May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to sunlight, especially if the skin burns and blisters. To minimise the risk of skin cancer, you must protect your skin from UV rays. So, should you wear SPF indoors?
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Should I Wear SPF Indoors?
Everyone knows that SPF is essential in summer, but do you need to wear it in winter? What about when you’re indoors? Is it necessary? The simple answer is yes!
UVA vs. UVB Rays
UVB rays are the ones that burn the skin – they are blocked or deflected by windows. So you don’t have to worry about burning indoors. UVA rays – the ones that cause skin cancer, hyperpigmentation and premature wrinkles – can pass through glass, and even through clouds on a dull day. Consistent exposure to UVA rays can result in premature ageing.
UVB damage can be seen as it happens – by sunburn on the skin. UVA rays can take years to show visible damage. The damage develops under the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis) only to be discovered much later when problem spots arise.
You are always at risk of UVA rays – even if it is cloudy. If you spend time near a window (in the kitchen, in your office or in the car) you need SPF to stay protected. As a rule of thumb, apply protection every morning because you should even wear SPF indoors to be safe.
Blue Light
Blue light (from electronic screens) can also damage skin and cause premature ageing. Apart from damaging our eyes and affecting our sleep patterns, blue light can cause age spots and sagging skin. So wearing SPF indoors every day is vital.
Wear SPF Every Day
The good news is it is never too late to start applying SPF every day. The sooner you do, the sooner your skin will thank you. If you don’t want to add more time to your skincare routine use a combined moisturiser and SPF. Always wear a broad-spectrum SPF with an SPF of at least 30 – even when you are mostly indoors. It can help protect you from cancer, slow down the ageing process and boost your skin routine. Check out our SkinBase Daily Repair and Protect cream.
