You're Still Exposed to Sunlight When Indoors
Any time you're even remotely close to a window — be it in your car, on the train or in the office — you're being exposed to the sun's UV rays. This ambient sun exposure isn't as potent as being directly in the sunlight since it's partially filtered by glass, but it can still cause damage. As such, you should wear sunscreen to protect yourself even if you have no plans of venturing outside to even check your mail or walk the dog.
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Your Beauty Regimen Is Probably Making Your Skin More Sensitive
Numerous common skin care ingredients can also render your skin more susceptible to sun damage, notes Alessandra Caceres, an aesthetician and the founder of Miami Beach's Lavender Facial Bar. "Retinol, as well as any other forms of exfoliants, such as AHA and BHA, can lead to sensitivity and the skin can be more prone to sunburn," she says.
Other common ingredients that lead to sun sensitivity are benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, essential oils and salicylic acid. Even if you're only using these products at night, they still make your skin more sensitive in general.
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Your Meds Can Make You More Sensitive, Too
In the same way your skin care regimen can heighten sun sensitivity, both OTC and prescription medications can also increase the likelihood of getting burned. These include common antibiotics (such as doxycycline, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin), oral acne medications (like isotretinoin/Accutane), antifungals, antihistamines and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen). Many other prescription medications that target specific, ongoing issues can also sensitize your skin to the sun.
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Modern Sunscreens Protect Against More Than the Sun
Protecting yourself from the sun's UVA and UVB rays is super important. However, modern-day sunscreens have surpassed old formulations in terms of protection against other forms of damage.
"Many newer sunscreens also contain antioxidants and other ingredients that protect against environmental damage, such as pollution, and 'high energy visible light' or 'blue light,' which is emitted from our smartphones and other devices," says Dr. Jenny Sobera, chief medical officer at FaceMD+.
Having that extra layer of protection is super important, especially when you consider how much time we spend in front of screens.
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Skin Cancer Just Isn't Worth the Risk
"There are two main health and beauty concerns related to sun exposure: sun damage and skin cancer," says Dr. Craig Kraffert, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Amarte Skin Care. "Millions of skin cancers are treated each year in the United States. Cure rates are high, but treatment often results in scarring."
It may not seem like a big deal to just forego SPF in the winter because it's annoying to apply or because you may not view it as an important step in your routine. However, skin cancer is highly prevalent and it's just not worth the risk. Damage is still a legitimate concern, but obviously not as dangerous as skin cancer.
"Sun damage accumulates with sun exposure over time, resulting in both aesthetic and functional decline. It leads to wrinkling, sagging skin along with a withered, ruddy look. Sun exposure also results in increased skin fragility, especially of the hands and forearms with resultant transparently thin skin that bruises and tears with ease," says Kraffert. "Sun freckling, blotchiness and the patchy pigmentation of melasma are also primarily driven by sun exposure."
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