We are all spending more time indoors these days. Do you still need to apply sunscreen daily?
If you know me well, then you know my answer, YES!!
Here’s why:
UVA rays make up about 95% of the sun’s rays that reach the earth, and they go through the windows of our homes and and cars. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and contribute to premature aging, aka hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles. If you have windows in your home you are definitely getting UVA rays!
I have been watching the UV index closely for the last few months and it has been very high lately. I suspect it is due to the fact that we have less air pollution blocking out the UV. This week it has gone up to a 9 out of 11 each day including today and I have even seen a 10 a few days. (I use an app on my phone and watch called “Dark Sky” that reports the UV index. I’m a bit of a nerd that way 😉
Even if you’re working in a room without windows you are getting blue light aka high-energy visible light from your phone, laptop, TV, and even LED light bulbs. High-energy visible light can penetrate the lower levels of your skin impacting the health of your skin causing premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and free radical damage.
So wear your sunscreen every day even in your home. Make sure you are using the right sunscreen. It should say “broad spectrum” protection and it’s good to see the skin cancer foundation’s daily use seal on it. Make sure you like the way it feels, smells, and looks on your skin. If you don’t really like it you won’t use it daily. Don’t forget to apply it to your neck, chest and back of your hands and reapply especially if you go our for a walk in the afternoon.
As always, I am happy to do a complimentary consultation to recommend the best sunscreen for your skin.
One of my personal favorite sunscreens is PCA’s sheer tint broad spectrum spf 45
