Preventing Skin Cancer with Window Tinting

There are plenty of reasons why automotive enthusiasts seek out window tinting for their vehicles. In addition to looking great, dark windows keep your car cooler on hot days and prevent the sun from damaging seats and fixtures.

What drivers often fail to consider is that the same UV rays that can bleach your interior can also wreak havoc on your skin. High-quality window tinting is more than a style choice — it’s an excellent first line of defense against one of the most common kinds of cancer.   

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trucker-accumulates-skin-damage-on-left-side-of-his-face-after-28-years-on-the-road/

Can You Sunburn While Driving?

You may be fastidious about sun protection at the park or on the beach, but most of us don’t consider it in the car. 

While sunburning with the windows rolled up is pretty rare, that doesn’t mean that your skin isn’t taking damage. This is because there are two types of UV radiation, the light spectrum responsible for most skin cancers. 

• UVA, or ultraviolet A, has a longer wavelength and causes subcutaneous skin damage and premature aging
• UVB, or ultraviolet B, has a longer wavelength and causes the skin to burn

Most automotive glass filters UVB rays but not UVA, leaving many people completely unaware of the effect the sun has had during their commute. Unfortunately, the absence of a burn doesn’t mean that you’re protected in the car.

Skin Cancer is on the Rise

The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 1 in 5 Americans will develop some form of skin cancer before age 70. 

An estimated 90% of all skin cancer cases are caused by sun damage. What’s more, researchers have noticed an increased prevalence in left-side skin cancers associated with UV exposure while in the driver’s seat. With the average American spending about an hour inside a vehicle each day, prioritizing UV protection inside your car can have a huge impact on your overall risk.

How Window Tinting Blocks UV Radiation

Depending on the variety you choose, window tint film filters, absorbs, or reflects UV rays so they don’t enter your vehicle. There are several common varieties:

• Dyed window tinting is made up of layers of dark film that absorb light. It is the least expensive variety of window tint, but it offers limited UV protection and fades over time.
• Metalized tinting is composed of small metallic particles that reflect the sun’s rays. While it is more effective at blocking UV radiation than dyed film, it can cause interference with cell and Bluetooth signals.
• Ceramic tinting blocks 99% of UV radiation through filtration. Ceramic particles don’t conduct heat, so drivers can get the same cooling effect with a lighter tint. It also reduces glare and reinforces automotive glass so it’s less likely to shatter in an accident. 

Choose Quality Window Tinting

ATD offers XPEL Prime Automotive Window Film because the ceramic particle technology provides top-of-the-line UV protection and heat rejection without interfering with visibility. 

Because not all varieties of window tint offer the same level of protection, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable automotive detailing specialist before deciding which variety is right for you and your vehicle. 

Try Our Window Tint Simulator

Curious about window tinting? Try it on!

ATD’s window tint simulator can help you visualize different window tint options before you commit. Check it out and see how sun protection can upgrade the look of your vehicle.