Should I wear sunscreen in front of my PC?

Thursday, 25 February 2010

Recently, a reader by the nick of Guest, left a comment asking if we need to wear sunscreen when using the computer for long hours. My initial response was that we should at least use a moisturizer with SPF15 if we spend prolonged hours in front of our systems. However, I’ve since verified that it also depends on the type of computer screens in question.

Newer flat LCD monitors do not emit UV lights
Unless you’re still using those large, box-shaped monitors known as CRT monitors that emit low levels of UV light, most of the flat-panel, or LCD monitors on your desktop computers or laptops have not been found to emit any UV light (source). So your LCD TV is safe too! In fact, an anti-glare computer screen is standard on most LCD monitors these days so there is nothing to worry about. *Yay to long hours of web surfing!*

Problems only for those with XP disorder
In addition, I also learnt that the UV light emitted by CRT computer screens is a fraction of what is emitted from a fluorescent light. But this small amount of UV light may pose problems for those with severe cases of xeroderma pigmentosum, or XP – a disorder wherein the body cannot repair UV damage to the skin. It is thus recommended that those with extreme XP should switch to using computers using LCD monitor or use an anti-glare computer screen designed to cut down on the amount of light that reflects off the display.

Wear a SPF15 moisturizer in the day even indoors
But still, you want to be protecting yourself indoors by at least using a moisturizer containing SPF15 due to the UV radiations from fluorescent lights, or any high intensity discharge lamps, halogen lights, and copier machines you may come across. Don’t forget the UV lights do come in from the windows! And in the night, use candles or sleep really early! *Heh*

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Posted in Sun Protection | 31 Comments »

31 Comments to “Should I wear sunscreen in front of my PC?”

AtelierGal Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 9:45 am
Sorry, I cannot stop laughing at “XP disorder.”

1) XP <- if I make a face like this, I would need sunscreen
2) What if I use Vista instead of XP

I was feeling down this morning, and you kinda cheered me up a little.

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Haha…that’s both cute and funny! Your comment made me chuckle!

Glad the post cheered you a little…keep your mood up and scratch Milo’s belly for me!

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Jyoan Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 9:56 am
wow, thanks for verifying that it’s ok with lcd screens. I still haven’t gotten into the habit of putting spf 15 moisturizer at home. And am so not into body lotions as well… … Wonder when I will suddenly feel the push factor to be more hardworking.

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 9:58 am
When you see the first age spot? *just kidding*

If you invest in a moisturizer with SPF, then technically that would solve the problem cos you’ll have to use it daily too. Reminds me…I better go and bathe and put on mine. Haha…

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AtelierGal Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 10:09 am
Also, I wish more eye cream with SPF be available in the market. Equally important.

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 11:54 am
Good wish. Absolutely a rare commodity!

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lady Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 10:52 am
wow! this was a very informative post, I would have never thought about sunscreen due to computer face time! thank you!

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 11:58 am
Yup, you’re not alone. Most pple don’t think about protection indoors as long as they’re away from direct sunlight.

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redheadblondie Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 10:55 am
Wonder if I should be wearing sunglasses at home Think my eyes are equally important and I don’t want to get cataracts etc

I think that for fluorescent lights as long as there is glass in front of it, UVB is cut off but not sure about how much UVA exposure comes from lights

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Not exactly sure the UVA exposure but I did read that regular fluorescent light bulbs used in most homes and offices emit a small amount of UV, and that is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight – something like a couple of hours of exposure to these lights is like a couple of mins under the sun.

The danger is those really bright ones and I have one installed at home in my son’s room. The UV radiation is probably more significant.

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stella Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 11:54 am
it’s so humid in singapore, so unless i’m indoors with airconditioning, i don’t know how i can slap on any sunscreen…

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sesame Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 9:46 am
There’s no need to wear sunscreen at home…try just normal moisturizer with SPF. A light one with SPF15 will do. Or if you use sunscreen, just a light application will suffice. But if you’re comfortable not using any SPF products indoors, it’s also okay as long as you don’t have a lot of UV lights coming from outside through the windows.

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Amanda Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I would have never thought that computer screens emit UV lights! A really good informative post.

I have to be more diligent with sunscreen on my face and body too!

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
The new ones wouldn’t though and that’s why they’re also easier on our eyes.

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pf1123 Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Yes, on days when I laze at home, I kinda feel naked without any sunscreen. hehe…

So, I got some moisturiser with SPF.

