Can You Get Sunburned Through a Window? The UVA Glass Lets In
Glass blocks UVB, so you won't burn at your desk, but the UVA streaming through still ages skin and raises cancer risk.
Standard window glass blocks most UVB but lets a large share of UVA through, which is why drivers and window-seat workers accumulate aging and cancer-linked exposure over time.
University of Utah Health experts warn that car windows do not reliably protect you from UV rays, since the UVA that passes through glass still contributes to skin aging and cancer.
Questions we get a lot
Can UV rays come through a window?
Standard window glass blocks most UVB but allows a significant amount of UVA to pass through. UVA is the wavelength most associated with skin aging and also contributes to skin cancer risk. That means you can accumulate meaningful UV exposure even while indoors or in a car.
Should I wear sunscreen while driving or sitting by a window?
Yes, applying a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is a smart precaution. University of Utah Health notes that car windows, especially side and rear ones, do not reliably block UVA. Drivers and window-seat workers can build up unnoticed exposure that adds to long-term aging and cancer risk.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Do I really need sunscreen if I sit by a window all day at work?'