Few people realize that the “safe haven” of a comfortable, air-conditioned car actually poses significant exposure to the suns’ harmful UVA and UVB rays. Most people, when thinking about sun exposure, imaging themselves at the beach or at the pool. But, science has proven that a significant amount of the suns’ radiation does its damage sneakily through the glass of your vehicle, which luckily my profession as a plastic surgeon made me aware of the affects of the sun while in your car.
While most glass on cars effectively blocks the shortwave UVB spectrum of radiation, only the windshield is designed to also block the long-wavelength UVA rays. That means that UVA radiation pours through the glass of the side and rear windows unimpeded, just as if you were outside the car in Atlanta!
Consider that studies have shown that in the US, the left side of our faces typically shows more sun damage in the form of more wrinkles, pigment changes, loose skin, and skin cancer including melanoma. In fact, the left side of our upper bodies receives nearly six times the radiation dose as the right side while sitting in our cars since the left side of the car is the driver’s side. The opposite holds true in countries where the driver’s side is on the right. Again, this is due to the unimpeded UVA rays streaming through the glass of your side windows. So, it is safe to assume that your children, or other passengers in the back seat of your car, are being bombarded both through the side windows and the rear window simultaneously.
Options? Having special window film applied to your vehicle (I did, a board certified plastic surgeon!) can block up to 99.9% of all UV rays. While some states have regulations on window tinting, be sure to understand the laws in your state. Also note that “tinting” doesn’t have to mean making your glass darker. Clear window films are available which effectively block UV radiation and are unnoticeable on your car. Also, never leave home without applying sunscreen on you and your passengers in the vehicle. This is especially true if you drive a convertible (again, I’m guilty!). Adding a brimmed hat is being even kinder for your facial skin. Finally, don’t forget about the loved ones in the back seat of the car. Enjoy the drive throughout Atlanta, and block out the UV!
To minimize the signs of wrinkles, lines or sun spots caused by the sun, cosmetic treatments are available. Non-surgical cosmetic treatments like microdermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing can help revitalize the skin’s appearance. Additionally, depending on the extent of damage or other contributing factors like aging, plastic surgery procedures may be more appropriate. Eyelid surgery can restore the eyes to a more youthful appearance decreasing the appearance of lines and or wrinkles including crowsfeet.
If you are interested in a cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery procedure, contact my practice today to schedule at consultation in the area of Atlanta.