Can You Tan Through a Window?
Sun Myths Debunked
Can you tan or burn
through windows?
This article will help to clear up more common myths around sunburn and tanning so you can better look after your skin in all kinds of sun‑related situations.
In short, yes, it’s possible. UVA rays, which are responsible for tanning, can penetrate through most windows and so contribute to tanning and skin damage. However, the extent of tanning will usually be less intense compared to direct outdoor exposure. It’s important to remember that prolonged exposure to UVA rays, indoors or outdoors, can still harm your skin.
Again, the short answer is yes – although it’s quite rare, you can burn through windows in the case of prolonged exposure. You might not notice sunburn straight away, as it can often be delayed.
In addition, prolonged exposure to sunlight through glass can lead to other skin issues such as skin damage, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It’s important to use protective measures if you're spending extended periods near windows, to minimise potential damage from UVA rays.
Yes, you can. The glass used in car windows is designed to filter out UV radiation; however, it does a far from perfect job. The front windscreen typically blocks most UVA and UVB radiation, while the sunroof and side windows usually let more through – meaning you're more likely to tan or burn from above or from the side than from head on.
A study from 2016 showed that the car windscreen blocks up to 96% of UVA rays vs. only 71% blocked by the driver’s side window*. There are also multiple studies showing that people who spend a lot of their life driving have an increased risk of UV‑induced skin damage.
*Brian S Boxer Wachler, Assessment of Levels of Ultraviolet A Light Protection in Automobile Windshields and Side Windows. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016 Jul 1;134(7):772-5.
Vitamin D production
following sun exposure behind windows
3 factors that influence
tanning or burning through a window
- The type of glass:
The amount of UV radiation that can penetrate the window pane will depend on the type of glass and glazing. Penetration will be different for single‑glazed and double‑glazed windows, and for tinted and untinted windows, for example.
• Single glazing:
Allows more UV radiation to penetrate through the glass, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage for anyone sitting near the window.
• Double glazing:
Offers better UV protection by reducing the amount of UV radiation that can penetrate through the glass, providing a safer (but not completely safe) environment for you when you’re close to the window.
• Window tints or films:
Specific tints or films can be applied to windows to reduce the amount of UV rays that pass through, providing a higher level of protection than standard glass. - Time spent next to a window:The longer you spend in the sun’s gaze, the greater the chances that the sun will have an impact on your skin.
- Skin Type:The amount and type of melanin your skin produces can affect how sensitive you are to UV exposure.
Can you tan
through clouds?
People at risk of
sun damage through windows
People who spend a significant amount of time driving, such as truck, delivery or taxi drivers, are at an increased risk of sun damage through car windows. They spend long hours on the road with significant sun exposure and are advised to reapply sunscreen regularly because of the prolonged sun exposure through windows. Particular attention should be paid to the driver’s side forearm and face as these are usually the most exposed.
Children in the back seat should also have sunscreen applied before the journey, especially if they’ll be sitting near windows. It’s a good idea to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours on a long car journey.
The NIVEA SUN Babies and Kids Sensitive Protect Spray SPF 50+ is a highly effective, water‑resistant sunscreen that’s fast‑absorbing and fragrance‑free. The soothing formula with organic chamomile extract is specially designed for the sensitive skin of children and babies. This spray protects from UVA and UVB rays responsible for sunburn, and helps reduce the risk of skin reactions to the sun.
Another sunscreen option is the NIVEA SUN Kids Ultra Protect & Play Lotion SPF 50+, providing long‑lasting protection against UV rays while being extra water‑resistant. The easy‑to‑apply formula is perfect for putting on kids’ skin before jumping in the car on the way to the beach or lake on a sunny day.
If you work from home or in glass buildings, you can be exposed to significant amounts of sunlight, especially at certain times of the day. If you work near windows, you should apply sunscreen to exposed skin or use window coverings to reduce UV exposure.
Tan Through A Window
Can You Get a Tan Through A Window:
You can still get a tan through a window, as glass doesn’t entirely block the sun’s rays responsible for tanning.
Factors Influencing Indoor Tanning:
Indoor tanning effectiveness varies based on glass type, exposure time, and skin type.
