You wouldn’t lie on the beach without sunscreen, but what about a 20-minute drive across town? Most of us don’t think of driving as sun exposure, but experts say the UV rays coming through your car windows can have a visible, long-term impact, especially on the left side of your face.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified dermatologist in Phoenix
- Dr. David Schlessinger is a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon in Woodbury, NY
- Dr. Janine Hopkins is a board-certified dermatologist in Monroe, LA
“I see more sun damage on the driver’s side compared to the other side of the face. It’s shocking,” says Scottsdale, AZ dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. “You’ll notice brown spots, red patches, fine lines and even skin cancer. Add in heat and side mirrors that offer almost no UV protection, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.”
While most windshields block UVB rays (the kind that cause sunburn), UVA rays can still pass through the side and rear windows. And UVA rays are the ones that lead to deeper damage, like premature aging and skin cancer.
“I’ve seen patients with more pronounced sun damage on the left side of their face, neck and arms just from daily driving,” says Woodbury, NY oculoplastic surgeon David Schlessinger, MD. “This kind of damage builds up slowly, but it’s significant. The left side tells the story.”
How Sun Damage Accumulates
Experts say it’s incredibly common to see uneven sun damage on patients who spend years behind the wheel. “I see more melasma and skin cancer on the driver’s side,” says Dr. Lal. “Especially in men who drive often. Most of these patients don’t even realize it until the difference becomes noticeable.”
Monroe, LA dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD adds, “I’ve had patients come in with more wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and pre-cancers like actinic keratoses on the left side. Pilots are another high-risk group. They spend hours at high altitudes where UV exposure is more intense, and they’re more prone to skin cancer as a result.”
Studies support what experts are seeing in practice, says Dr. Schlessinger. “There’s a well-documented higher rate of skin cancer on the left side of the face in the U.S. When we use our Visia skin analysis machine, the difference is striking, more brown spots, more wrinkles and more evidence of long-term sun damage on the driver’s side.”
What You Can Do
According to Dr. Lal, the best thing you can do is wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even for short drives. “Tinted windows help, but they’re not allowed in every state, and they’re not perfect. I always recommend sunscreen and a good antioxidant like vitamin C or E underneath.”
Mineral sunscreens with zinc or titanium formulas that can handle heat are best, says Dr. Schlessinger: “Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides are especially good for people dealing with pigmentation issues.”
Dr. Hopkins adds that a simple routine tweak, like keeping a UPF jacket or sleeve in your car, can make a big difference. “Put it on your arm before driving. It’s small but effective.”
“Many people are surprised when I tell them their daily drive is aging their face,” adds Dr. Hopkins. “But once they start paying attention, they can absolutely make changes that help.”
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