SPF Indoors: Your Skin's Lifelong Best Friend

It may surprise you, but UV rays can penetrate your home's walls. That's right—they can come in through windows, doors, and even small cracks and crevices. You may not be able to see them or feel their heat, but that doesn't mean they aren't there! That means even when you stay safe at home and avoid the sun outside, you're still at risk of UV exposure. 

Windows are the primary source of UV radiation indoors, so the amount of UV rays can vary greatly depending on where and how much glass your home has. On clear days, up to 40% of UVA radiation found outdoors can make its way inside!

So if you're spending plenty of time indoors—for work or leisure—make sure to apply SPF to areas exposed to direct sunlight and daily reapplication of SPF in order to protect your skin from UV damage. We recommend a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen for maximum coverage!

Types of Sunscreen and SPF Ratings Ideal for indoors

Even when you're indoors, sunscreen is still your lifelong best friend. And if you think SPF is only for the beach, think again! Just as different fabrics have different textures and durability, several types of sunscreen have different SPF ratings, absorption levels, and ingredients ideal for indoor protection.

Physical sunscreens

Physical sunscreens have ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to work by reflecting harmful UV rays away from the skin. This type of sunscreen is often ideal for people with sensitive skin because it's less likely to cause allergic reactions. And the bonus? You'll get a white cast when you apply it!

Chemical sunscreens

Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens absorb UV light and convert it into heat energy before it can harm your skin. Popular ingredients used in chemical sunscreens include oxybenzone and avobenzone —otherwise known as your go-to sun protection filters when you're out in the hot summer heat. It absorbs quickly into the skin but may be irritating for those who opt for more natural ingredients.

Broad spectrum vs UVA/UVB

The SPF rating on a bottle doesn't tell its whole story—after all, it only indicates how effectively a sunscreen blocks UVB radiation (the kind that causes burning). 

To get the full range of protection, you need to look out for a broad spectrum label to ensure it also blocks UVA radiation (the kind that causes premature aging). That way, you can be sure that both UVA and UVB rays are blocked, even if you're hanging out in your living room!

How to Apply SPF Indoors

No matter the number of hours you spend outdoors, it's essential to use sunscreen with SPF indoors too. Applying indoors differs from outdoors—you don't need to slather your body in sunscreen every two hours like going to the beach. But you still need to use some SPF protection so you can save your skin from sun damage over the long term.

So, how do you properly apply sunscreen when you're inside?

1. Choose the right SPF: It's recommended to use an SPF of at least 30, but if you have a history of skin cancer, melasma, hyperpigmentation, or usually burn easily, you should opt for an SPF of 65 or more for better protection. Just ensure that your sunscreen is broad spectrum and protects against UVA and UVB rays.
2. Reapply throughout the day: Aim for reapplying at least every two hours indoors, especially if direct sunlight comes in from windows or other sources. That way, your skin is always protected!
3. Apply all over: Don't forget about areas like your scalp (if you are bald), neck, ears, and hands — these spots often get overlooked but can still burn quickly if exposed to direct sunlight for a short period!

Common Mistakes to Avoid With SPF Application

Regarding your skincare, there are a few common mistakes to avoid when using SPF products. And if you don't take the time to apply it properly, it won't do its job, and you won't get the protection you need.

Here is the biggest faux pas that you'll want to avoid:

1. Not using enough: You've got to use more than a pea-sized amount of SPF for it to work properly. Use around .04 ounces of sunscreen for your face- about the size of a nickel or between a quarter to a third teaspoonful. If you don't apply enough, then you won't be sufficiently protected from the sun's rays. So be generous with your sunscreen application!
2. Relying on makeup as a sunscreen: Makeup with SPF can help, but it's not enough. That's because makeup needs to be reapplied throughout the day for it to stay effective—and if you're stuck indoors, this isn't an option.
3. Forgetting about lips: Don't forget about your lips! When applying sunscreen, your lips get some, too, so they can be protected from the sun. A lip balm with SPF should do the trick!
4. Napping without protection: Sunscreen is a must even when taking a nap or sleeping in—especially in rooms with windows or skylights that let UV rays through! Keep some on hand so you can put a layer on before catching some ZZZs, just in case there's the sun coming in.
5. Ignoring skin type: Skin type impacts how effective sunscreen is against UV rays, so make sure you're using something that works best with your skin type and specific needs. This could mean talking to your dermatologist or
6. Using the wrong products: Healthline states that products such as using retinol can make your skin more prone to sunburn. Retinol thins the outer layer of the skin, making it more sensitive to the sun's UV rays and increasing your risk for skin cancer. Additionally, exfoliants and salicylic acids found in many skincare products can leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. To protect yourself, apply sunscreen after using cleansers, toners, serums, and oils to better shield your skin from harm.

So, don't let your sun guard down: even when you're indoors, your skin deserves to be protected. Keep the sunscreen handy and apply it every couple of hours as you would outdoors. Wear protective clothing and eye protection to keep the UV rays away from your skin. And make sure to keep an eye out for signs of sun damage like discoloration, freckles, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Your skin needs the same level of attention and protection both indoors and outdoors. With the right SPF and UV protection, you can keep your skin healthy and happy—no matter where you are.