Staying Protected On The Road - Tips For Avoiding Sun Exposure In The Car

The natural human desire to seek out warm sunlight can turn into an extremely dangerous situation if you've been diagnosed with skin cancer. Even people who have had spots develop that turn out to be benign or non-melanomas understand that recurrences can happen very easily, and it's important to take every step possible to protect your skin in the future.

One place where you may not realize you're vulnerable to sun exposure is in your car. Long drives can be damaging to your skin, and following some of the suggestions below should put you in a position to minimize that exposure and arrive at your destination safely protected from long term harm.

Consider Window Film

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the primary cause of the majority of skin cancers, and unfortunately, the effects from some auto glass can magnify that radiation. As such, long drives on exposed roads can be nearly as dangerous to your skin as sitting in a tanning bed.

In order to avoid the most serious kinds of this exposure, you should consider purchasing and installing window films in your vehicle. These screens adhere directly to the inside of the glass, and should provide you with the adequate visibility you require while also filtering out the most dangerous particles that could damage your skin as you drive.

Avoid Sunroofs and Convertibles

The lure of feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin can be strong, but it can also be damaging to your health. Convertibles and sunroofs often expose delicate skin on your scalp and the back of your neck to radiation in doses that you may not be expecting.

For long drives, it's essential that these coverings stay closed and you stay protected from the sun. Otherwise, you're likely to arrive with a painful sunburn and a greatly increased risk of developing a skin abnormality that could turn out to be cancerous.

Keep Sunscreen Handy

Most people know that when they attend a baseball game or head out to the beach, it's important to keep sunscreen nearby. Your car, however, may not be an environment that you've considered a sun risk. As such, many people don't have easy access to the most basic line of protection when they go on long drives. Keeping sunscreen in your glove compartment is an excellent habit to maintain, allowing you to apply protective layers when you begin to suspect that your sun exposure will be intense.

To learn more, contact a company like TrueSkin Dermatology & Surgery, Inc. with any questions you have.