Sun Safety: Can You Get Sunburnt Through a Window?

There are many questions when it comes to sun safety. Do windows protect from UVA/UVB sun damage? How do airplane windows differ from car windshields? We answer all these sun safety questions and more with the help of skincare experts.

What are UVA and UVB Rays?

When it comes to sun safety, there are two wavelengths that we focus on the most. Those wavelengths are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). Both UVA and UVB work together to cause DNA damage and serious health concerns like skin cancer.

UVA Rays

UVA rays are associated with skin aging and penetrate deep into the dermis. According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, UVA makes up 95% of all the wavelengths that make it to Earth. UVA is what is responsible for skin tanning.

UVB Rays

UVB rays on the other hand make up only 5% of the UV rays that reach the Earth. However, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center, “UVB damages skin cells and causes DNA mutations that can eventually lead to melanoma and other types of skin cancer.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do windows protect from UVA/UVB sun damage?

The answer to this one is a bit tricky. As mentioned above, UVA rays can penetrate glass windows whereas UVB rays, for the most part, cannot. This means that while UVB rays may not be able to fully penetrate glass, more than 50% of UVA rays, the main cause of premature skin aging, can. This stat is noted by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

So, what about a car windshield?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, by law, front windshields must be treated to filter out most UVA. However, even if the front windshield is treated, damaging UV rays can still penetrate from the side and rear windows.

How do airplane windows differ from car windshields?

Car windshields are made of glass. For the most part, airplane windows are often made of polycarbonate plastic. This fact coupled with the higher altitude makes flying at 30,000 feet for an hour equivalent to a 20-minute tanning bed session (1, 2). This sobering statistic is according to a 2015 study published by JAMA Dermatology.

Why is it important to use broad-spectrum sunscreen?

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVA rays. That is why it is imperative to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, especially when you’re 30,000 feet up! If you’re looking for a quick protective solution, don’t forget UPF 50+ clothing also offers broad-spectrum protection.