Tips to protect your skin from UV Ray exposure- [Truckers’ Edition]

Spring is here, and Summer is right around the corner, which means one thing- HOT WEATHER. 

Truck drivers are exposed to dangerous UV rays every day, year-round, and there are some myths about sun damage, but they all have been busted. Science has proved that sun damage is just as bad during the Winter. 

Some common skin diseases/issues/concerns that involve UV exposure include: 

• Skin cancer
• Premature aging of skin/wrinkles
• Leathery skin
• Solar Elastosis
• Actinic keratosis
• Liver Spots

Most of these skin issues are the result of many years of unprotected sun exposure. Of course, how each individual person’s skin reacts to UV exposure will be different. Some issues may take longer to develop and some may never develop. However, there are simple ways to prevent damage, so without further ado, here are 4 tips to protect yourself from sun exposure. 

1- Avoid Peak Hours

The peak time for intense Sun rays is at noon. This means that any time between 10:00AM – 3:00 PM, the sun will be at the strongest. If you have the option to drive in the evenings, your skin will thank you. If you don’t have that flexibility… jump to point number two.

2- Wear sunblock

Protect your skin! Over time, environmental damage to your skin starts to become more noticeable and some truckers have seen significant skin damage on their left side of the face (window side.) Just because you’re inside your cab, doesn’t mean you’re safe from UV rays. Sunscreen is important regardless of the weather as well, those UV rays can still be damaging on overcast days.

3- Install Window Tints

Some window tints can block out almost 99% of UV rays. Plus, you get the added bonus of protecting your interior from UV exposure as well. 

(P.S. Make sure you check your local DOT for commercial vehicle window tinting regulations.)

4- Wear Sunglasses

It is not just your skin; your eyes are affected by UV rays too. While yes, they’re pretty solid accessories, they are protection items that will limit UV rays’ exposure to your eyes.  

We care about all trucker’s physical and psychological well-being… We encourage you to check out some of our other blogs to stay up to date with all sorts of tips for the industry.