Here’s Why You Should Make SPF Your BFF!

So you’re staying at home, spending awful lot of time staring at your laptop screen attending Zoom meetings or working online on your assignments or even checking off your Netflix watch list. This might evoke you to think that you do not have to wear sunscreen when you’re indoors. Or that the seemingly innocuous blue light from your phones and laptops cannot damage your skin.

That, however my friend, is not the case. It is equally, if not more paramount to wear sunscreen when you’re indoors. Consistently, throughout the day, and loads of it.

This man’s face is probably the most compelling argument for wearing sunscreen.

Gordon, J. Brieva, J. (2012). ‘Unilateral Dermatoheliosis’, New England Journal of Medicine.

This is truck driver, Bill McElligot. The left side of his face looks roughly 10 years older than the right. Split face studies have shown that ageing from UVA rays — wrinkles and sun spots, is evident on the side that is exposed to the sun while driving.

Let us talk about the spectrum of light. The spectrum of light isn’t just about the sunburn you’re getting. It’s about the different damaging forms of light that you’re encountering all day.

The sun’s different rays and how they affect you:

1. Ultraviolet A (aging) rays. Ultraviolet A rays affects the inner cells in the top layer of skin, including the dermis. If you don’t know what the dermis is, it is the home of two magical fibres — collagen and elastin. Collagen provides strength to skin, while elastin allows for movement. The UVA rays can cause premature ageing and wrinkles by breaking down collagen and elastin. The UVA rays can penetrate cloud covers and even windows, so unless you’re in a windowless room, away from the blue light of smart devices, you must consider slathering on SPF.
2. Ultraviolet B (burning) rays. Then there are Ultraviolet B rays that you typically think of when it comes to SPF. These rays are associated with delayed tanning and sunburns. These rays damage the outermost layer of the skin causing direct damage to the skin’s DNA. They are more likely to be filtered by clouds and don’t penetrate windows.
3. HEVL. High energy visible light, aka blue light is emitted from digital screens like smart phones, computers and TVs. It penetrates deep into the skin and increases the production of melanin or pigmentation in the skin. It again, can cause breakdown of collagen and elastin tissue in the skin and cause inflammation.

Your guide to the varying strengths of the UV rays:

Time of the day — UV exposure is highest between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. During this time, the rays of the sun have less distance to cover, thereby making them powerful.

Seasons — Spring and summer months are typically the strongest months of UV exposure. During these seasons, the sun is at higher angle which increases the UV ray intensity. This however, doesn’t mean that you don’t need SPF during fall and winter.

Altitude & Latitude — The higher up you are, the cleaner and thinner the air is. So, if you’re planning your long awaited trip to the mountains after the pandemic, add SPF to your packing list. Similar is the take with latitudes — the closer you are to the equator, the more direct rays and scope of skin damage.

The final takeaways..

Your antidote = Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Opt for a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 or higher. It will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Anything not labelled as “broad spectrum” will only protect you from UVB rays.

Friendly PSA, reapply your SPF throughout the day. Aim for every two hours if you’re outside. Also, put on a hat. You’re better safe than sorry!

The next time your friend asks, ‘Do I even need to wear sunscreen indoors?’, pull up this blog and educate them.