Can the sun’s ultra violet rays penetrate through glass and damage your skin? Yes, it most certainly can according to the New England Journal of Medicine. This information is based on a study done by Jennifer R.S. Gordon, M.D. of Northwestern University who determined that the damage done to the above patients’ left side of the face is created by sun exposure through a car window.

During this study Dr. Gordon observed a patient who drove a delivery truck for 28 years and suffered from excessive sun exposure to the left side of his face. In the photo above you can clearly see the difference in the skins texture and collagen breakdown based on the visible wrinkling of the skin. This is proof that the damaging effects of UVA rays from the sun can in fact penetrate through car windows and they can potentially cause sun spots, wrinkling and worse, skin cancer.

This unsightly damage can be prevented however by choosing a sun protection with UVA and UVB protection. In addition to simply applying sunscreen there are other ways you can protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays: According to Skincancer.org “Protect yourself from UV radiation, both indoors and out. Always seek the shade outdoors, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. And since UVA penetrates glass, consider adding flat, tinted UV-protective film to your car’s side and rear windows as well as to house and business windows. This film blocks up to 99.9 percent of UV radiation and lets in up to 80 percent of visible light.”

By using these guidelines and protecting your skin from the sun, you can ensure your skins youthful vitality for years to come. Yes, having a glowing tan is nice but at what risk? Today’s tan is tomorrows aged skin so protect and prevent skin cancer and aging by daily use of sun protection

http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMicm1104059

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel
With special expertise in all aspects of facial plastic surgery, and a particular skill for revision surgery, it’s clear why Dr. Spiegel is one of the most celebrated facial plastic surgeons in the world. If you are seeking the best possible results, or have a uniquely challenging problem, you’ve found the right doctor. Learn more....

Dr. Onir L. Spiegel
Dr. Onir (pronounced “oh-near”) has years of experience in facial aesthetics and treats some of the most recognizable and famous faces. Dr. Onir started her career in oral health, earning doctorate degrees from both New York University and Boston University. She has been the recipient of numerous awards for her cutting-edge medical research as well as her technical skills in dentistry. Learn more....