Brit drivers are risking sunburn and skin cancer on their right side even with the windows CLOSED
The majority of motorists are unaware of just how vulnerable they are to harmful skin damage - and with temperatures continuing to soar, more are at risk
BRITISH motorists are risking sunburn and skin cancer on their right side while driving in the sweltering heat.
And it doesn't matter if you have your car windows closed, experts have warned.
Long-term exposure to the sun while driving can lead to wrinkles, skin leathering, brown "age"; spots and even cancer.
And with Britain experiencing one of the hottest summers on record, the risk is even higher for motorists.
Even when on the road for a short period, drivers should protect themselves with sun cream to fight against harmful UV rays coming through the windscreen and windows.
But a study by Confused.com found more than a quarter of motorists admit to suffering sunburn in the car - and more than 10 per cent said they roll down the windows to catch a tan.
More than half of Brits aren't aware of the damage the sun can do to your skin even when the car windows are rolled up.
Skin cancer charity Melanoma UK warned glass, just like clouds, doesn't protect you from all UV radiation.
The sun's damaging rays can still pass through windows putting motorists at risk of sunburn and skin cancer - especially on the right side of their body.
Skin on the right side (driver's side) in cars receives up to six times the dose of UV radiation compared to the shaded side.
And while glass does block UVB - the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn - it allows UVA to pass through.
UVA accounts for approximately 95 per cent of the UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
What is the difference between UVA and UVA?
UVA: These make up 95 per cent of the rays that reach Earth and are less intense than UVB.
They have equal intensity during daylight hours and can pass through clouds and glass.
UVA rays penetrate skin more deeply than UVB and play a part in skin aging and wrinkling.
Recent studies have also revealed UVA damages skin cells called keratinocytes in the outer layer of the skin, where most skin cancers occur.
UVA contributes to and may even trigger the development of skin cancers.
UVA causes skin tanning, too, which can cause cumulative damage.
A tan is in effect the result of skin damage caused by the sun - the skin produces more of a pigment called melanin to protect itself.
Tanning booths primarily emit UVA.
UVB: This is the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn and damages the skin's outer layers.
UVB plays a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and photoaging.
Intensity of UVB rays vary by season, location and time of day (at their height during summer and around midday).
On reflective surfaces like snow or ice, UVB rays bounce back so they hit the skin twice.
Unlike UVA, the UVB rays don't significantly penetrate glass.
It can penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and is responsible for the immediate tanning effect and contributes to skin ageing and wrinkling.
For a long time it was thought UVA rays couldn't cause any lasting damage but recent studies strongly suggest it may also enhance the development of skin cancers.
Car windscreens do have special protection to block UVA rays but the side and rear windows still allow them to come through.
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Leading dermatologist Dr Christian Aldridge carried out an in-depth skin examination on the right side of drivers' face, shoulders and arms compared to the left using UV photo technology to pick up areas of sun damage invisible to the naked eye.
Results taken from one van driver in South Wales detected pre-cancerous cells on his right forearm - the arms most typically exposed to the sun - which was consequently treated.
The research also highlighted the protective benefits of sunscreen when driving.