But I’m still lazy to put sunscreen on my exposed hands and legs.

Oh yes, eye cream with SPF is impt!!! I can’t seem to find any of those. I suspect my eyes are a darker shade compared to the rest of my face is largely because I don’t use whitening skincare or cream with SPF.

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
Eucerin had one with SPF but it wasn’t great. But lucky my sunscreen can work on my eyes so I always slather on. I was actually quite surprised that a dermatologist told me that it’s not necessary to protect our eyes with SPF products…I wonder he knew what he was talking about.

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nicole Says:
February 25th, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Great info! For me, i will wear sunblock as long as there is light around me, SPF 15 if im at home, SPF 50 if im working.

Ever since i started using sunblock, last year, now i will feel weird without my sunblock on..

Do you use eyescream w SPF? Im interested to know wat brand you are using and your review. Sadly i have not found any suitable eyecream w spf and fine lines are sprouting like no body biz… *cries*

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sesame Reply:
February 25th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
I use my sunscreen on my eyes – it’s lightweight and works well. My eye gel doesn’t come with SPF. I used to use a Eucerin eye cream with SPF but didn’t find it particularly great for my eyes.

Try to extend serums (if you’re using) on your face to your eyes too. It’ll help. If your sunscreen isn’t heavy, try to lightly bring over your eyes when you apply on your face. It’ll help provide some protection. But provided it’s not greasy and won’t cause milia.

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N. Says:
February 26th, 2010 at 7:31 am
This is quite surprising. I had no idea!

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sesame Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 11:20 am
I guess the focus is more on the sun so it’s not surprising that many do not take note of the indoor UV. But it’s definitely not as harmful as what’s out there.

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Angel Says:
February 26th, 2010 at 11:05 am
That is just way too much for me to worry about lol. I don’t really bother to wear it indoors unless it’s in the summer time and my mom keeps the blinds open. I’ve been trying to get into a habit of it, but sometimes I am just too lazy…To each their own though. Luckily, my monitor is new and I won’t have to worry about that so much! whew~

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sesame Reply:
February 26th, 2010 at 11:21 am
Yup, it’s not exactly significant so not a big issue. But I would say those from the windows are pretty much harmful in the long run.

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Mint Says:
February 27th, 2010 at 1:27 am
oh.. Great information.. Lucky for me.. My liquid foundation comes with SPF 15 and my compact comes with SPF 30.. plus i try to avoid the sun when i’m out by carrying a uv-shield brolly.. That’s y my sisters call me an auntie!! Keke..

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sesame Reply:
February 27th, 2010 at 9:50 am
Now they call you auntie but in time to come, they’ll envy you for having great skin in years to come when you’re really in that auntie age group!

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Ayashi Says:
February 28th, 2010 at 2:07 pm
After reading this informative post, I went to check on my make-up kit SPF. I have always try to avoid the sun as much as possible. But neverthought wearing sunscreen is so important (even in front of computer!). I need to force myself start using an umbrella too

Both my Ettusais concealer & pressed powder is 12PA++; and 24PA++ for their medicated acne whitening UV EX.

But recently, the LANAIGE salesgirl told me I should use more than 30PA++ for weather in Brunei. Thus, I’m wearing 31PA++ when going outdoor and for work.

Thinking of using the Ettusais 24PA++ indoor. Is it too much? … (thought of not to waste it)?

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sesame Reply:
March 1st, 2010 at 12:01 pm
It should be okay. More important is, the texture is not heavy so that it doesn’t clog your pores unnecessarily.

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Hayashi Says:
March 1st, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Oh. Anyone using the Ettusais and Laneige ones? Hope their texture is not too thick.

I also come across I had one Sun Shield Hair Spray with SPF6PA++. What would be the ideal range for hair protection?

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claire_cemolina Says:
March 13th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
sesame,

what kind of spf15 do you have?

I’m not sure wether to go the organic type (which can block my sensitive skin) or the usual conventional type?

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sesame Reply:
March 13th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Mine is SPF30 but I use one boutique product with titanium dioxide only that provides 50% protection against UVA radiation…so that works indoors.

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milkberry Says:
July 18th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Good article that talks about my concern about indoor protection.

Do I still need to use moisturizer with spf 15 when I put the curtain and shut all lights off?

I actually prefer any moisturizer without spf when I stay indoor.

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sesame Reply:
July 18th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
If you’re away from the window, it’s okay not to use moisturizer with SPF.

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