Yes. Even indoors, you should wear sunscreen, especially if you’re sitting by a window or using a digital screen for an extended period, according to Del Campo. And don’t think that a gloomy winter day or summer thunderstorms are reasons not to apply sunscreen indoors, says Gmyrek.
It’s important for three different reasons. UVA rays and UVB rays can still pass through glass and expose your skin to its harmful rays, and the blue light that gets emitted through screens can also impact your skin’s health, he says.
This EltaMD sunscreen is an expert-recommended and NBC Select staff-favorite option. “It provides excellent protection without clogging pores and is enriched with niacinamide for added skin benefits,” says Dr. Danilo Del Campo, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Chicago Skin Clinic.
This mineral sunscreen is great for those with sensitive skin because it doesn’t have common irritants like fragrances or chemical filters and has soothing, moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, according to the brand. Not only do reviewers love its gentle formula, but they also love how well it holds up for family members of all ages. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, too.
This oil-free sunscreen is noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and combines hydration with sun protection, making it ideal for daily use indoors and outdoors, according to Del Campo. The gel lotion also has a refreshing, water-like feel that doesn’t leave behind any heaviness or greasy residue, according to the brand. Reviewers say it almost doubles as a moisturizer with SPF and sits well under makeup; however, you will want to wait a second before applying any additional products on top of it. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 5,700 reviews on Amazon.
As a beauty writer, my family and I have tried dozens of sunscreens, and this one is unanimously in the top five for everyone, including my young elementary-aged siblings and my mature-skinned grandparents. This is because it’s moisturizing and gentle on sensitive skin, and it blends in easily thanks to its lightweight, mousse-like consistency. It also doesn’t leave a white cast on my medium complexion (the same goes for my relatives).
Del Campo recommends this reef-safe sunscreen because it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it versatile for various activities. Although it’s also suitable for all skin types, this is especially great for dry skin. This is because it has vitamin E, glycerin, dimethicone and the brand’s proprietary thermal spring water, which hydrates and soothes the skin while locking in moisture, according to La Roche-Posay.
This sunscreen, which also protects the skin from infrared rays, helps reduce the appearance of sun-damaged skin and fine lines, according to the brand. “I love that this sunscreen is super lightweight and easy to blend,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “It also doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin or exacerbate my rosacea, which is very common with other sunscreens.”
This NBC Select-staff favorite, formulated with ingredients like prebiotics, vitamin C, and vitamin E, has a peach tint that helps reduce white casts on all skin tones, leaving a sheer finish.
“I love how lightweight this sunscreen is and how the tint gives me a little bit of coverage without looking like I have anything on,” says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez. “My skin instantly looks brighter after I apply it and it helps smooth over any redness on my face.”
This sunscreen, which is suitable for all skin types, protects the skin from UVA, UVB, blue light, pollution and infrared damage, according to the brand. Not only is it excellent at acting as a line of defense from potential damage, but it’s also a worthwhile option for those who prefer a tinted sunscreen and want to avoid the risk of a white cast.
NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider enjoys using it because it dispenses as a traditional white sunscreen but then blends and adapts to her skin tone the more she works it in. “Unlike other options I’ve tried, it’s not overly sticky and importantly doesn’t smell, which in my experience a lot of tinted sunscreen formulas tend to do,” she says.
UVA rays: UVA rays, a form of ultraviolet radiation, go deeper into the skin than UVB rays, primarily causing skin aging and long-term damage, including wrinkles and age spots, according to Del Campo. They do this because they break down collagen and elastic tissue, says Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, a board-certified dermatologist at Unionderm in New York City. UVA rays also play a role in the development of skin cancer. This type of radiation subtly harms the skin, initially leaving no noticeable marks but leading to serious damage as time goes on, says Del Campo.
UVB rays: Another variation of ultraviolet radiation, this type of ray targets the skin’s surface layer. They are mainly responsible for causing sunburn and significantly contribute to skin cancer risk. The intensity of UVB rays changes with the time of day and season, offering a somewhat predictable pattern yet remaining dangerously harmful, according to Del Campo.
Blue light: Blue light, or high-energy visible (HEV) light, comes from the sun, digital screens, and LED lighting. Extended exposure to blue light has been linked to skin aging and hyperpigmentation. Recent studies suggest that blue light can induce oxidative stress in the skin, leading to premature aging. In our tech-driven world, this type of light is becoming an increasingly significant concern for skin health, he says.
Sunscreens come in three forms: mineral, chemical and hybrid, which is a combination of both. According to our experts, the choice depends on personal preference and skin type. Whichever option you choose, it should have an SPF rating of 30+ and offer broad-spectrum protection.
Mineral: This type of sunscreen uses physical blockers, including iron oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and create a physical barrier, blocking the ultraviolet and blue light from reaching the skin’s surface, according to Gmyrek.
Chemical: Chemical sunscreens use chemical filters as their active ingredients, which absorb into your skin, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King. Unlike creating a barrier, it will absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat that your skin releases. These also tend to be less visible on the skin, says Del Campo.
“Think of it like choosing between an umbrella and a raincoat — both protect you from rain, but the best choice depends on your needs. An umbrella (mineral sunscreen) might be more cumbersome but gives immediate, broad coverage. In contrast, a raincoat (chemical sunscreen) might be more convenient and comfortable but can take a little while to provide complete protection once put on,” says Del Campo.
Frequently asked questions
The answer is a combination of yes and no. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mary Stevenson, it’s best to apply sunscreen to the areas most exposed, including your face, neck, chest and hands.
Applying a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen to the face and a generous amount to other exposed areas is essential. As a general guideline, about one shot glass full of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body if you’re spending time outdoors. Adjust the amount proportionately if you’re indoors but still exposed to sunlight through windows or near bright screens to ensure all exposed skin is adequately protected, says Del Campo.
If you don’t want to apply sunscreen at home or in the office, you can take simple measures like moving away from windows. But there are other options besides sunscreen, including installing window films or shades to intercept UVA rays, donning UV-protective clothing, and applying screen protectors on your digital devices to lessen blue light exposure, according to Del Campo. Think of it as building a comprehensive defense system against environmental elements, similar to how you would secure your home.
“Just as a seatbelt is crucial for protection in your car, sunscreen is a safeguard for your skin, prepared for unforeseen exposure,” says Del Campo.
While car windows block out UVB rays, they generally do not stop UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and damage. Therefore, even inside a car, he says your skin is vulnerable to the harmful effects of sunlight.
Applying sunscreen while driving or taking a road trip is a simple yet effective way to protect against UVA rays. It’s akin to invisible damage—you might not immediately feel the sun’s impact, but exposure can lead to skin issues over time without proper protection.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City.
Dr. Robyn Gmyrek is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm Central Park in New York City.
I'm an associate reporter at NBC Select covering skin care, hair care, gift guides and ongoing sales. I’ve also written articles about the best detangling sprays and clarifying shampoos. For this story, I interviewed four dermatologists and shared their recommendations.
