The importance of wearing sunscreen as you work from home

The COVID-19 global pandemic has forced most of us to stay indoors in order to prevent the spread of the virus. You would think that wearing sunscreen wouldn’t be necessary since you’re inside your house for the majority of the time but this is not the case. If your makeshift home office is right next to a window that’s letting in plenty of sunlight, you wouldn’t want to look 10 years older by the time self-isolation is lifted.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays come straight from the sun and damage skin by destroying collagen and elastin, which ultimately deepens the appearance of wrinkles. Staying indoors does not fully protect you from UVA rays as they’re still able to penetrate through glass windows. UVA rays negatively impact the skin by causing ageing and UVB rays cause sunburn.

Many of us are currently working from home and this means that we’re spending several hours staring at bright computer and phone screens. These devices emit ‘blue light’ which can actually increase the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is the result of excess melanin production which can cause insecurities in some people. This is why it’s important to still slather on some sunscreen when indoors. 

Sunscreen should be a staple in your skincare routine regardless of your skin tone. Every skin tone on the colour spectrum needs daily sun protection. U.S. based esthetician, Nayamka Roberts-Smith recommends a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) between 30 and 50. Sunscreens that are labelled as “broad spectrum” are especially effective in protecting your skin from blue light.