Dr Madhu Chopra is not a fan of applying sunscreen indoors, encourages all to embrace ‘gentle rays of the early morning and late evening’

“The sun’s UVA and UVB rays trigger a cascade of free radical damage and inflammation that is the major cause of wrinkles, sagging skin, discolourations, as well as many other issues that rob skin of its youthful qualities. By protecting skin from this damage, daily use of sunscreen delivers anti-ageing and skin health benefits above and beyond any other product,” she said.

Dr Santhanam pointed out that if an individual’s exposure to sunlight and screens is truly minimal, such as in low-light indoor environments, a break from sunscreen might be acceptable. “Limited, gentle sun exposure in the early morning or late evening is indeed beneficial for vitamin D synthesis,” she said, agreeing with Dr Chopra’s claims. But there’s a catch.

Apply sunscreen after every 2-3 hours after the first application (Source: Freepik)

She pointed out that relying solely on incidental indoor sunlight through windows or on blue light from screens will not provide the same benefits as the required amount of Vitamin D and, more importantly, will still leave skin vulnerable to damage.

According to her, the sun does not degrade the effectiveness of the sunscreen, but it is our own sweat and oil that break down its components. “Oil secretion is a continuous process, and your sweat glands are functional even when you are not sweating profusely,” she added. Thus, when the oil glands disrupt your sunscreen, you do not want to leave it unprotected from the light that is seeping in.

How often should you apply sunscreen indoors?

For sunscreen to be effective, it needs to form a layer on the skin. “So even if you don’t venture outside, most of us are still exposed to the sun’s rays through windows, light reflected on roofs, floors, walls and even furniture — even on overcast days,” said the expert. That is why the right thing to do is to apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours after the first application. To maintain the sunscreen’s protective effect, reapplication is necessary.

For most modern lifestyles with increased screen time and indoor ambient light, daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA, UVB, and blue light is recommended.

Dr Santhanam encouraged maintaining a healthy balance by enjoying safe sun exposure for overall wellness while consistently protecting visible skin to avoid long-term damage. Consistency and diligence are key when it comes to sunscreen. Applying SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days or when you’re just sitting inside by a window, helps the skin benefit from natural vitamins without compromising its health from harmful rays and environmental factors.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.