You know the drill -- whenever you're outside, especially during the summer, you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. But what about wearing sunscreen indoors? Can sunlight coming in through windows still negatively affect your skin, making SPF necessary even when you're inside your home? We reached out to a dermatologist for the answer.
Do I need to wear sunscreen indoors?
Yes, wearing sunscreen indoors is necessary. Even though you're sitting comfortably in your home, UV rays can cause just as much damage to your skin as they would if you were sitting outside in your backyard.
Since there are different types of UV rays, understanding how each affects you can help you understand why daily sun protection is important.
Here are the three main types of UV rays:
UVA (Ultraviolet A): UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing significantly to skin aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
UVB (Ultraviolet B): UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburn and playing a crucial role in the development of skin cancer.
UVC (Ultraviolet C): UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and do not reach the surface, thus posing no direct threat to human health.
According to Skin Cancer Foundation, window glass blocks most UVB rays but allows at least 50% of UVA rays to pass through. Prolonged exposure to these UVA rays indoors can contribute to premature skin aging and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
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