Sunscreen vs blue light
According to Markowitz, blue light emitted by digital screens, including your computer, phone, tablet, and TV, can affect your skin in two ways:
- Blue light can increase the production of melanin or pigmentation in the skin, which could lead to melasma and age spots.
- Blue light can also create free radicals, which can cause inflammation and breakdown of collagen and elastic tissue in the skin.
Is mineral or physical sunscreen better?
If you choose to use sunscreen indoors, your next step is to decide which formulation meets your skin and SPF needs. According to Gymrek, chemical and physical blocks are protective against UVA and UVB rays, provided they are labeled with SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum.
Mineral or physical sunscreens.
Physical blockers use iron oxide, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients, Gymrek says.
“These minerals create a physical barrier, preventing ultraviolet light and blue light from reaching the skin’s surface,” he explains. Blue light filters on your screens are also very useful, as are lenses that block blue light.
They are designed to sit on the skin, which means they are less likely to clog pores, a good choice for oily, acne-prone skin. However, be careful if you use a mineral sunscreen and topical acne medications, says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. The combination of the two can cause dryness because it is not comedogenic.
Chemical sunscreens
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, chemical sunscreens “absorb UV rays before they can harm your skin.” With that in mind, they can also be absorbed into your skin, in contrast to physical sunscreens, which are placed on your skin. That absorption, King noted, could become problematic for your skin. Why? Studies in rats and mice have shown that some sunscreen ingredients adversely affect the reproductive systems, ovaries, mammary glands, testes, and prostates and endocrine systems. The concern is that if these toxic ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, they could cause long-term implications for human health. The FDA conducted a follow-up investigation in 2020 and found that the active ingredients in sunscreen “can remain in the body for prolonged periods of time” after use.
In addition to that, chemical sunscreens have negative implications for the environment and marine life, which is why Hawaii prohibits the sale of oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens. The law takes effect on January 1, 2021.
Should you avoid chemical sunscreens?
“We have no firm evidence that they (chemical sunscreens) are doing such a bad thing (for humans). We have these animal studies, but no, we don’t have firm data that something sinister is going on, but I think we only have more questions, “says King.” We really don’t know yet if they are doing something harmful once they are absorbed. “
King says that “the best sunscreen for you is the one you will actually use,” be it a chemical or mineral formula. She personally uses and recommends mineral sunscreens to her patients. “With sunscreens, there are fewer questions and concerns about safety, both for the environment and for the body, and you really don’t have to sacrifice the formula anymore,” she adds.
If you commit to using sunscreen indoors, professionals suggest that you reapply every two to six hours, according to the directions on the label. Sunscreen may appear to be more durable because it doesn’t absorb as much UV radiation, so it’s best to follow the lead in this case, rather than intuition.
What if you don’t want to use sunscreen indoors?
“If you ask me, the solution to this problem is simple: get out of the sun. Cut the curtains or move the chair. That’s what I’ve always done. I didn’t have to get certified in dermatology to learn this simple trick,” says Kenneth Howe. , MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology. If you still want to sit in front of a window, Howe says, “You should probably put on some sunscreen. However, it’s not the best way to deal with the problem. I don’t wear a fireproof suit so I can sit by the open door.” from the oven “.
When you can’t avoid the sun, while you’re at the beach or running, then “yes, your skin cancer risk certainly far outweighs any theoretical concern about exposure to chemical sunscreens,” Howe says. “But when are you inside your own house? Just open the curtains or walk away, ”he says. “If you simply stay away from sunlight penetrating the windows, there is no need to take precautions indoors.” Unless you work from home in a windowless room, most of the medical experts we have consulted advise you to use sunscreen indoors to protect yourself from the strong rays of the sun.
The best sunscreens to use indoors in 2020
To help you find the best sunscreen for indoor use, here are the recommendations from the dermatologists we spoke with.
1. SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield
Gymrek and Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, are fans of this non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, oil-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free SPF. It’s a pure sunscreen that has physical blockers, titanium dioxide, and zinc, which makes it “good for people with sensitive skin and blue light,” says Engelman. It also contains caffeine, which has a low toxicity profile and antioxidant powers to help fight free radicals, according to a study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum
“Sunscreen is a daily essential for all skin tones, whether indoors or outdoors,” says Engelman. Your choice is an excellent sunscreen for acne and oily skin because lactic acid will gently exfoliate the skin and regulate sebum buildup. Gymrek uses niacinamide-infused sunscreen every morning, noting that it dries quickly. Howe says this is a “great versatile SPF that feels great and everyone loves it.”
3. Supergoop Poof Part Powder
“It’s easy to forget that our scalps need sun protection,” says Engelman. Its recommendation includes 24.5 percent zinc oxide and will not weigh your hair. “It feels similar to dry shampoo and provides non-greasy UV protection,” she says. After you finish combing, spray the sunscreen along the hairline, part it, and then massage your scalp with a brush or your fingertips.
4. Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream
“A personal favorite for morning use with my dry skin is Naturopathica SPF 50 Daily UV Protection Cream for its smooth yet thick effect and divine scent,” says Markowitz. The full spectrum mineral sunscreen has green tea extract, which has antioxidant and anti-aging benefits for the skin. Engelman suggests covering any exposed skin with about an ounce of sunscreen at a time, although you can adjust the amount based on your body type.
5. Skinbetter SunBetter Advanced Mineral Protection
Gymrek “loves” using this sunscreen stick before exercising because “it never sweats in my eyes.” Skinbetter sunscreen applies cream and white and “rubs easily and leaves no white residue” on your skin. The waterproof SPF is both a mineral and a physical sunscreen, thanks to the combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
6. Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
“It is a common mistake to think that you only need sunscreen in the summer months, but make no mistake: we can take sun damage at any time of the year, even in the cold months,” says Engelman. “If our skin is not protected and exposed to the sun for even 15 minutes a day, that can have a very real cumulative impact.”
Rest easy knowing that there are sunscreens specially formulated for those with a sensitive skin type to use throughout the year. Gymrek and Markowitz recommend Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin sunscreen, a non-sticky option that offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection and is mineral-based.
7. EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum
Markowitz calls this mineral sunscreen a “light and effective” option for those who want to apply a sunscreen. Although all skin types (dry, combination, oily, sensitive, and normal), hyaluronic acid and vitamin E hydrate the skin, making it best suited for people with dry, normal, or sensitive skin.
8. Supergoop! Play every day
She also recommends the Supergoop! sunscreen for patients with combination skin “who likes a soft but robust sunscreen”. Before heading out to the grocery store, gently rub this cruelty-free, vegan-safe SPF on your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes before putting on your antimicrobial mask. Sunflower extract protects from environmental damage, while rosemary leaf extract soothes your complexion.
9. Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection – Protective brush
Francesca Fusco, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology, recommends that you brush this full-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 50. Available in four shades, ranging from light to dark, you can use this waterproof sunscreen. by itself or layered over your makeup. “It’s not always easy to reapply sunscreen if you’re inside a restaurant or at a party (prior to coronavirus). Color Science SPF powder can be applied quickly and easily, ”she says.
10. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Engelman reports that his goal is to use broad spectrum coverage, ideally with SPF 50 or higher. Try Howe’s recommendation, which aligns with his suggestion. Shisideo’s hypoallergenic mineral sunscreen is free of parabens, fragrances, and alcohol, making it a solid choice for people with sensitive skin. He says sunscreen “works great with a smooth, non-sticky finish” and is popular with surfers.
