Finally, the sun shines into the office again. Quickly move the desk closer to the window and nothing stands in the way of a beautiful "sunny day". But can you actually get sunburn through the window? Here's what you need to know about it!
Who doesn't like to sit by the window and enjoy the warm rays of the sun tickling your nose. Especially when you spend a lot of time in the office and can't get out.
Or how about a soothing nap in the conservatory?
The warming rays are a blessing for the skin - especially after the long, dark and cold winter days.
But should you take the precaution of applying sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned? Is the light that falls through the window pane really enough to make the skin turn red?
I've done my research and tell you everything you need to know about it and a little more.
Table of contents
What are the UV rays and what are the differences?
Before we go into more detail about whether or not you can get a sunburn from the window, you should know the different UV rays.
In total, the sun emits three different types of radiation: UVA, UVB and UVC.
The difference to the radiations is made by the wavelengths.
The rays move with oscillations in different frequencies. So how fast the electromagnetic rays oscillate changes their property. There is short-wave radiation and long-wave radiation. The UV radiation belongs to the short-wave one.
UVC rays
This radiation plays the least role for us. Most of the UVC radiation is absorbed by the atmosphere of our planet.
So harmful for humans are the UVA and UVB rays.
UVB rays
UVB rays are primarily responsible for the Formation of vitamin D and for the Responsible for tanning the skin. They are responsible for giving us sunburn.
In the worst case, the rays cause the cornea to thicken and cancerous cells to form.
UVA rays
UVA rays have more energy and penetrate deeper into the skin - to the dermis.
Until a few years ago, it was thought that only UVB radiation was harmful to the skin.
However, this is wrong: UVA radiation in high doses can cause consequential damage such as premature skin aging, pigment spots, sun allergy or skin cancer.
So you should not expose yourself to radiation unprotected for a long period of time.
Look here: "Do beta carotene capsules protect against sunburn?“
Can UV rays pass through glass?
Yes, sun rays can pass through glass. You probably know this from colored furniture or curtains. When they are exposed to the sun, they fade over time.
This is due to the UV radiation of the light, which has a special effect through the glass.
When short wavelength rays strike objects, they can damage their surfaces.
But how does it work?
Electrons orbit around the nucleus in the atom and are tightly bound to it. The rays with the right wavelength can release the electrons from their atomic bond by releasing their energy.
The molecules break down in the process. However, this starts at wavelengths in the UV range.
UV rays not only fade and destroy the surface of furniture and clothing, but are also dangerous for our skin.
But do we risk sunburn by sunbathing behind the window?
Can I get sunburn through the window?
It is highly unlikely that you will get a sunburn through the window. Glass panes absorb most of the UVB components of light. The rays that are responsible for sunburn therefore do not reach our skin in the first place thanks to the panes. This also applies to car windows and skylights.
Nevertheless, it can happen that the skin is damaged when sunbathing behind the window pane. A small amount of UVB rays can pass through glass. If you have sensitive skin or are out in the sun for the first time after winter, you can get sunburn through the window.
However, skin damage is also possible without UVB rays. This is where UVA rays come into play. They are hardly filtered by the glass. The transmission of UVA radiation through window panes is about 60 percent.
If they come into contact with the skin long enough, they can cause the same damage as sunlight hitting unprotected skin from the outside.
So you don't get sunburn through the window, but wrinkles and age spots. In addition, the probability of developing skin cancer increases.
Can I tan behind the glass?
Window glass blocks UVB rays for the most part. UVB rays are responsible for giving us a summer complexion.
So you can't tan behind the glass.
Even car windows or the glass in the conservatory absorbs UVB rays. So even here there is no danger of sunburn or the possibility of getting a tan.
Who is most at risk when sunning through a window?
Even if you can't get sunburn through the window, the skin should not be exposed to the sun's rays for long periods of time.
Long, direct exposure to the sun can not only cause sunburn, but also increase the risk of skin cancer.
People with fair skin types and also children are particularly at risk. Here one should pay attention to a special protection to avoid damage to the skin.
How can I protect myself from the sun's rays?
The body can repair itself to a certain extent and heal the sunburn. But so that this is not necessary, you should use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
Sunscreen is also useful if you can't get sunburned behind the glass. It blocks UVA and UVB rays.
The cream absorbs the radiation before it hits the skin. But attention: Do not use expired sunscreen! This no longer protects you sufficiently.
If you don't have sunscreen on hand, avoid sunbathing in front of the glass. If this is not possible, make sure that the glasses are UV-opaque and protect yourself with long clothing.
In addition, there is a special sunscreen film, for windows as well as car windows, protect from the UVA and UVB rays.
What positive effects do UV rays have on our health?
UV light is not only harmful to us, but can also have a positive effect on our skin.
The effect of UV rays are divided into two categories:
- Photopathological effect: Here, unwanted physical reactions are triggered by UV rays. From skin redness to skin cancer.
- Photophysical effect: These are positive effects such as the stimulation of vitamin D production.
Sunlight is very important for us. This is because vitamin D is the only nutrient that we can only absorb to a very small extent from our diet.
A maximum of 15 percent of the storage can be filled with it. We can only fill up 85 percent if we actively go out into the sun.
Vitamin D through the window to form and refuel, however, is not possible. Therefore, you should definitely go out in the sun in spring and summer. 10-15 minutes is quite enough for this.
Our conclusion
Getting a sunburn through the window is not possible. Nevertheless, you should be careful. A small amount of UVA rays can pass through the window and damage your skin. Therefore, protect yourself from the sun's rays even behind the glass.
All the best for you!
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