Driving a car exposes your skin to a variety of chemicals and some of them are harmful for your skin. A car’s windshield can only withstand a certain amount of sun exposure and a long driving session can result in the driver’s skin taking significant damage from the harmful UV rays of the sun. For that reason, UV protection for drivers is very important. In this blog, we explore how harmful UV radiations can damage your skin and how you can protect skin from the sun.
Why Sun Protection is Necessary in the First Place
Whenever you go out in the sun, your skin is exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun. These radiations seep in and damage the cells in your outer skin. This can result in temporary damage or permanent DNA damage leading to genetic disorders and skin related diseases like skin cancer and melanoma. For that reason, it is important to go out in the sun with maximum protection.
Dangers of Sun Exposure While Driving
On a hot summer day, a car’s temperature tends to rise quickly going as high as 65-70° Fahrenheit. Moreover, a car’s windshield blocks 96% of the harmful UV rays while the side windows only block 71%. These numbers might not seem as incidental on paper but when applied practically, they can create a huge impact on the health of human skin. This is apparent in the portrayed images of a 69-year-old truck driver from the US, whose face took 20 times more sun damage from the driver’s side. Apart from wrinkly skin and premature aging, sun exposure can also create lasting impacts on human skin including skin cancer.
3 Ways to Protect Skin From the Sun While Driving
Necessary precautions should be taken at all costs when it comes to sun protection. Here are 3 ways you can protect yourself from sun damage while going on a drive.
Wear Protective Clothing
This might be a no-brainer but protective clothing is one of your best defenses against the heat of the sun. Pay special attention to the most vulnerable areas of your body like your neck, hands, eyes, and your face. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, wide brim hats to protect your head and neck, and driving gloves to protect your hands.
Apply Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen works wonders when it comes to sun protection. It protects your skin by either absorbing the harmful radiations and releasing them as heat or scattering them when they hit your skin. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before exposure and reapply after every hour or so for maximum protection. When it comes to the best sunscreen for driving, there is no perfect answer. It all depends on your skin type and use cases.
Use Window Shading
Last but not least, window shades provide excellent protection from the sun blocking as much as 99% of the UV rays from penetrating your car. This protects your skin and reduces the sun’s glare for a more effective and enjoyable driving experience.