Short answer, yes.
My clients often ask me if they need to wear SPF when they’re indoors, so I promise: questions like this are never too basic or too silly. In fact, one of the biggest and most harmful myths about sunscreen is the assumption that you don’t need SPF if you’re spending the day indoors.
The truth is, you do. You need to wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every day even when it’s cloudy or rainy out, and definitely when you’re indoors as well.
Here’s why:
UV rays can penetrate windows. If you’re in the car, work in an office with plenty of natural light, or are popping in and out for the quickest errands, you still need sunscreen. Keep your skin protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays by reapplying your favorite mineral sunscreen throughout the day.
Blue light from digital screens can cause damage, too. Blue light, also known as high-energy visible (HEV) light, isn't just caused by the sun: it's emitted by our electronic devices and indoor lighting, too. While natural exposure in measured doses can be healthy, research has shown that overexposure—a common occurrence since the majority of us are in front of a screen all day—can expedite signs of photo-aging and disrupt the skin's outermost barrier’s function. Wearing SPF indoors can help slow the development of those premature signs of aging and prevent hyperpigmentation. Golden Rays Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a game-changer: not only does it contain essential UV filters, but we also formulated it with iron oxide to help block out blue light, too.
Stay Golden,
Dr. B