Sunscreen for Your Commute (Yes, Really)
The drive and the walk add up over a lifetime.
Standard auto glass blocks most UVB but lets much UVA through, and up to about 80% of UV can pass through clouds on an overcast commute.
Dermatologists note that UVA passing through side windows can drive cumulative aging on the driver's-side face, which is why daily sunscreen matters even when you're not 'in the sun.'
Questions we get a lot
Does UV come through car and office windows?
Yes — for UVA. Standard window glass blocks most UVB but lets a large share of UVA through, and UVA is the wavelength that drives premature aging and contributes to skin cancer. That's why daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is worth wearing even on days spent commuting or indoors near windows.
Do I need to reapply sunscreen during a normal commuting day?
Reapply about every two hours of real sun exposure and after sweating. For a typical commute and a day mostly indoors away from windows you usually don't need to reapply, but a single morning application also wears off — so top up if you're driving for long stretches or sitting by a sunny window.
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for daily wear?
Neither is universally better. Mineral (zinc/titanium) sits on the skin, is photostable and often suits sensitive skin, but can leave a white cast. Chemical filters are usually lighter and more cosmetically elegant for everyday use. The best daily sunscreen is a broad-spectrum one you'll actually wear and apply generously.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Does UV really come through my car windows on my commute?'