We love sunshine. The warmth that radiates on our skin and the natural light that casts through our windows positively impacts our moods, energy levels, and overall happiness. There is nothing better than soaking in the sunlight and 3M Window Film can help us do that.

Sunshine’s Harmful Effects

We know that those same rays we enjoy so much also can be damaging to our skin. In fact, the sun can impact us even through our windows. The Skin Cancer Foundation released a report that chronic exposure to UVA rays through windows may accelerate aging by 5 to 7 years. In addition, more than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by the sun.

There is a way to enjoy the sunshine through your windows and protect yourself. 3M Window Films are designed to block up to 99 percent of the sun’s harmful UV Rays. This can help prevent sunburn and skin cancer, as well slow the speed of skin aging over time.

Sunshine at Home or Office

Sunshine through our windows can cause both high temperatures and high energy costs at home. The direct morning or afternoon sunlight casting from a window will naturally cause the temperature to rise. To combat this, air conditioning units begin to work in overdrive.

3M Window Film can block up to 79 percent of the solar heat caused by the sunlight through a window. This means that a room will stay at a more even temperature without stressing your air conditioning unit. This results in lower energy bill and more comfort at home.

The sun’s glare can also cause eye strain. In fact, working on a computer screen or watching television in a room with window light can be difficult. 3M Window Film can significantly reduce glare, which will ease your eye strain so that you can focus on what is important either at home or at the office.

Sunshine in Your Car

Just as window film will cut the glare, provide UV protection, and control the temperature in your home, the same is true for your vehicle.

In vehicles, only the windshield comes with both UVB and UVA protections. That means that the side and back windows are allowing more than 60 percent of the UVA rays from a sun, which can cause sunburn, skin aging, and wrinkles for passengers and drivers sitting in the direct sunlight.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, babies and young children, who have little protective skin pigment, are sitting in the back where none of the glass is providing UVA protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that drivers take precaution with convertibles and vehicles with sunroofs.

Fortunately, 3M Window Film can provide that protection and make traveling more comfortable.

Other Precautions

In addition to adding 3M Window Film, there are other practices that can assist in protecting your skin, including:

• Cover up with clothing. Sleeves and long pants help block UV rays.
• Use broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats and wraparound, UV blocking sunglasses.

For more information about 3M Window Film products for your home, office, or automobile, visit www.AccentDistributing.com.