Do Windows protect you from the sun's UVA rays?

Many people falsely believe they’re shielded from UV exposure as long as they’re indoors, but research suggests otherwise. While window glass may block UVB radiation, much of the UVA spectrum is allowed to penetrate.

UVB rays don't beyond the superficial skin layers. These rays are responsible for delayed tanning and burning; in addition to these short-term effects they are the rays that are responsible for sun damage that causes premature ageing of your skin AND significantly promotes the development of skin cancer. 


UVA rays account for approximately 95 per cent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface. These rays can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and are responsible for the immediate tanning effect. They also also contributes to your ageing and wrinkled skin. 

After observing that melanoma had been increasing among fair-skinned, indoor workers since before 1940, a team of FDA scientists reported in 2009 that the increased cancer risk could be explained by the sun’s UVA rays penetrating window glass in office buildings.

In a recent study published online by JAMA Dermatology, researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that airline pilots flying at 30,000 feet are exposed to the same amount of UVA radiation over the course of about an hour as they would in a 20-minute tanning bed session, due to the longer UV wavelengths penetrating airplane windshields .

You too may be receiving more UV exposure behind glass windows than you realize. Some suggestions to help protect yourself include:

• Wear a daily moisturizer such as Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Triple Defense Treatment that has a broad spectrum SPF 30 protection. It contains a clinically proven concentration of powerful peptides to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and visibly firm skin while providing effective broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
• In your office, consider adding window blinds or shades
• If you can, re-position your desk, and
• wear protective clothing

As always for all your skincare needs pop by my Rodan + Fields website. If you have questions about regimens or are interested in the business opportunity send me a message from my site....Would love to connect....Sue