Recent times have called for a lot of adjustments to our everyday routines. While most of us work from home and leave the house very rarely, we don’t dress up, and our makeup and skin care regimens have become super simple.
Many of your makeup products might be gathering dust on your vanity, and that’s completely fine. But if your sunscreen is also gathering dust, that is simply not cool.
You might have been conditioned into believing that sunscreen should be applied only when stepping out into the sun. No matter how deeply this idea is ingrained into your brain and your skincare habits, it’s time to rethink it, and make sunscreen a part of your everyday skincare routine. Yes, staying indoors is no excuse to not slather on some good old SPF, and here is why.
Types of Damaging Sun Rays
Some sun exposure is necessary to produce vitamin D, amongst other benefits. However, overexposure can have dire consequences.
There are several different types of rays that sunlight comprises of. Amongst these, the most damaging to our skin is ultraviolet (UV) rays. The two types of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth’s surface are UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays have a longer wavelength and can affect our skin in multiple ways. They can cause visible wrinkles, leathery skin, premature aging, sunspots, and also contribute to causing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 95 percent of UV rays reaching the earth’s surface is UVA rays, and although less intense than UVB rays, they penetrate the skin more deeply.
UVB rays, on the other hand, are absorbed by the ozone layer, and so only 5 percent of UV rays reaching the earth is UVB. Affecting the outermost layer of the skin, they cause skin burns and are also a major contributor to causing skin cancer.
UVA Rays Pass Through Glass Windows
Yes! By staying indoors, you are only able to protect yourself from a mere 5 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. The other major chunk easily passes through the windows of your house and car. Sitting near a window, you are very much exposed to UVA rays, and hence, all of its harmful effects. Skimping out on sunscreen doesn’t seem like a very good idea now, does it?
High Energy Visible Light
Even if you’re in an area with no windows, you STILL need to wear sunscreen. This is because many things around us emit blue light or high energy visible light; from our smartphone and computer screens to LED lights around the house. Blue light can damage the skin by affecting collagen production. It also causes wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Sunscreen protects your skin from high energy visible light.
Next time you’re getting ready for your Zoom meeting, do not forget to slap on sunscreen of your choice. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it.
For more information on how Missouri College of Cosmetology can help you, contact us today.