As a dermatologist, one of the most important pieces of advice I can give is to always protect your skin from the sun. We all know that spending time in the sun can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. But did you know that even when you’re indoors or inside your car, you can still get sunburned?
In this article, we will explore the different ways that you can get sunburned, even through a car window, and what you can do to protect your skin.
Can You Really Sunburn Through a Car Window?
Yes, you can! While car windows do offer some protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, they don’t provide complete protection. The glass used in car windows filters out UVB rays, which are the rays that cause sunburns. However, UVA rays can still penetrate through the glass and reach your skin, causing damage over time.
Furthermore, the UVB-blocking ability of car windows varies depending on the type of glass used. Most windshields are made with laminated glass, which is better at blocking UVB rays than side windows, which are often made of tempered glass. This means that while you may not get a visible sunburn from driving in your car, you are still exposing your skin to damaging UVA rays.
Other Unexpected Ways You Can Get Sunburned
In addition to getting sunburned through a car window, there are other unexpected ways that you can get sunburned. Here are a few examples:
- Reflected Sunlight: Water, sand, and snow can reflect the sun’s rays back onto your skin, increasing your risk of sunburn. If you’re spending time near reflective surfaces, it’s important to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Cloudy Days: Even when it’s cloudy, up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds and reach your skin. Always wear sunscreen, even on overcast days.
- Altitude: The higher you go, the thinner the atmosphere becomes, which means less protection from the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re hiking in the mountains or skiing at high altitudes, make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
How to Protect Your Skin
The best way to protect your skin from the sun is to always wear sunscreen, even when you’re indoors or driving in your car. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
In addition to sunscreen, you can protect your skin by wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats. If you’re spending time near reflective surfaces or at high altitudes, it’s especially important to wear protective clothing.
Finally, remember to seek shade whenever possible. If you’re spending time outside, try to stay in the shade during peak sun hours (usually between 10 am and 4 pm).
Conclusion
Sunburn is a serious risk to the health of your skin. While we all know to wear sunscreen when we’re spending time outside, it’s important to remember that we can still get sunburned through car windows, reflective surfaces, and even on cloudy days. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, seeking shade, and being aware of the unexpected ways you can get sunburned. By taking these steps, you can help prevent sun damage and keep your skin healthy and beautiful.
