Why You Should Apply Sunscreen Before Every Car Ride

Buckle your seatbelt, adjust your mirrors and don’t forget to apply sunscreen. While it might not seem necessary, your daily drive could expose your skin to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, leading to premature aging, skin damage, and even increased risk of skin cancer.

Here’s why wearing sunscreen before getting in your car is an essential step in your routine, plus other ways to protect your skin on the road.

Why Sun Exposure in the Car Matters

Car windows offer limited protection against the sun’s UV rays. According to Hyemin Pomerantz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, windshields typically block about 96% of UVA rays, but side windows only block around 71%.

Two Types of UV Rays

• UVA rays: Cause wrinkles, premature aging, and can penetrate deep into the skin.

• UVB rays: Responsible for sunburns and superficial skin damage.

While UVB rays are mostly blocked by car windows, UVA rays still pass through, making prolonged time in the car a hidden source of skin damage. This is why drivers often develop more sun damage on their left side, including higher rates of left-sided skin cancers and cataracts, according to a 2016 study in JAMA Ophthalmology.

How to Protect Your Skin While Driving

1. Apply Sunscreen Before Getting in the Car

A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Here’s how to use it effectively:

1. Cover All Exposed Skin: Apply sunscreen to your face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and the backs of your hands. Don’t forget SPF lip balm for your lips.

2. Choose the Right Sunscreen:

   • Chemical sunscreen: Apply 10–20 minutes before driving to let it activate.

   • Mineral sunscreen: Works immediately by creating a physical barrier.

3. Avoid Heat Damage: Don’t store sunscreen in your car, as high temperatures can degrade its effectiveness.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Clothing adds an extra layer of protection:

• Long-sleeved shirts or sun-protective fabrics can safeguard your arms.

• Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses protect your face and eyes.

• Consider UV gloves, such as those from Coolibar, to shield your hands.

3. Use UV-Blocking Window Film

Installing transparent UV-blocking film on your car windows can reduce UVA exposure by up to 87%, according to a study in the Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants. However, this option may require professional installation and could be subject to state regulations on window tinting.

4. Try Sun Shades

For a simpler solution, use attachable sun shades for passenger windows. While they’re not suitable for the driver’s side, they’re great for minimizing sun exposure for passengers or kids in the backseat.

Why It’s Worth It

Daily sun exposure, even through a car window, contributes to cumulative skin damage over time. Protecting your skin while driving is just as important as wearing sunscreen outdoors, especially for regular commuters or long road trips.

Adding sunscreen to your pre-drive routine ensures your skin stays healthy and protected from the hidden risks of UVA exposure. Share this tip with friends or subscribe to our newsletter for more lifestyle advice.