Is your skin ageing indoors? The real reason might be hiding on your laptop screen and living room lights

Most people use sunscreen only when they step out in the sun. But that¡¯s not enough. Your skin is exposed to different types of harmful light even when you are at home.

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director and Chief Dermatologist, MedLinks Group of Clinics, said
¡°I always advocate to use sunscreen on a daily basis whether you're going out or not. There are two reasons for that. One, if you use sunscreen on a regular basis, it comes in your habit and you do not forget to use sunscreen even if you have to go out randomly. And second, in-house exposure, indoor exposure of blue light and the visible light is also so much these days and people also work in front of the LED screens, etc., that also causes skin damage and for that, it's mandatory to use sunscreen indoors also.¡±

Laptops, phones, and television screens emit blue light, which harms your skin. This can lead to dullness, tanning, and early aging. Also, the bright lights used in homes these days can affect your skin, especially if you already have pigmentation issues.

Indoor light and screens can harm your skin

Many people don¡¯t realise that their skin is being damaged even while they are inside their homes. The lights we use today are very bright, and the time we spend in front of screens is increasing every day.

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi told Indiatimes ¡°laptops and computer screens emit blue light and blue light is known to damage the skin. These days the lights are very bright inside the house. Also, if somebody has a pigmentary condition, then they must use sunscreen because in that case, even this kind of light can cause damage.¡±

Why you need sunscreen even indoors | Credit: Freepik

This means that people who are sensitive to light or have skin issues should be more careful. Even if you¡¯re not stepping outside, using sunscreen once a day can help protect your skin from slow but steady damage.

Sunscreen for all ages and skin types

Sunscreen is not only for those who are always on the go. Even school-going children who spend time indoors with screens and lights need protection. Skin damage can happen slowly and without notice.

Dr. Koushik Lahiri, a consultant dermatologist at Wizderm Skin and Hair Clinic in Kolkata, shared ¡°Sunscreen is mandatory, yes, and even for school-going children we have sunscreen these days and sunscreen is needed and not just for persons who are always going out for sales purpose or always working in the field, but a person who is inside and who is working in front of the computer, the blu-ray, everything is creating havoc on the skin and the fine wrinkles and the early aging, all are due to the effect of ultraviolet ray.¡±

He said that SPF 15 to 30 is enough for Indian skin, as we usually tan rather than burn. However, he stresses that sunscreen protection only lasts for about three hours.

Sunscreen is not only needed on sunny days or when we go outside | Credit: Freepik

¡°15 to 30 SPF is more than enough for Indian skin. Protection factor is more important in Indian skin because Indians don't get sunburn like Europeans, we get sun tanning and we tan very often. Nobody is immune to the effect of ultraviolet rays and sunscreen is effective for 3 hours max.¡±

Make it a habit

The key takeaway is this: sunscreen should be part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. Apply it once if you stay indoors, and reapply every three hours if you're stepping in and out or spending time in the car. Making sunscreen a habit helps you stay ready for any sudden plans and keeps your skin protected at all times.

Whether you're working at a desk, attending online classes, or just relaxing at home¡ªyour skin still needs care. Sunscreen isn't just for sunny days. It's for every day.

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