Having a solid skincare routine is key to healthy skin. At its core, a good regimen includes cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. These steps work together to keep your skin barrier in top shape. Dermatologists around the world stress the importance of daily sunscreen use, even if you’re mostly indoors.
Dr. Madhu Chopra recently stirred some debate on this topic. In a social media post, she suggested that the gentle rays of early mornings or late evenings can actually benefit your skin. She believes they can improve your mood and overall wellness. This idea, however, contrasts with the advice from many dermatologists like Dr. Aparna Santhanam, who heads medical operations at Kaya Limited.
Dr. Santhanam emphasizes that sunscreen is vital every day to protect against UV rays, even indoors. She acknowledges that while our skin needs some sunlight for vitamin D, too much unprotected exposure can lead to skin damage. This is particularly true for areas like the face and neck, which are often exposed.
The sun’s UVA and UVB rays can cause free radical damage, leading to wrinkles, discoloration, and other signs of aging. “Using sunscreen daily offers protective benefits that are unmatched by any other skincare product,” Dr. Santhanam explains.
If you’re mostly indoors and your exposure to sunlight is minimal, Dr. Santhanam says it might be okay to skip sunscreen occasionally. Gentle sun exposure, as mentioned by Dr. Chopra, can indeed help with vitamin D synthesis. However, relying solely on incidental sunlight from windows or screen time won’t provide enough vitamin D to keep your skin safe.
Interestingly, sunscreen doesn’t lose its effectiveness due to sunlight. Instead, it can break down because of your skin’s natural oils and sweat. Dr. Santhanam points out that oil production happens continuously, meaning your sunscreen can weaken even if you’re not sweating heavily. This highlights the importance of reapplication, especially if you’re near windows or reflective surfaces.
So, how often should you be reapplying sunscreen indoors? Dr. Santhanam suggests every 2-3 hours. This is important because many of us are still exposed to sunlight even when inside, due to reflections from walls and furniture. Consistent application is essential for staying protected.
For those spending more time in front of screens, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against UVA, UVB, and blue light is recommended. Dr. Santhanam encourages a balanced approach: enjoy the sun safely, but protect your skin to prevent long-term damage. Applying SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days, helps maintain skin health while allowing you to benefit from natural light.
Overall, consistency in applying sunscreen is key. Whether you’re out enjoying the sun or simply sitting by a window, keeping your skin protected is crucial for both its immediate and long-term health.
Disclaimer: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new skincare routine.
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Sunscreen, SPF, skincare routine, UVA/UVB rays, blue light, anti-aging, Dr. Madhu Chopra, Dr. Aparna Santhanam, free radical damage, reapplication, Vitamin D, indoor protection, skin health
