If you’ve been on the fence about this issue, think no further—yes, sunscreens indoors all year round is a must. At the Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle, we cannot stress enough, sunscreen is the key to preventing skin cancer and is our biggest ally when it comes to warding off signs of ageing. Both reasons ought to be enough to get you apply a layer of sunscreen at least once a day.
Protect Your Skin with a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Sun damage is no laughing matter. Smile lines aside, the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays not only wreak havoc on our complexion, but also can cause serious skin concerns, most notably skin cancer. Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget your neck, chest, and hands when applying sunscreen—all of which are areas that are not often protected by clothing.
Reapply Throughout the Day
While we don’t always think about it, especially here in Seattle where the sun is far and fleeting, most indoor spaces have some access to direct sunlight—whether that be at home, in the car, or at the office. Just as when outside, the more that you are exposed to direct sunlight, the more you should be applying sunscreen. This is especially important if you are near windows, in the car, or frequently making trips outside—all of which increase the total amount of sun exposure you receive. Look for skin products, like powders, that make reapplication easy.
Protect Your “Screen Face”
“Screen face” is an increasingly popular term in the aesthetic world. As the name suggests, it has to do with spending too much time in front of screens. While desktop computers may emit the most blue light radiation, laptops, tablets, and cell phones are also culprits. Apparently, we also have reason to be concerned about florescent lighting and LED –both sources of high energy visible (HEV) light otherwise known as blue light. This blue light, has become the latest cause of ageing and has the same potential to create lines and dark spots as the sun. While some products are now offering protection especially against HEV, sun protection with UVA and UVB protection has been shown to protect the skin from “screen face” as well.
Blue light radiation is especially a concern for men and women who already struggle with rosacea or melasma. While studies are still in progress, some research has shown that overhead lighting and computer screens can cause or worsen pigmentation issues such as these.
Up Your Sun Protection at Dr. Greene’s Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle
Get serious about sun protection and start including sunscreen as a part of your daily skincare routine today! Whether inside or out, sunscreen is just as important. Should you already show signs of ageing like lines, wrinkles, and spots, a more aggressive plan might be necessary. Dr. Greene counsel’s patients with advanced sun damage at his Seattle cosmetic dermatology practice. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Greene to make sure your skin is well protected.