If you’re outside in the sun on a sunny, hot day, you probably know the dangers associated with too much exposure to the sun and the importance of sunscreen.
What about driving or riding in your car? You may think it’s not a problem because the sun is only shining on your face or the area near the window.
Sun exposure inside the car is just as harmful as exposure outside.
Does Windows provide protection from the sun’s UV rays?
UVA/UVB
UVB radiation is the primary cause of sunburns. It can also lead to skin cancer.
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays and cause premature wrinkles and skin aging. These rays increase your risk of skin cancer.
While UVA rays are blocked by normal windows, UVB rays will still pass through.
Even if you’re near a sunny car window or home window, you may not burn, but UVA rays can still cause damage.
Your left side is more likely to develop skin cancer
UV-linked skin tumors (malignant melanomas and Merkel cell carcinomas) are more prevalent on the left than the right side in the US. Driving will usually expose the left side to more sunlight.
Skin cancer is more common in other countries, where drivers sit on the left side of the vehicle.
Although there are other factors that may have contributed to this difference, it is most likely due to the time spent driving in the daytime, without sunscreen.
How You Can Reduce Your Risk
It may initially seem odd to apply sunscreen before driving or riding in a car, but it will reduce your chances of getting skin cancer. This will help keep your skin younger, and reduce wrinkles and premature ageing. To get the best protection, use sunscreens marked “broad-spectrum” or “UVA/UVB”.
You should also consider your driving direction, and the position of the sun at that particular time.
The sun rises in the east when you drive in the morning. You will need to wear sunscreen and sunglasses if you’re driving east. The sun is to the left of you if you’re driving south. If you’re traveling north, it will be on your right.
The sun will set in the west at night, so you will see the sun on your face if driving west. The sun is to the right of you if you’re driving south. If you’re driving north, it will be on your left.
It is possible to purchase UV-protection films for your car’s windows, but you should check your local laws first before installing tinted films.
Lastly, you should be aware that if your windows are down and you’re driving, you will be even more exposed to UV rays from the sun, since there is nothing blocking them.
