Essentials For Your Car Hygiene Kit

A car expert highlights the risks of UVB and UVA exposure while driving and shares essential car skincare tips.

Protecting your skin while driving is vital, as constant exposure to the sun can harm your skin, even when you’re inside a car.

Additionally, keeping a small selection of skincare products in your vehicle can help protect your skin, keep you feeling refreshed on the go, and provide a much-needed boost – particularly during long journeys.

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, explains whether cars can shield you from sun damage and offers tips to enhance your vehicle’s protective features.

He also highlights the importance of maintaining a car hygiene kit and shares universally beneficial skincare items for both drivers and passengers.

Sun Damage

While driving, your skin is exposed to two types of UV rays present in daylight – even through a closed window. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can damage the DNA in your skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.

• UVB Rays: These rays are absorbed by the top layer of your skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. Some car windows block UVB rays.
• UVA Rays: These penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature ageing and reducing skin elasticity. Car windows typically do not protect you from UVA rays.

UV rays are emitted year-round, not just when the sun is shining, which is a common misconception. While the rays are stronger during spring and summer, they are still present in winter, albeit slightly weaker. However, this does not negate the need to protect yourself from them when driving during the colder months.

Some car windows are treated to provide UV protection, but it’s important to check with the manufacturer or seller for this information. Even so, these treatments do not offer complete protection, so it’s crucial to take additional precautions to safeguard yourself and your passengers.

The protection car windows offer is limited:

• Windscreens: Laminated glass, commonly used as an industry standard, blocks all UVB rays and some UVA rays.
• Side Windows: Unless explicitly stated by the manufacturer or seller, side windows generally provide minimal or zero protection from UV rays.

To enhance your protection, alongside applying a broad-spectrum SPF that shields against both UVA and UVB rays, consider these car modifications:

• Window Films: Adhesive layers applied to windows reduce glare, heat, and UV radiation. They can block up to 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays. These can be installed professionally or as a DIY project, but some films may be illegal due to the level of tinting, so it’s best to consult a professional.
• Window Shades: Similar to house blinds, these block sunlight physically. They are typically roll-up or pop-up designs used for side windows, making them ideal for shielding children or babies in car seats. Many manufacturers, such as Peugeot, are including them in new models, suggesting that this could soon become an industry standard. 

Car Hygiene Kits

A car hygiene kit is an essential addition to your glovebox or boot, helping you maintain cleanliness and comfort during long journeys.

If you don’t already have one, we recommend assembling a kit immediately. It’s invaluable for managing unexpected messes, addressing emergencies, and promoting skin health.

Beyond basic hygiene items like antibacterial wipes or a mini first-aid kit, it’s crucial to include skincare products.

Driving exposes your skin to environmental factors, particularly sun exposure, and as mentioned, prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays necessitates proper protection.

Here are the essential skincare items to include in your car hygiene kit:

SPF

Regular exposure to UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer, making sunscreen reapplication essential.

Remember that the use of SPF is crucial all year round. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can sustain sun damage in winter just as easily as in summer. Reflective surfaces such as snow, ice, or even driving at high altitudes can increase your risk of UVB damage.

UVA rays are also present even through clouds and fog, making SPF an essential part of not only your car hygiene kit but also your daily skincare routine.

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply throughout the day, even if you applied it in the morning.

Facial Mists

Facial mists are hydrating and referring, but they can also help protect against pollution, a common issue when driving in congested areas. 

• Driving can make your skin feel hot, dry, or dull, especially on motorways, in congested areas, or with air conditioning.
• A facial mist refreshes and hydrates instantly, often with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or rose water. It’s quick and easy to use without needing to rub it in.

Moisturiser

• Air conditioning and open windows can cause dryness. A moisturiser with hyaluronic acid can hold water in the skin, preventing flakiness, irritation, and the tight feeling of dry skin.

Tinted Moisturiser or BB Cream with SPF

• For those who prefer light coverage, a BB cream or tinted moisturiser evens out skin tone while protecting against sun damage. It’s easy to apply without worrying about blending or touch-ups.

Mini Deodorant

• Long drives or hot weather can lead to sweating and odour. A liquid roll-on deodorant is ideal for your car.
• Avoid aerosol sprays, which can be drying and harmful to the environment, and opt for liquid formulas over coconut oil or shea butter-based ones, as these can melt in hot conditions – especially if kept in glove boxes. 

Lip Balm

• Lips are especially prone to chapping from sun exposure, air conditioning, or dry air. A lip balm with SPF protects against UV damage while keeping lips hydrated and soft.

Oil Blotting Sheets

• Perfect for oily or combination skin, blotting sheets remove excess oil and shine without disturbing makeup or skincare. They’re particularly useful during long car journeys, warm weather, or stressful traffic conditions.

By including these skincare essentials, your car hygiene kit ensures you’re prepared for any situation, promoting both skin health and overall well-being while on the road.

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