As a truck driver, you understand the risks of the job. Be aware of other drivers. Drive slower in the rain. Stay vigilant on the road. But one risk you may not be aware of is the threat of skin damage.
A few years ago, an image of a truck driver with 28 years of driving experience and skin damage went viral. In the image you can see the left side of his face has suffered from years of facing the sun while his right side looks relatively untouched. Truck drivers suffer the same exposure to the sun day after day. And while even minimal sun exposure can cause significant damage to skin over time, many drivers don’t take the necessary steps to protect their skin while on the road.
Signs of skin damage can include freckles, spider veins, and skin spots. The texture of your skin could also be altered due to overexposure, making it feel leathery.
Why does this happen? Too much sunlight causes the collagen in your skin to deteriorate. This prevents your skin from creating new cells to repair itself. Because your skin is your body’s largest organ, it’s important to take care of it. Even if you have already noticed signs of skin ware, it’s not too late to start protecting it.
1.Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen.
Did we say Sunscreen? It seems obvious, but sunscreen is your first line of defense from the sun. And as strange as it may sound, this includes time in your truck. You windows may filter UVB rays, but they won’t stop harmful UVA rays from coming in. As for which one, use your judgement, but starting with SPF 30 is usually enough to keep your skin safe. Also, remember to reapply your sunscreen if you go for a walk, when you stop to eat or when you stop for fuel.
2. Avoid certain times
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. While you may not be able to avoid driving during these times, so make sure you are protecting your skin during those hours. Avoid taking walks and breaks and save those for early mornings and evening hours. Of course, if you do go outside, reapply your sunscreen and stay in the shade as much as possible.
3. Wardrobe adjustment
The simplest way to protect your skin when you’re on the road is to wear clothes that cover your skin. In the summer months, as hard as it is, try to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hats that cover your arms, face and neck. While this method does help, you still need to apply sunscreen to any exposed areas, even your hands.
4. Future so bright, you need to wear shades
Never overlook eye care when It comes to the sun. Even if you cover yourself with sunscreen from head to toe, it still won’t protect your eyes. To avoid sun damage, invest in a pair of sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Wrap-around sunglasses are also recommended for protecting not just your eyes but the skin around them. As you know, having good eyes is essential for a truck driver!