The importance of sunscreen has become abundantly clear over the last few years. Not only can it help prevent painful sunburns and premature skin aging, but wearing an SPF 15 or higher daily can also significantly reduce your risk of developing certain skin cancers. It’s why I’m diligent about applying sunscreen every time I go outside. But — and hear me out for a second — do I also need to be wearing sunscreen when I’m inside, minding my own business?
I thought it was a pretty wild idea, too, until I spoke with experts. It’s a really important question, says Ranella Hirsch, a Boston-based dermatologist. And the answer isn’t binary; it depends on what you consider your “indoor life.” “For instance, are you sitting in an office with a wall of windows or working at a desk facing forest sunlight?” asks Hirsch. If so, you’re going to want to consider a daily all-over application — especially if you are lighter skinned — no matter your exposure to the actual outdoors.
