Direct outdoor sun exposure is an obvious cause of sun damage, but many people do not realize the equally harmful effects that can occur from daily indoor sun exposure. Ultraviolet radiation leads to actinic damage, which is the chemical changes that occur in skin expressed as discoloration, uneven leathery texture, wrinkles, and loose skin. Regular routines, like daily commuting and energy-efficient lighting, could be damaging to skin. Understanding the sources of indoor solar damage and the protocols to protect skin can minimize and prevent its adverse effects.

SUNLIGHT FROM THE OUTSIDE IN

The most straightforward indoor culprit of sun damage is the sunlight that passes through windows. Although most ultraviolet B rays are blocked by glass because of their short wavelength, ultraviolet A rays have a longer wavelength and impose the primary risk of light that radiates from the outdoors in. This inspires a balance conversation around holistic wellness. Blue light is within the ultraviolet radiation spectrum, which is essential for supporting mood and mental health. It is responsible for helping regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythms, not to mention direct sunlight is necessary to promote vitamin D synthesis.

It is a catch-22 – morning daylight radiance is recommended, but it comes with a price. Ultraviolet blue light radiation activates and regulates the healthy production of cortisol. Cortisol controls energy levels and supports alertness during the daytime. On the same accord, ultraviolet radiation poses the risk of premature skin aging, cancer, and even damage to the eyes.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Most people in modern-day society use electronic devices daily, and the blue light emitted from those devices has adverse effects. Moreover, constantly sitting in front of a computer, television, tablet, or phone screen causes confusion in the body as its internal clock is not clear of the time of day. The day and night sensory imbalance disrupts the body’s natural signals to activate melatonin production and suppress cortisol at nighttime and vice versa. Nighttime melatonin deficiency and increased cortisol on a consistent basis come with the collateral cost of poor rest, sleep, and enhanced stress. This contributes to premature skin and body aging and even illness cumulating on the already adverse effect of direct ultraviolet exposure that compromises cellular integrity.

References

1. Tang, Z, Tong, X, Huang, J, Liu, L, Wang, D, Yang, S. Research progress of keratinocyte-programmed cell death in UV-induced Skin photodamage. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2021; 37: 442– 448.
2. Guy GP Jr, Watson M, Seidenberg AB, Hartman AM, Holman DM, Perna F. Trends in indoor tanning and its association with sunburn among US adults. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(6):1191-1193. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2017.01.022.
3. Shipp LR, Warner CA, Rueggeberg FA, Davis LS. Further Investigation Into the Risk of Skin Cancer Associated With the Use of UV Nail Lamps. JAMA Dermatol. 2014;150(7):775–776.
4. Mironava, T., Hadjiargyrou, M., Simon, M. and Rafailovich, M.H. (2012), The Effects of UV Emission from Compact Fluorescent Light Exposure on Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes In Vitro. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 88: 1497-1506.
5. An S, Kim K, Moon S, et al. Indoor Tanning and the Risk of Overall and Early-Onset Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel). 2021;13(23):5940. Published 2021 Nov 25. doi:10.3390/cancers13235940
6. Achachi, A., Vocanson, M., Bastien, P., Péguet-Navarro, J., Grande, S., Goujon, C., Breton, L., Castiel-Higounenc, I., Nicolas, J. F., & Gueniche, A. (2015). UV Radiation Induces the Epidermal Recruitment of Dendritic Cells that Compensate for the Depletion of Langerhans Cells in Human Skin. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 135(8), 2058-2067.
7. Timares L, Katiyar SK, Elmets CA. DNA damage, apoptosis and langerhans cells--Activators of UV-induced immune tolerance. Photochem Photobiol. 2008 Mar-Apr;84(2):422-36.
8. Seité S, Zucchi H, Moyal D, Tison S, Compan D, Christiaens F, Gueniche A, Fourtanier A. Alterations in human epidermal Langerhans cells by ultraviolet radiation: quantitative and morphological study. Br J Dermatol. 2003 Feb;148(2):291-9.

Victoria Tabak is the CEO of NATPURE Clinical Skin Care. She is a two-time international award-winning licensed aesthetician, oncology-trained, a published skin and wellness expert, and a nationally recognized skin care educator. She has more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry along with a master’s degree in business and minor in chemistry. She has worked with other aestheticians, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and cosmetologists to formulate and revolutionize a holistic approach to beauty that people love, alongside her father, a distinguished scientist.