen according to your skin type 🙂
My mom always told me to use sunscreen whenever I go out. I never knew the importance of indoor sunscreen. Thanks for the info.
You’re welcome 🙂
I absolutely agree on this! I am using sunscreen even I’m just inside my house. This is such a great post!
Thank you 🙂
Sunscreen is so important. I am faithful about never leaving the house without an SPF on my face, rain or shine. I am also sure to use SPF on exposed skin when outside. However, I am not good about using when indoors at home. Thanks for this reminder.
You’re welcome 🙂
Enjoyed reading your post as have learn so much about sunscreen and to use it indoors. Also learnt that snow reflects 80% of the sun’s rays which I did not realise.
Thank you 🙂
I need to use sunscreen daily even in winter, but you convinced to start to use it even indoor. I will start with daily skin products that have a protection!
Thank you 🙂
I learned from my mistakes in the past so I’m definitely wearing sunscreen now even when I’m inside the house.
Thank you 🙂
I have been trying to be better about wearing sunscreen. I appreciate your tips and will have to use these ideas.
Thank you 🙂