In today’s society, sun protection is no longer solely a consideration when going outdoors in sunlight. More and more experts emphasize that sun protection is necessary even indoors.
A study on skin revealed that the effects of visible light (400 to 700 nanometers) can trigger pigmentation in certain skin types, particularly in skin types IV to VI, making spots more pronounced. This compels us to rethink that indoor sun protection is not just an optional choice. This perspective was proposed as early as 2000, but many people remain skeptical about it even today.
Research indicates that the impact of visible light can last even longer than UVA rays. Therefore, both indoor lighting and natural light can potentially harm the skin at any time of day, leading to the development of spots. This view needs to gain wider acceptance in the medical field, but generally, new concepts take time to be embraced widely, sometimes even taking decades.
In response to skepticism expressed online, while some people harbor doubts about medical research, there is actually a wealth of medical literature supporting this position. This includes the new concept of “oral sunscreen,” although most sunscreens tend to be topical products, and numerous new studies are underway.
In our daily lives, we can start sun protection as early as the morning. Even if we do not go outside, applying sunscreen is a good habit. Whether to reapply sunscreen after removing makeup at night depends on personal circumstances. Doctors recommend that if you’re concerned about skin issues or frequently face light sources indoors, it is advisable to apply sunscreen indoors as a preventative measure against spot formation. However, there isn’t a definitive standard regarding the necessity of reapplying sunscreen après makeup removal; some consider it an optional choice.
The selection of sunscreen is also quite important. Sunscreens mainly fall into two categories: chemical and physical. It is worth noting that chemical sunscreen ingredients do not effectively block visible light, so it is recommended to choose products containing physical sunscreen ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which can offer more comprehensive protection to some extent.
Finally, many people undergoing hormone spot treatments may notice that their spots still darken, which is indeed correlated with exposure to visible light indoors. Even if we do not go outdoors, the hazards of visible light are always present indoors. Thus, when caring for our skin, it is strongly advised to remember to apply sunscreen even indoors to protect our skin and reduce the formation of spots.
In summary, indoor sun protection is a crucial step in safeguarding the skin. Choosing the right products and developing good skincare habits will help maintain healthy and radiant skin. It is recommended that everyone pay attention to indoor sun protection to avoid unnecessary skin troubles.