Sunscreen is a summer staple for those who spend these months outside — but in the midst of a global pandemic, many of us are spending an unusual amount of time indoors. And while our skincare routines may have gotten better during isolation, many of us may be skipping the sunscreen.
Many people are wondering, if I stay inside all day, do I still need to wear sunscreen indoors? The experts at Skin Spa New York are here to answer all of your sunscreen-related questions, even if you’re staying inside and binging Netflix!
Should I Wear Sunscreen Indoors?
The short answer is YES! Even if you’re inside all day, you still need to wear sunscreen.
Why do I need to wear it?
Even if you don’t step foot outside, you’re likely still being exposed to UVA and UVB rays inside your house or car.
Windows block many of the sun’s UVB rays, which are what cause your skin to burn, but they don’t block UVA rays, which cause wrinkles and other forms of skin damage.
There’s even some preliminary evidence that suggests the blue light from our screens can cause skin damage — so even those Zoom meetings can be damaging!
Where should I apply it?
The most important places to apply sunscreen are the places that aren’t covered by your clothing — most importantly, your face and neck. Easily forgotten places: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands, forearms, and chest. It’s not totally necessary to apply sunscreen to your entire body, but you can if you are sensitive to the sun, or often sit by a window, it’s best to protect any exposed areas.
How much should I apply?
A lot of people don’t apply nearly enough sunscreen! Generally, an ounce is enough to cover your entire body, but you only need a dime-sized amount to cover your face. Gently rub it into your face, neck, and chest, and use the residual amount to cover the back of your hands to prevent sun spots and aging.
What to Look for in a Sunscreen
There are a few key characteristics to look for when you’re shopping for a facial sunscreen. Your sunscreen should have UVA and UVB protection. Sunscreen with this level of protection will be labeled as broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Your sunscreen should at least be SPF 30. Any SPF over 50 won’t provide that much added protection, so your best bet is to look for a sunscreen between 30–50 SPF. This will give you plenty of coverage!
Some sunscreens give a white cast when applied, which is just the technical term for the white sheen that’s caused by sunscreen. This cast is caused by zinc oxide, which is a popular ingredient in many sunscreens (think the white noses on lifeguards in movies).
Choosing to opt for a different formulation or a gel sunscreen will help avoid white cast.
If you prefer to have a little foundation on your face, you can find foundations or tinted moisturizers with SPF in the formulation. Keep in mind that you likely won’t use the recommended amount of sunscreen, but this is a good option for reapplication throughout the day.
For all-day protection, we recommend our Thom Elzner Total Defense! It’s formulated with an HEV Light Filter, Pollution Shield, and HydroTech Complex to defend against sun damage and pollution.