Do we still need daily SPF in isolation?
If you haven't had it drilled into you by every facialist, dermatologist, doctor, beauty expert, skinfluencer, mum, dog, aunty or cousin that SPF is a MUST HAVE in your daily skin routine, then you've essentially gotten away with murder because that is some impressive escape work, friend.
However, as we wrote our 'essentials' shopping list this week, it got us thinking. Do we really need to be dropping $$$ on suncreen right now, if we're spending little to no time at all in the sun?
RELATED: How to stop pigmentation from plaguing your summer
RELATED: 3 rules to live by when choosing sun protection for your face
Is SPF a step in my skincare routine that can take a momentary back seat?
Answer below, and let's find out whether you should be applying your daily SPF:
1) Do you have a window in your house?
2) Do you use a computer, TV or mobile phone?
3) Do you have fire alarm, hair dryer, or microwave?
4) Do you spend ANY time outside, even if its cloudy, in the middle of winter and for a short period of time?
If you can answer yes to any of the below questions, then you need to be wearing sunscreen every day.
And if you answered NO to all of the four questions... are you ok?
Is my SPF 15+ moisturiser or foundation enough?
Nope, it isn't. When purchasing your sunscreen be sure to look for one that is labelled 'broad spectrum'. This means it protects you from:
- UVB rays: These are the most vicious of them all, the ones causing sunburn and skin cancers.
- UVA rays: These guys will find you ANYWHERE. They penetrate through your windows when you're inside, in the car or even on an aeroplane. These guys may not cause you hot, red blistering burns, but they are responsible for dark sun spots and wrinkles.
A good way to remember this is, UV(B) for BURNS and UV(A) for AGEING.
Some our favourite broad spectrum buys include: Cancer Council Face Day Wear Moisturiser Matte SPF50+ Invisible and Banana Boat EveryDay SPF 50+.
Ok but lights are off.. blinds are down...?
If you haven't heard about our good friend Mr Blue Light, then you can read all about him and his mischevious ways here. Also known as High Energy Visible Light, this culprit penetrates into our skin from our phones, computers and TV's. Leaving us with the lovely gift of discoloured patches and hyperpigmentation on our skin.
Our electronic devices are not only to blame. We need to also be aware of the infrared radiation that comes from household items such as our heaters, hair dryers and microwaves. These can also be responsible for dehydration and further damage to our skin. Infrared radiation (IRA), is best described as light you can feel as warmth, but you cannot see.
Image credit: @glopedia
Yes this would all be terribly frighting and overwhelming if a product invented to protect us from ALL OF THE ABOVE didn't already exist...
So next time you're wondering whether you should forego your sunscreen just because we are all housebound, please swiftly flashback to the above questions!
And while you're here, check out some of our fave facial suncreen finds.
Main image credit: @cindycrawford + @bellahadid
Do you use SPF every day, regardless of whether you're indoors or not?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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50 Member Comments
SPF is a part of my daily and it really helps in protecting my skin
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wow didn't realise spf was important for a few of these instances
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I wear SPF moisturiser every day. Great article.
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I would not have thought that I needed sunscreen inside.
I'm often wearing sunscreen though because I much prefer to be outside.
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I never skip it, A few sunspots on my face remind me of how much I need it, and I still have to hang the washing out :)
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I must admit that I have been skipping the foundation whilst working from home...
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A very important article that really highlights the importance of skin protection. Thank you BH!
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Have just started incorporating SPF into my routine, this article has really made me think! Thanks bh x
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This is a fantastic article because its just taught me something so incredibly valuable and something I would have never realised if I didn't read this article.
I never knew how important sunscreen is inside the house, around phones or computers and around electronics too??? Thats crazy, and on top of that I barely wear it when I even go outside let alone inside the house.
Thanks so much BH great article
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I wear moisturiser with SPF every day.
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Good reminder to use SPF. Sometimes I forget while at home.
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I've read you should but I just close the blinds lol. But if I'm going out I wear a thick layer.
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I admit I never wear sunscreen at home but now I'm thinking of doing that. I'll just tell myself it's moisturiser LOL
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I dont use as mych SPF as I should. I try but sometimes forget. When all this passes, Id like to see a beauty therapist so I can get laser for my pigmentation.
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I'll be keeping well away from the microwave!!
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No must admit haven't been using it whilst working from home. Feels just good to be au naturel with less layers on my face
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100% with you Tigerlily. Would never cross my mind to wear sunscreen indoors. Maybe I'm wrong but I heard Australians are most Vitamin D deficient nation. Maybe we are over doing the sunscreen routine?
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I definitely don't wear it whenever I'm inside, UNLESS I know I'm going to be working near a window for an extended period of time. It's then & only then will I apply it if I'm going to be inside because I know from experience that I could end up with the potential beginnings of a skin cancer if I don't (been there, done that). Outside is a whole other story.
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There are many things that would be good for me to but for various reasons I don’t do or do often enough. Wearing sunscreen is one of those things. I take on board what’s being said in the article but I’m not sure I want to wear s/s on days that I’m totally housebound
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I generally do not use sunscreen when inside. Informative read, thanking you.
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I use sunscreen religiously, every single day. Rain, hail or shine, indoors or outdoors, I use it every day.
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Using this time to give my skin a break, however I will start with the spf 50 again as I will be sitting near a window to work. Though keeping up with my skincare and the routine of that.
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I don't think I need it indoors at all. However I wear it everyday I'm going outside or sitting near a window. But at home nah. Many experts say you don't need it in doors too.
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I'm using products that contain SPF but I'm not slapping on the sunscreen. I'm using the time to give my skin a break from as many products as I can.
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