UVA rays slip through car side windows every day—here’s why your left cheek might be paying the price, and how to stop it.
New England Journal of Medicine
The famous truck driver photo from the New England Journal of Medicine (published April 2012) always stops people in their tracks. A 69-year-old delivery driver (some reports name him William McElligott) spent 28 years on the road, and the left side of his face ended up looking decades older—deep wrinkles, sagging leathery skin—while the right side stayed relatively smooth and youthful. It was determined to be unilateral dermatoheliosis, severe photoaging from chronic UVA exposure through the driver's side window.
The Stark Asymmetry Explained
Essentially, the left side of his face was constantly bombarded by Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays that transmit right through standard window glass, penetrating the epidermis and upper layers of the dermis. This led to gradual thickening of the skin, destruction of the elastic fibers (which is why those deep wrinkles and aged appearance set in), and overall breakdown over more than 25 years of daily routes. The right side? Mostly shaded by the cab interior, so it stayed protected and looked much younger. No burns, no immediate pain—just silent, cumulative damage.
Why UVA Is the Sneaky Culprit
Unlike UVB (which causes sunburn and is mostly blocked by glass), UVA penetrates clouds, glass, and deeper into the skin. It accounts for up to 95% of the UV radiation reaching Earth's surface, staying consistent year-round during daylight hours. While UVB gets blamed for many skin cancers, UVA induces substantial DNA mutations and direct toxicity too—contributing to cancer risk over the long haul.
Real Scenarios Where This Sneaks Up on You
- Your daily commute that lines up with morning or afternoon sun—same cheek catching rays every single day.
- Rideshare or delivery gigs: hours parked or idling with windows down or up, but UVA still filtering in.
- Crisp winter drives—cold air tricks you into thinking UV is low, but it's not. UVA intensity doesn't drop much seasonally.
A Practical Protection Plan That Actually Sticks
Dermatologists and prevention experts keep it straightforward, and it aligns perfectly with how we build routines at AELIA.
Start with a reliable broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen—zinc oxide sits on top like a shield, starts working right away once applied evenly (no 15-20 minute wait like some chemical ones). Make it a non-negotiable morning habit, like brushing your teeth. Reapply on longer drives, especially if you're in and out of the car or the sun's hitting hard.
Focus on the hot spots: left cheek, jawline, nose, ears, hands, and that left forearm resting near the window. Add UV-blocking window film with proper certification (not just any tint—regular tint cuts glare and heat but often skimps on UVA). Wraparound sunglasses with full UV protection help the delicate eye-area skin too.
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Where AELIA Fits Into Your Road & Runway Routine AELIA was created by a pilot tired of sunscreens that felt greasy and non-hydrating. Our Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is made with mineral filters (non-nano zinc), loaded with pink microalgae antioxidants and squalane for hydration. It's TSA-friendly, leak-proof, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin. Built for altitude-intensified UVR but perfect for ground-level commutes. |
FAQs
Does sunscreen matter on cloudy days?
Yes. UVA is present whenever it is light outside, and short exposures add up. Also, UVA can pass through standard glass and contribute to photoaging over time, even when the skin does not feel warm.
Is the windshield enough protection on its own?
No. Windshields usually block more UVA than side windows — which is exactly why the side window becomes the weak point.
Will window tint fix the problem?
Not necessarily. Ordinary tint helps with glare, but only UV-specific films are designed to filter UVA effectively.
Why does AELIA emphasize travel and altitude?
Because pilots and frequent flyers live beside windows. Altitude increases UV intensity. Those conditions shaped the product — and everyday drivers benefit from the same protection.
Is a higher SPF necessary inside a car?
No, a higher SPF isn't strictly necessary inside a car compared to outdoor direct sun exposure—but consistent use of a good broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) is key, especially for longer drives or frequent commuters.
Are hands really at risk on the steering wheel?
Absolutely. They sit close to windows for long periods. Keep SPF in the glove box or use driving gloves for longer trips.
Can makeup with SPF replace sunscreen while driving?
Makeup can contribute, but most people do not apply enough to cover exposed areas. Sunscreen works best as the base layer.
What’s the easiest solution for frequent drivers?
A mineral SPF in your car, UV-rated window film, wraparound sunglasses, and the habit of reapplying on long routes.
Bottom Line (and a Gentle Reminder)
You don't need a total overhaul, just smart, repeatable layers. A tube of good mineral SPF in the glove box, some UV film if you're in the car, and the awareness that your left side is getting extra hits. Small upgrades, big difference over time. Wear sunscreen even when it's cloudy; UVA doesn't take days off. Your skin will thank you on the next long haul—whether it's 35,000 feet or I-5 traffic.
Sources
“Levels of UV-A Light Protection in Automobile Windshields and Side Windows,” JAMA Ophthalmology. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2522190
Health Physics Society, “Does solar UV penetrate window glass.” https://hps.org/publicinformation/ate/q12082/
Skin Cancer Foundation, “UV Window Film & Tint.” https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/uv-window-film/
University of Utah Health, “Car Windows Won’t Protect You From UV Rays.” https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2025/05/car-windows-wont-protect-you-uv-rays
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, “Sunscreen use while driving.” https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622%2812%2902372-9/abstract
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance, “Pilot Ultraviolet A Exposures in the Cockpit of Flying Commercial Aircraft.” https://asma.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/amhp/96/9/article-p803.xml
