Sunscreens are topical preparations that protect us by scattering and/or filtering sun's harmful ultraviolet radiations (UVR).  People normally apply sunscreen when they go out but this year due to coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic we all are confined at home. 

You may think staying inside, watching your favourite television shows, using your laptops to do work from home and playing games on smartphone; you don't need sunscreen. But is it really the case? Or is it a common misinterpretation?

UVA vs UVB

To understand better, it’s important to know the difference between two types of UV rays produced by the sun,  UVA and UVB. UVA rays cause aging of skin cells and tend to be the cause of wrinkles, sunspots and other signs of sun damage. UVB rays, on the other hand, are stronger and causes DNA damage in skin cells. 

UVA & HEV

According to the American Cancer Society, the glass used in car and home are designed to block most UVB rays, but it does not offer protection from all UVA rays. So even if you’re indoors, but you’re close to a window you still run the risk of possible skin damage. Then there are other types of light. Recent studies have shown that this “blue light” (otherwise known as high-energy visible light or HEV) emitted by electronic devices such as computer, TV screens, and smartphones could potentially be just as damaging as sun exposure. On Indian skin this “blue light” can cause hyper-pigmentation and skin darkening. 

Therefore to be on the safe side, apply sunscreen on a daily basis, whether you plan to be outdoors or not. Your skin will thank you for it down the line.

Other benefits of sunscreen  

  1. Healthy skin: Essential proteins like keratin are protected when sunscreen is applied. These proteins are primarily responsible for keeping the skin smooth and healthy. 
  2. Prevents visible signs of premature aging: Sun damage is one of the many causes of uneven skin tones. It increase the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Sunscreen can help protect against premature skin aging. 
  3. Reduces risk of skin cancer: Although not common sunscreen helps in protecting our skin from skin cancer such as sqamous cell cancer, melanoma, basal cell cancer and many more  

Which suncreen to choose? 

You should choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Sunscreens with an SPF less than 30 only moderately protect from sunburn and they do not protect against accelerated aging or skin cancer.