How often should you apply sunscreen when you’re at home?

Introduction

When it comes to protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, many people associate sunscreen with outdoor activities like beach trips, hiking, or sunbathing. However, have you wondered, ‘Should we apply sunscreen at home or indoors?’. The answer is yes, even when we spend most of our time indoors, our skin can still be exposed to the damaging effects of the sun. In this blog, we will explore the importance of applying sunscreen while at home and discuss how often it should be used to maintain optimal skin health.

Understanding Sunscreen and UV Radiation

Before delving into the frequency of sunscreen application at home, it's essential to understand the relationship between sunscreen and UV radiation. Sunscreen is a topical product designed to shield the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. There are two types of UV rays that can penetrate the Earth's atmosphere: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays are present throughout the year and can penetrate glass, while UVB rays are more intense during the summer months and are responsible for sunburns. Both UVA and UVB rays can contribute to premature ageing, skin damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Why Apply Sunscreen Indoors?

Even when we're at home, our skin can still be exposed to UV radiation. Windows, particularly those made of untreated glass, allow UVA rays to penetrate indoors, leading to long-term skin damage. Additionally, other factors such as open doors, skylights, and spending time near windows can contribute to sun exposure while inside the house.

Moreover, artificial light sources, including fluorescent bulbs and electronic devices, emit low levels of UV radiation. Although the exposure to UV from these sources is minimal, prolonged and repeated exposure can have cumulative effects on the skin over time.

Recommended Frequency of Sunscreen Application

While at home, the frequency of sunscreen application depends on various factors, including the duration and intensity of sun exposure, the type of activities, and your skin type. As a general guideline, it is recommended to use sunscreen every day and apply it every two hours if you are near windows or in direct sunlight.

If you have a home office or spend long periods near windows during the day, it's advisable to apply sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 to exposed areas such as the face, neck, arms, and hands. This practice helps minimise the cumulative effects of UVA rays over time.

For individuals with sensitive or fair skin, it is even more crucial to protect against sun exposure while at home. Applying sunscreen with a higher SPF, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing can provide an extra layer of defence.

Additional Sun Protection Measures

Apart from sunscreen application, incorporating additional sun protection measures into your daily routine is essential, even when you're indoors. Here are a few recommendations:

• Seek shade: Position your workspace away from direct sunlight or invest in window treatments like blinds or curtains that block UV rays.
• Wear protective clothing: Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses to shield your skin and eyes from harmful rays.
• Be mindful of peak hours: The sun's intensity is highest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If possible, schedule your indoor activities during other times of the day.
• Use SPF-containing skincare products: Incorporate moisturisers, foundations, or lip balms that contain SPF into your daily skincare routine for added sun protection.

Must Read: What SPF is best suited for Indian skin?

Conclusion

While we may not always associate sunscreen with indoor activities, protecting our skin from the sun's harmful rays is just as important when we're at home. Regular application of sunscreen, along with other sun protection measures, helps safeguard our skin from UVA and UVB radiation. By incorporating these habits into our daily routine, such as using sunscreen on the face, neck and other exposed areas, we can maintain optimal skin health and reduce the risk of long-term damage, regardless of where we spend our time.