Most of us have a pretty defined "sunscreen routine." That generally means a beach bag, a swimsuit, and a blistering day at a beach club in the UAE. However, the bottle often ends up staying in the bag once we return to our homes or offices. There has been a big question going round the skincare community lately: Is it necessary to wear sunscreen indoors? Although it could seem somewhat weird to put on an organic mineral sunscreen before you lie down on your couch, the scientific explanation of how light is absorbed by our skin indicates that broad spectrum mineral protection is not limited to the open air .The Great Glass Myth: Does Glass Block UV Rays?
The Great Glass Myth: Does Glass Block UV Rays?
We are deceived into feeling that we are safe when we are behind a window. A very common assumption is that if you have glass between you and the sun, you are safe. So, do windows block UV rays? The answer is: only partially.
Standard glass windows, the kind in your home, office, or car are actually quite good at blocking UVB rays. These are the rays responsible for sunburn. This is why you rarely get a painful red burn while sitting in your living room. However, the real culprit for skin damage is UVA. UVA rays through glass penetrate much more deeply. They are the "silent" rays that lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and eventual DNA damage. If you are wondering "Should I put on sunscreen if there is glass in between?", then the answer is definitely yes if you are spending a lot of time next to a window.
Are Sunscreens Necessary Indoors? Let’s Look at the Light
You might be thinking, "But I’m not even near a window, do I need sunscreen at home?" This is where things get interesting. Aside from the UVA sneaking through the glass, we also have to consider sunscreen for indoor light exposure from our devices.
The blue light (HEV light) emitted from a laptop or smartphone is not as harmful as the sun, however, extended exposure can still lead to oxidative stress of the skin. Eight hours of daily monitor time means that the skin is exposed to artificial light constantly. This is exactly where an organic mineral sunscreen becomes your best friend. Unlike chemical filters that need to be absorbed, mineral filters like Zinc Oxide act as a physical shield, reflecting both UV and blue light away from your face.
The "Commuter" Factor: Should I Wear Sunscreen Inside the Car?
In the UAE, the majority of our time is spent in our cars. During your morning drive, even with a good quality tint, you are still subjected to a considerable amount of UV radiation. If you’ve ever noticed more sunspots on your right arm or the right side of your face (the side closest to the window), you’ve seen UVA rays through glass in action. This is one of the most common reasons why people ask, should you wear sunscreen inside vehicles. It’s an "indoor" environment, but the exposure is very real.
Choosing the Right Daily Shield
What most people really dislike about putting on sunscreens at home is undoubtedly the "feeling" part. No one wants to feel greasy or sticky while they are working from their home office. That is why selecting the suitable formula is the most important thing.
For those who want a completely "bare skin" feel, the SunKiss Unscented SPF 30 is a game-changer. It’s lightweight enough for daily indoor use but powerful enough to handle the UAE sun if you step out for lunch.
If you want a lighter option for a low intensity day, SunKiss Unscented Mineral SPF 15 would be the perfect choice because it is a broad spectrum mineral protection that feels less greasy than a traditional "beach" sunscreen. People who want to have a taste of an island vacation while working can use SunKiss Coconut SPF 15 that not only smells like summer but also protects your skin!
Does Sunscreen Work Indoors?
Often asked questions about whether sunscreen works inside as well as outside. The answer is yes, but in fact, the benefits are greater because there is no sweating off or swimming to remove it. The mineral sunscreen applied in the morning stays put on your skin throughout the day, so it provides a complete barrier to the UVA rays from outside that are coming in through your window.
Summary: Your Indoor Checklist
Questions like these help you decide if you should put on sunscreen inside:
Are you sitting next to a window less than two meters away? UV rays can reach you if yes. Are you going to look at a computer screen for more than four hours? In that case, you have to protect yourself from blue light. Do you want to prevent skin from aging rapidly? If yes, then you must take care of your skin every day. Essentially, taking care of your skin is making a daily routine out of it. Sunscreen is not only the thing that saves you from getting a sunburn; it's also a vital agent that keeps the skin fresh and elastic for a long time.
At SunKiss, we are committed to making sun care as easy and comfortable as possible. Whether you are at the beach or at work, our wide range, mineral sunscreens are the perfect match for your daily routine. So, please remember to apply SPF when you are getting dressed in the morning! Your skin will thank you later.
