Truck Driver Tips: Skin Protection

It’s officially the heat of summer, which makes it the perfect time of year to pull out the slip n’ slide and enjoy snow cones. But these months also bring the kind of weather that makes it tempting to roll down the window and catch some fresh air and sun while en route. Surely you have your favorite pair of sunglasses ready to keep your eyes shielded from the bright rays, but are you protecting your skin?

Although it may seem a bit silly at first, it’s extremely important that you take measures to protect your skin while driving. Don’t believe us? Check out this news story about one truck driver who has revealed what 28 years of sun exposure can do to the skin. The article shows a photograph of how the left side of the driver’s face has aged from being exposed to the sun, compared to the other side of his face which is far more youthful (the side which would have been in the shade while he drove his truck.)

And it’s not just your face that needs daily sunscreen. Probably all of us have had what we call “driver’s arm” before. You know that moment when you look in the mirror and notice that your left arm is darker than your right? All that time letting your arm rest outside the window can take a toll on your skin, and can be more serious than looking a little lopsided.

A few years ago, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology took a look back at records of over 1,000 people who had been referred to a skin cancer clinic. Guess what they found? Well, it turns out that people who reported spending the most time driving were more likely to get skin cancer on the left side of their faces and their bodies than those who drove less. In fact, of the patients that ended up with the deadliest form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, nearly three quarters of their cancerous tumors were found on the left sides of the bodies. These results were echoed by a similar study by the National Cancer Institute. This means truck drivers should be serious about protecting their skin on a daily basis!

Even drivers who have unusual schedules or who spend a good bit of time in the cab shouldn’t forget to be on the look out for their skin. Luckily, it’s quick, easy, inexpensive to do so — and so worth it. Just apply sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 on the face, neck, and exposed arms before hitting the road. Consider tossing a hat on if you’re heading in and out of your truck a good bit, as well.

It only takes a few seconds to protect your skin and makes a big difference in your health (not to mention it keeps those wrinkles away!) We hope you’ll take this info into consideration and keep on trucking safe for the long haul!

Looking for a rewarding career on the road? Join us at Smith Transport! Smith Transport is an elite fleet with great pay and top-of-the-line equipment. It’s a place where you can develop personal relationships with colleagues rather than being “just a number.” You’ll love it here! Get in touch with our recruiters today at 866-265-3718 or smith-recruiting@smithtransport.com or apply now.

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