We all know to apply sunscreen before venturing outside on sunny days, but should you also wear SPF when spending time indoors – and should you wear sunscreen every day in the UK?
In this post we explain why everyone that works near windows should wear sunscreen when indoors and introduce you to some natural sunscreens that are perfect for use every day.
Should you wear sunscreen every day in the UK?
Yes, everyone in the UK should wear sunscreen with a minimum of SPF15 every day.
To effectively protect against UVA and UVB rays, you should apply broad-spectrum sun protection as the last step your morning skin care routine, regardless of what the weather forecast predicts. You should then try to top up throughout the day.
Our skin-friendly, natural SPF moisturisers make it easy to embrace wearing sunscreen every day. Packed with goodness, they don’t clog pores or cause whiteness, and they are super gentle on sensitive skin. Take a look at our natural SPF moisturisers now.
Applying your sun cream at the start of the day not only protects against unexpected spells of sunshine you when you go outside, but it also offers protection against long-reach UVA sunrays that can seep through clouds and windows. More about that in the next section …
Did you know UVA rays can pass through windows?
It’s true! Unlike short, skin burning UVB rays which are deflected or absorbed by SPF sun filters, UVA rays can pass through clouds and glass. Should they meet unprotected skin they won’t burn or irritate it, but they may trigger free radical activity.
When free radicals become active, they can cause cellular damage deep within the skin. You might not notice their damage at first, but it can show up in later life in the form of:
- Age spots and hyperpigmentation
- Premature wrinkles
- Skin photosensitivity
- Skin cancer
This is why it’s a good idea regularly apply SPF skin care every day in the UK – even on cloudy days and even if you work indoors or in a vehicle.
It is best to wear sun cream indoors, at your desk or workspace, because those that spend a lot of time working by glass windows can be at risk of permanent free radical damage.
Keeping your skin safe every day
The sun filters in your sun care should either deflect or absorb sunrays so that they cannot trigger free radical damage and, by applying a sun lotion that’s rich antioxidants, you can further slow the damaging effects of free radicals.
Found in some plant-based sun cream ingredients, antioxidants help to neutralise free radical damage. Antioxidant-rich actives used in Green People sun care products include Edelweiss, Rosemary and Green Tea.
Charlotte Vøhtz says:
“SPF skin care should always be the last step of your daytime skin care routine and you must never mistake a fluff of cloud cover for effective sun protection. Even when its grey and drizzly, UVA rays can easily pass through clouds and windows to interact with exposed skin.
“Unlike shorter UVB rays, they won’t burn and redden the skin. Instead, they can penetrate deep into the skin where they can cause damage at a cellular level.
“Antioxidants, like those found in the Alpine flower Edelweiss, help to neutralise free radical damage and my top tip for that that work in glass buildings is to keep a spare bottle of Edelweiss SPF sun lotion in your desk drawer.
“Keeping your sun care out of direct sunlight preserves its SPF protective properties and, because it is still within easy reach, there’s no excuse not to keep your UVA & UVB sun protection topped up!”
How often should I reapply sunscreen indoors?
Wearing sun cream indoors daily and reapplying it often is the best defence against UV skin damage.
The sun is always at its strongest between the hours of 11 and 3pm so, we suggest applying your facial SPF skin care the start of the day and then reapply it at lunchtime. This is especially important if you intend to spend your lunch break outside.
SPF15 should sufficiently protect your skin from sunlight emitted through glass windows, but you may want to apply a high factor SPF30 sunscreen if you walk to work or enjoy lunch outdoors.
Applying SPF hand cream helps is a good way to help prevent the emergence of age spots, but you’ll need to reapply your hand cream every time you wash your hands.
TOP TIP: SHADE YOUR WORKSPACE
Is your office north facing? North facing spaces are usually darker and cooler and make a much safer office space for your skin than a south-facing sun trap! If you have blinds, lower these a little. Not only will this reduce the amount of sunlight coming in, but it can also reduce the amount of glare that you see on your computer screen.
Shop facial sunscreens for use every day
Shop our antioxidant sun care collection and find the best everyday sunscreen for protecting your skin indoors and out.
Best SPF15 day cream
Our Day Solution SP15 Moisturiser is a great year-round day cream for when you’re working inside and when you’re out and about. Its lightweight formula provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB rays and it sits neatly on the skin with no white cast.
A great SPF15 day cream for keeping skin freshly hydrated, its formulation features moisturising plant-based actives that are rich in antioxidants capable of neutralising free radical cell damage.
The hero ingredient in this sun-shielding day cream is Green Tea which helps to slow sagging by preserving collagen and deliver Catechins antioxidants known to have a particularly strong action against free radicals created by UV exposure.
Day Solution Cream SPF15 50ml
Hydrate, balance and protect with this natural face cream with SPF15
£27.50
Best tinted SPF moisturiser
If you feel more comfortable making your video calls with a tinted moisturiser on, our SPF15 tinted DD creams are the product that we’d recommend for you.
DD stands for Daily Defence and these natural coverage day creams work exceptionally hard to protect your skin from damage during the working day thanks to these protective ingredients:
- SPF15 to protect against damaging sunlight
- Antioxidant-rich Sea Fennel to boost collagen and increase hydration
- Spanish Needle to stimulate collagen and encourage skin cell rejuvenation
Not sure which shade to choose? Find your perfect shade of Age Defy+ Tinted DD Moisturiser with our SPF skin tint tester bundle.
Age Defy+ Tinted DD Moisturiser SPF15 - Tester Bundle
Test our tinted moisturiser on your skin tone with ‘try me’ sachets
Best high factor facial sunscreen
If you take your lunchtimes outdoors or you work in a conservatory or greenhouse under a glass roof, a high-factor sun cream is a better choice for you.
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream blends high factor sun filters with plant actives that are rich in antioxidants and, because it is scent-free, it is perfectly suited for sensitive skin.
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
Defend against sun damage every day with our best-selling SPF30 facial sun cream
£27.50
Need a hand choosing a natural sunscreen? Our UK customer care team can help you find the sun care for your home office space and can be contacted on 01403 740350.
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