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Growing up, I constantly heard my mom remind me to apply sunscreen before going outside. She still reminds me to apply sunscreen when I’m sitting on the patio or lying on my beach towel outside.
From my conversations with board-certified dermatologists, I know firsthand how important it is to protect my skin from the sun. I constantly make sure to include one in my skincare routine, but I’ve always wondered if it’s necessary when all I do is sit at my desk or lounge around the house. That’s why I asked four dermatologists whether it’s important to wear sunscreen indoors and other ways to protect your skin indoors.
GO AHEAD What is the difference between UVA, UVB and blue light? | Should you wear sunscreen indoors? | Should you wear sunscreen inside cars? | What type of sunscreen is best for indoor use? | How much sunscreen should I apply when indoors? | What are other ways to protect our skin from harmful indoor light?
Our top picks
What is the difference between UVA, UVB and blue light?
- UVA rays: UVA rays, a form of ultraviolet radiation, penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays, primarily causing skin aging and long-term damage, including wrinkles and age spots, according to Dr. Danilo Del Campo, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Chicago Skin Clinic. They do this because they destroy collagen and elastic tissue, says Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at Unionderm in New York City. UVA rays also play a role in the development of skin cancer. This type of radiation subtly damages the skin, leaving no visible marks at first but leading to serious damage over time, Del Campo says.
- UVB rays: Another variation of ultraviolet radiation, this type of ray targets the surface layer of the skin. It is primarily responsible for sunburn and contributes significantly to the risk of skin cancer. The intensity of UVB rays varies depending on the time of day and the season, providing a somewhat predictable pattern while still being dangerously harmful, according to Del Campo.
- Blue light: Blue light, or high-energy visible (HEV) light, comes from the sun, digital screens, and LED lighting. Prolonged exposure to blue light has been linked to skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Recent studies suggest that blue light can induce oxidative stress in the skin, leading to premature aging. In our tech-driven world, this type of light is becoming an increasingly important concern for skin health, he says.
Should you wear sunscreen indoors?
Yes. Even indoors, you should wear sunscreen, especially if you’re sitting near a window or using a digital screen for an extended period of time, Del Campo says. And don’t think that a gloomy winter day or summer thunderstorms are reasons not to apply sunscreen indoors, Gmyrek advises.
This is important for three different reasons. UVA and UVB rays can still pass through glass and expose your skin to its harmful rays, and the blue light emitted by screens can also impact the health of your skin, he says.
Should you wear sunscreen inside cars?
“Just like a seat belt is essential for protection in your car, sunscreen is protection for your skin, prepared for unexpected exposure,” Del Campo says.
While car windows block UVB rays, they typically don’t stop UVA rays, which are responsible for aging and skin damage. So even inside a car, your skin is vulnerable to the sun’s harmful effects.
Applying sunscreen while driving or traveling is a simple but effective way to protect yourself from UVA rays. It’s like invisible damage: you may not feel the impact of the sun right away, but exposure can lead to skin problems over time without proper protection.
What type of sunscreen is best for indoor use?
Sunscreens come in three forms: mineral, chemical, and hybrid, which are a combination of the two. According to our experts, the choice depends on personal preference and skin type. Whichever option you choose, it should have an SPF of 30+ and offer broad-spectrum protection.
- Mineral: This type of sunscreen uses physical blockers, including iron oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. These ingredients sit on the skin and create a physical barrier, preventing ultraviolet and blue rays from reaching the skin’s surface, according to Gmyrek.
- Chemical: Chemical sunscreens use chemical filters as active ingredients, which penetrate your skin, according to Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist. As opposed to creating a barrier, they absorb UV rays and convert them into heat that your skin releases. They also tend to be less visible on the skin, Del Campo says.
“It’s like choosing between an umbrella and a raincoat: both protect you from the rain, but the best choice depends on your needs. An umbrella (with mineral sunscreen) may be more cumbersome, but offers immediate and broad protection. On the other hand, a raincoat (with chemical sunscreen) may be more practical and comfortable, but may take a little time to offer full protection once put on,” says Del Campo.
Should you apply sunscreen to your face and body when indoors?
The answer is a combination of yes and no. According to Dr. Mary Stevenson, a board-certified dermatologist, it’s best to apply sunscreen to the most exposed areas, including the face, neck, chest, and hands.
How much sunscreen should I apply when indoors?
It’s essential to apply a pea-sized amount of sunscreen to your face and a generous amount to other exposed areas. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to use about a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover your entire body if you’re spending time outdoors. Adjust the amount proportionally if you’re indoors but still exposed to the sun through windows or near bright screens to ensure all exposed skin is adequately protected, Del Campo says.
What are other ways to protect our skin from harmful indoor light?
If you don’t want to wear sunscreen at home or in the office, you can take simple steps like staying away from windows. But there are other options beyond sunscreen, including installing window films or shades to block UVA rays, wearing UV-protective clothing, and applying screen protectors to your digital devices to reduce exposure to blue light, Del Campo says. Think of it as putting together a comprehensive defense system against environmental elements, much like you would secure your home.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist with her own private practice in New York City.
- Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm Central Park in New York City.
- Dr. Danilo Del Campo is a board certified dermatologist and founder of the Chicago Skin Clinic in Chicago, IL.
- Doctor Mary Stevenson is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor in the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an associate reporter at NBC Select, covering skin care, hair care, gift guides, and current sales. I’ve also written about the best detangling sprays and clarifying shampoos. For this article, I interviewed four dermatologists and shared their recommendations.
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