Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. One in five Americans is likely to develop skin in their lifetime and there are more than a million suffering from melanoma. And while you may think it is only sun-worshipers and people who work outside who are the most likely to be diagnosed, it turns out people who drive a lot are the most likely.
But can you get a sunburn through a car window? It turns out you can't. However, that doesn't mean you won't suffer from sun damage.
UVB rays, the UV rays that cause sunburns, are blocked by most windows. However, they don't protect from UVA, the ones which cause sun damage and wrinkles. So, ensuring you are properly protected can cut your risk of cancer down quite a bit.
Let's look at some ways you can stay sun safe and protect your skin while you drive and cut your risk of skin cancer down.
Wear Sunscreen
You should be wearing sunscreen anyway. Doctors and health officials have been saying for years wearing broad-spectrum can help protect the skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. Wearing SPF 30 is recommended for all skin types and even higher if you have particularly fair skin or spend a lot of time in the sun. Also, look for waterproof formulas, especially if you are going to be spending time in the water or sweating a lot.
You should reapply every two to three hours or every time you get out of the water, for the best results. Also, if it is at all possible, stay out of the sun during peak hours of 10 am to 4 pm. This is especially helpful if you are driving because asphalt and concrete tend to intensify the sun's harmful rays.
This means try to schedule your driving times to early mornings or in the evening if you can. If not, set a timer to remind you to reapply to help lower your risk of skin damage and developing skin cancer.
Looking for the perfect suncreen for you? Read this guide for sunscreen sun protection (SPF).
Wear High Protection UPF Clothing
UVF is a rating system given to clothes to help determine how much protection from the sun they are going to provide. The higher the rating the better the protection is going to be. Experts suggest wearing clothes that have a UVF rating of 15 or higher.
They also suggest layering clothing, especially in cooler months, to get the most protection you can. There are also certain colors of clothing that help to protect you from UVA and UVB rays. The darker the colors, the more protective they are against the sun.
This means wearing a dark, rash guards is going to offer you more protection than a tank-top or plain light-colored t-shirt.
Can You Get Sunburned Through a Window? No
So, if you have ever asked "can you get sunburned through a window", you can rest assured you can't. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't still take steps to protect yourself from sun damage. So, apply sunscreen, wear sun hats, and UV protective clothing to stay safe from harmful UV radiation.
For more insights on melanoma warning signs, check out this blog post. Early detection can save your life.
For additional sunburn safety tips and a guide on how to avoid sunburns and take care for already-sunburned skin visit Camping Cooks.