(As a digital marketer, I spend 10+ hours a day under LED lighting and screens. I never gave skincare a thought until I noticed the visible effects of light exposure on my skin. Here’s a research-based piece I wrote blending Ayurvedic insight and cosmetic science, for others who spend most of their time indoors like I do.)
I am someone who never used sunscreen till the age of 30 — and even after that, only occasionally. Like many, I believed that staying mostly indoors meant I didn’t need it. But over time, I began to notice signs that made me question this: dullness, pigmentation around the eyes and mouth, uneven skin tone, dryness, and a lack of glow despite a healthy routine. With Vata-Pitta skin that’s naturally dry and sensitive, I needed a simple, safe, and effective solution that worked without overwhelming my skin.
🌍 The Sunscreen Dilemma: To Use or Not to Use?
Many people hesitate to use sunscreens daily, believing they are loaded with harsh chemicals or may damage skin with long-term use. Others feel it’s unnecessary indoors. But here’s the truth from a dermatological and Ayurvedic perspective:
- Yes, sunscreen is safe for daily use — especially when it’s broad-spectrum and uses barrier-protective ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
- These physical (mineral) filters do not penetrate the skin but sit on top and reflect UV and blue light, making them safe even for sensitive skin.
- The concerns arise only with certain chemical filters in high concentrations or poor formulations.
Even indoors, you’re exposed to blue light (HEV) from screens, LED lights, and sometimes indirect sunlight through windows. Over time, these contribute to hyperpigmentation, oxidative stress, and premature aging.
I have met people advising against using sunscreens as they feel that sunscreen clogs the skin or doesn’t let it “breathe.” My mother is also one of them and she has a lot of pigmentation on her face as compared to her youth days. It’s a very common belief — especially when we think of thick, greasy lotions from the past. But here’s what skin science says:
Our skin doesn’t “breathe” in the way lungs do — it doesn’t take in oxygen from the air. Instead, it functions as a protective barrier. So wearing sunscreen doesn’t suffocate your skin. In fact, it helps the skin breathe better metaphorically by reducing oxidative stress caused by UV and visible light.
Modern sunscreens — especially mineral ones — are lightweight, breathable, and non-comedogenic (don’t clog pores). They sit on top of the skin to block UV and blue light, without interfering with its natural functions like sweating or oil secretion.
So if you’re skipping sunscreen thinking it blocks your skin’s “oxygen flow,” rest assured — it doesn’t. If you choose the right formulation (non-comedogenic, suited to your skin type), sunscreen can actually help your skin heal, stay even-toned, and age gracefully.
🔍 My Exploration: Comparing Sunscreens for Indoor, Sensitive Skin
As someone who mostly stays indoors but is exposed to screens and some mild cooking heat, I wanted something:
- That’s hydrating enough to replace my daily moisturizer
- Non-irritating for my Vata-Pitta skin (prone to dryness, redness, and pigmentation)
- Rich in ingredients that support skin repair and barrier health
- Free from harsh alcohols or pore-clogging residues
That’s when I began researching several sunscreen-moisturizer hybrids.
✅ Common Ingredients to Look For (That Actually Work)
Niacinamide: Reduces pigmentation, repairs the barrier, anti-inflammatory
Peptides (Matrixyl, Argireline): Boost collagen, anti-aging
Zinc Oxide / Titanium Dioxide: Physical UV blockers, also protect against blue light
Soothing agents (Aloe vera, Vitamin E, Panthenol): Calm and repair sensitive skin
🌿 The TYC Sunscreen Experience: Ingredient Analysis
One of the products I investigated was the TYC Sunscreen Lotion, formulated by Rashmi Rajpal, a cosmetic engineer. It looked like just another product claiming natural benefits, but the ingredient list actually impressed me:
Key Ingredients (per 100 g):
- Red Grapes Extracts (5%) – antioxidant-rich, helps fight free radical damage
- Coconut Oil (4%) – emollient, nourishing for dry skin
- Niacinamide (5%) – proven to reduce pigmentation, support skin barrier
- Zinc Oxide + Titanium Dioxide – broad-spectrum mineral UV filters
- Drometrizole Trisiloxane + Benzophenone-3 – additional UV protection
- Vitamin E, Glycerin, Aloe-like soothing bases – hydrate and protect
Other ingredients like cetostearyl alcohol and stearic acid may sound chemical, but they are fatty alcohols derived from natural oils. They are used as moisturizing emollients and stabilizers and are non-irritating, especially for dry skin. If you’re unsure about such ingredients, I highly recommend Googling them to understand their actual role in skincare. They’re quite different from drying alcohols like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol.
🔁 Should You Reapply Sunscreen Indoors?
If you’re not sweating or under direct sun exposure, you don’t need to reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours indoors. A single morning application is sufficient for most people. But if you’re sitting next to a sunny window or under strong lighting for long hours, a second light application mid-day can be beneficial.
🌱 Are Sunscreens Safe for Our Planet?
This is a valid and compassionate question many eco-conscious people ask. The concern arises primarily from some chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to harm coral reefs and aquatic ecosystems. These chemicals can accumulate in water bodies when washed off during swimming or showering and may lead to coral bleaching and disrupt marine life reproduction.
Thankfully, there’s a growing movement toward reef-safe and environmentally friendly formulations. Physical sunscreens containing non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, like TYC and many newer brands, are considered much safer for our planet. When possible, opt for biodegradable, non-nano, reef-safe products and avoid rinsing sunscreen into natural water bodies.
This question reflects a larger shift in how we think about sustainable skincare — and it’s one we should keep asking. Every small step matters.
🌙 How to Clean Your Skin at Night If You Wear SPF
Even indoors, sunscreen forms a film that needs to be gently removed at night. Here’s a simple, effective method:
- First cleanse with raw milk or a gentle oil like sesame or almond (especially for Vata skin)
- Wipe thoroughly with cotton until clean
- Follow up with a mild cleanser (optional if milk/oil cleaned well)
- Pat dry and use your moisturizer (e.g. Shat Dhaut Ghrita)
🧪 Compared With Other Popular Sunscreen Options
I also looked into brands like:
- Hyphen by Kriti Sanon – Well-formulated with niacinamide and peptides, but slightly pricier
- Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50 – Excellent UVA/UVB protection, but not always moisturizing enough for dry skin
- Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen – Very good for barrier repair, slightly heavier texture
- Earth Rhythm Gel Sunscreen – Good ingredients but may feel sticky to some
📝 Final Thoughts: What Should You Use?
If you’re someone:
- Who mostly stays indoors
- Has dry or combination skin
- Needs barrier repair (pigmentation, dullness, mild aging)
- Wants to combine sunscreen + moisturizer in one step
Then a mineral-based SPF with niacinamide and soothing emollients is your best bet.
Verdict:
Sunscreens are not the enemy. When chosen wisely, they become one of the most effective tools in preserving your skin’s glow, youthfulness, and even tone. A good product, when evaluated thoroughly, can be good long-term companions for your skin — if the ingredients and your skin type align.
So, don’t fear daily sunscreen. Just make it smart, soothing, and suitable.