Sunscreen vs blue light

According to Markowitz, the blue light emitted from digital screens including your computer, phone, tablet and TV can affect your skin in two ways:

If you choose to wear sunscreen indoors, your next step is to decide what formulation meets your skin and SPF needs. According to Gymrek, both chemical and physical blocks are protective against UVA and UVB as long as theyre labeled SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum.

Physical blockers use iron oxide, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients, says Gymrek.

These minerals create a physical barrier, blocking the ultraviolet and the blue light from reaching the skin surface, she explains.Blue light filters on your screens are also very helpful as are blue light blocking glasses.

Theyre designed to sit on top of the skin, meaning theyre less likely to clog your pores a good option for oily and acne-prone skin. However, be careful if you use a mineral sunscreen and topical acne medication, cautions Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. The combination of the two can cause dryness because it is non-comedogenic.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin. With that in mind, they can also absorb into your skin, in contrast to physical sunscreens, which sit atop your skin. That absorption, King noted, could become problematic for your skin. Why? Studies on rats and mice have shown that some sunscreen ingredients negatively impact the reproductive systems, ovaries, mammary glands, testicules and prostates and endocrine systems. The concern is that if these toxic ingredients can absorb into the bloodstream, it could cause long-term health implications in humans. The FDA conducted followup research in 2020 and learned that active sunscreen ingredients "can remain in the body for extended periods of time" after one use.

On top of that, chemical sunscreens have negative implications for the environment and marine life, which is why Hawaii is banning the sale of sunblocks with oxybenzone and octinoxate. The law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2021.

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We dont have firm evidence that they (chemical sunscreens) are doing anything that bad (to humans). We have these animal studies, but no, we dont have firm data that something sinister is afoot, but I think we just have more questions, says King. We dont really know yet if theyre doing anything harmful once they get absorbed.

King says that the best sunscreen for you is the one that youll actually wear, whether its a chemical or mineral formula. She personally uses and recommends mineral sunblocks to her patients. With physical blockers, theres fewer questions and concerns about the safety both for the environment and the body and you really dont have to sacrifice the formula anymore, she adds.

If you commit to wearing sunscreen indoors, then the pros suggest you reapply every two to six hours, depending on the instructions on the label. The sunscreen might feel like its longer-lasting because its not absorbing as much UV radiation, so its best to follow direction on this one, rather than intuition.

"If you ask me, the solution to this problem is simple: Get out of the sun. Draw the curtains or move your chair. That's what I've always done. I didn't have to get board-certified in dermatology to learn this simple trick," says Kenneth Howe, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Wexler Dermatology. If you still want to sit in front of a window, Howe says, "you should probably put on some sunscreen. It's not the best way to deal with the problem, though. I don't don a flame-retardant suit so I can sit by an open oven door."

When you cant avoid the sun while at the beach or out running then yes, certainly the risk of skin cancer far out-weights any theoretical concern about exposure to chemical sunscreens, Howe agrees. But when you're inside your own house? Just draw the curtains or move away, he says. If you simply stay out of sunlight penetrating your windows, no further indoor precautions are necessary. Unless you're working from home in a windowless room, then most of the medical experts weve consulted with advise that you wear sunscreen indoors to protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays.

To help you find the best sunscreen for your indoor use, here are what the dermatologists we spoke to recommended.

Gymrek and Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, are fans of this non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, oil-, paraben- and fragrance-free SPF. It is a sheer sunscreen that has physical blockers titanium dioxide and zinc making it good for people with sensitive skin and for blue light, says Engelman. Theres also caffeine in it, which has a low toxicity profile and antioxidant powers to help fight free radicals, according to a study in the US National Library of Medicine.

Sunscreen is a daily essential for all skin tones, whether you're indoors or outdoors, says Engelman. Her pick is a great sunscreen for acne and oily skin types because lactic acid will gently exfoliate the skin and regulate sebum build-up. Gymrek wears the niacinamide-infused sunscreen every morning, noting it dries down quickly. Howe says this is a great versatile SPF that feels great and everyone loves.

It's easy to forget that our scalps need sun protection, says Engelman. Her recommendation includes 24.5-percent zinc oxide and wont weigh down your hair. It feels similar to dry shampoo and provides non-greasy UV protection, she says. After you finish styling your hair, mist the sunblock along your hairline, part it and then massage it into your scalp with either a brush or your fingertips.

A personal favorite for morning use with my dry skin is Naturopathicas Daily UV Defense Cream SPF 50 for its smooth-but-thick effect and its smells divine, says Markowitz. The full-spectrum mineral sunscreen has green tea extract, which boasts antioxidant and anti-aging benefits for the skin. Engelman suggests that you cover up any exposed skin with about an ounce of sunscreen at a time, although you can adjust the amount based on your body type.

Gymrek loves to use this stick sunscreen before exercising because it never sweats into my eyes. Skinbetters sunblock applies creamy and white and rubs in easily and leaves no white residue on her skin. The water-resistant SPF is both a mineral and a physical blocking sunscreen, thanks to the combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

It's a common misconception that you only need sunscreen in the summer months, but make no mistake: we can get sun damage at any time in the year, including in the cold months, says Engelman. If our skin is unprotected and exposed to the sun's rays for even 15 minutes a day, that can have a very real cumulative impact.

Rest easy knowing there are sunscreens that are specially formulated for those with a sensitive skin type to use year-round. Gymrek and Markowitz recommend Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin sunscreen, a non-sticky option that offers broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection and that is mineral-based.

Markowitz calls this mineral sunscreen a light-weight and effective option for those who want to layer their sunblock. Although all skin types dry, combination, oily, sensitive and normal hyaluronic acid and vitamin E hydrates your skin, so its best suited for those with dry, normal or sensitive skin.

She also recommends the Supergoop! sunblock to patients with combination skin who like a smooth, but robust sunscreen. Before you head out to the grocery store, rub this cruelty-free, reef-safe and vegan SPF gently onto your face and let it sit for about 20 minutes before you put on your antimicrobial face mask. Sunflower extract protects from environmental damage while rosemary leaf extract calms your complexion.

Francesca Fusco, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Wexler Dermatology, recommends that you brush on this full-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 50. Available in four shades ranging from Fair to Dark you can wear this water-resistant sunscreen by itself or layered over your makeup. Its not always easy to reapply sunscreen if youre indoors in a restaurant or at a (pre-coronavirus) party. Color Science SPF powder can be brushed on easily and quickly, she says.

Engelman advises that you aim to use broad-spectrum coverage, ideally with SPF 50 or higher. Try Howes recommendation, which aligns with her suggestion. Shisideos hypoallergenic mineral sunscreen is free of parabens, fragrances and alcohol, making it a solid choice for those with sensitive skin. He says the sunblock goes on really nicely with a smooth, non-tacky finish and is popular with surfers.

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Do you need to wear sunscreen inside? Experts weigh in - NBC News