SPF Indoors Unnecessary?

If you are here, I'm sure you are wondering if there's any significance to applying sunscreen indoors. Many people associate sun protection with being outdoors, but let's understand ultraviolet (UV) radiation better to recognize the need.

UV Rays are of three types: UVA, UVB and UVC.

Ultraviolet A has longer wavelengths and lower levels of energy, they're more penetrating than UVB and can cause serious cell damage. Unlike UVB rays, they're not absorbed by the ozone and 95% of it reaches the ground. UVA can easily penetrate through the windows and clouds and is correlated to premature aging.

Ultraviolet B has shorter wavelengths but higher levels of energy than UVA. They are associated with damaging the outermost layer of the skin. They are partially absorbed by ozone and about 5% of it reaches the ground. UVB causes most skin cancers, overexposure can lead to sunburns but they cannot penetrate through windows or clouds! 

Ultraviolet C has the shortest wavelengths and highest levels of energy out of the three! UVC radiation is completely filtred out by the ozone layer and thus never reaches the ground.

Now that we've discovered UVA is to be blamed for sun protection indoors, let's learn more about it to understand the repercussions of the same. 

UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin, causing collagen breakdown, pigmentation issues, and premature aging. Even a few minutes of daily exposure can accumulate over time and contribute to the development of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. We're saying the golden hour that you enjoy can cause long-term damage to your skin if SPF is not applied correctly!

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. While the majority of skin cancers are associated with outdoor sun exposure, studies have indicated that certain types, such as squamous cell carcinoma, can be linked to chronic indoor UV exposure. Protecting your skin indoors can help reduce the overall UV damage and lower the risk of developing skin cancer. We're not saying to shield your entire house but to just use the right SPF for your skin.

Incorporating SPF into Your Indoor Routine

1) Choose a Broad-Spectrum SPF: 

Look for a sunscreen which provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Ensure that it has a minimum SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection.

2) Apply Sunscreen Daily: 

Make it a habit to apply sunscreen every morning as part of your skincare routine. Remember to apply it to all exposed areas, including your face, neck, and hands.

3) Reapply as Needed:

If you spend extended periods near windows or under artificial lighting, consider reapplying sunscreen every two hours to maintain adequate protection.

The Derma Totale's Signature Totale Coolin Sunscreen is a broad spectrum and ultra-lightweight sunscreen with SPF 50+! The broad spectrum provides 360° protection while ultra-lightweight ensures easy application even at home. The Coolin ensures to drop the skin's temperature naturally by 4°C, leaving a calming sensation.

While it's easy to assume that we are shielded from UV radiation when indoors, the reality is quite different. UV rays can still reach our skin through windows, leading to long-term damage and an increased risk of skin cancer. Incorporating SPF indoor protection into our daily routines is a proactive step toward maintaining healthy and youthful skin. By understanding the importance of SPF and adopting sun-safe practices, we can safeguard our skin against the harmful effects of UV radiation, wherever we may be.