UV Rays and Their Interaction with Glass:
Both UVA and UVB rays are partially blocked by glass; however, they can still sometimes cause sunburn or a suntan in the case of prolonged exposure. Sunscreen should be worn as a protective measure to help prevent skin damage caused by UV rays.
7 sun-myths
debunked
- Myth 1: You can repair the damage done by sunburn with aftersun productsWhile aftersun products can provide relief by moisturising and cooling your skin, it’s important to remember that they don’t reverse the skin damage caused by sunburn.
- Myth 2: The sun is strongest when it’s hottestThe intensity of the sun’s UV radiation isn’t solely determined by the temperature. The sun is typically strongest around solar noon, when it’s at its highest point in the sky. This doesn’t necessarily coincide with the hottest part of the day.
- Myth 3: Tinted windows provide complete UV protectionTinted windows reduce visible light and heat but don’t guarantee complete UV protection. Always check the tint specifications, as some UV radiation may still penetrate.
- Myth 4: Sunscreen lasts all dayBelieving sunscreen lasts all day is a common misconception that can lead to increased long‑term skin damage. Sunscreen is most effective when you apply it generously and top it up regularly throughout the day.
- Myth 5: Sunscreen doesn’t expireSunscreens do have an expiry date. You can check your sunscreen for a small open‑jar icon on the packaging, which shows the number of months the product can be used after opening.
- Myth 6: People with darker skin don’t get sunburntAll skin types can get sunburnt, including darker skin. People with lighter skin tones will often appear red, sore and swollen. Darker skin tones might not change colour but may feel irritated, tender, itchy and sore.
- Myth 7: When you have sunburnt once, the damage is doneExperiencing sunburn doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop skin cancer. The heightened risk stems from the build‑up of unrepaired damage over time. Protecting your skin by seeking shade, covering up, and applying sunscreen can help minimise your risk as much as possible.
Protecting the Skin
During Sun Exposure:
Protective clothing: clothing is your first line of defence. Hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long‑sleeved clothing can help shield you from UV rays.
Timing matters: try to avoid the sun’s peak intensity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re outdoors, seek shade whenever possible and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.
Body sunscreen: protect your body with sunscreen, especially the areas exposed to the sun most often, like your hands and neck.
Face sunscreen: apply face sunscreen daily as a proactive way to look after your skin both indoors and outdoors. Discover NIVEA Invisible Daily Fluid SPF 50+, enriched with Licochalcone, a powerful antioxidant, in an ultra‑light fluid formula that’s non‑greasy and leaves no white residue.
Cool the skin:
Take a cool bath or shower to help soothe your skin. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing, as this can cause further irritation.
Apply aftersun:
After cooling the skin, apply a gentle aftersun moisturiser such as NIVEA After Sun Spray to soothe your skin and offer relief after the sun, helping to hydrate and calm signs of sun‑damaged skin. Avoid products containing petroleum jelly or a high proportion of fatty substances, as they can trap heat and make sunburn feel worse.
Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration, which can worsen the effects of overexposure to the sun. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate your body even more.
Take pain relievers or anti‑inflammatories:
Over‑the‑counter pain relievers and anti‑inflammatory medicines can help ease pain and reduce inflammation associated with sun exposure. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and speak to your doctor if you’re unsure.
Protect from further sun exposure:
While your skin is healing, it’s crucial to protect it from additional sun exposure. Stay in the shade, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen with a high SPF to any exposed skin when you go outside.
Go to the emergency room
In cases of severe overexposure to the sun, go straight to the hospital for professional medical attention.
Protect your skin
from sun exposure with NIVEA sun
Daily sun protection is essential to help shield your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Whether you’re catching the sun through windows or enjoying a day at the beach, using sunscreen helps to minimise the impact of sun damage on your skin.
The extensive range of NIVEA SUN care products includes multiple application formats with SPFs up to 50+. From traditional sun cream lotions that nourish and hydrate skin, such as the NIVEA SUN Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF 50+, to face‑specific solutions that also target particular skin concerns, such as the NIVEA SUN UV Face Specialist Dark Spot Control Fluid SPF50+.
You can also try NIVEA SUN Daily Protect SPF 50+, enriched with antioxidants such as liquorice extract and Vitamin E to help protect the skin, plus hyaluronic acid for smoother‑looking skin, in an ultra‑lightweight formula for normal to combination skin – ideal for daily use.
