Can You get a tan through glass?

If you`re sitting inside but the sun is shining on you through the glass, can you gat a tan like this?

13 Comments

EgyptianWonder
on February 6th, 2012

No.

Standard window glass is Soda-Lime-Silicate glass which absorbs UV light. The mechanism is based on loosley bound electrons absorbing light of energies slightly above the visible spectrum (where UV begins). Certain glasses can transmit into the UV, or what we call the UV edge, but these are specialized glasses and would not be found in a home or car.

To ensure glass doesn’t transmit UV light, Cesium is often added, which because of its valency (electron configuration) causes shap absorption bands in UV.

Iron impurities also prevent UV from transmitting through glass.

So as you can see, there is a fair amount blocking UV from transmitting through glass, and if you need further proof I’ve done spectrographic studies where I’ve passed light of varying wavelength (energy) through glass and measured how much is transmitted. I can assure you not enough UV light passes through commercial glasses to allow you to tan.
HighMaintenance
on February 6th, 2012

Yes, although the glass will filter out most of the UV rays. It would probably take a while to actually notice any color.
MindsEye
on February 6th, 2012

Depending on the type of glass, (ie uv ray reducing), you can get a tan through it.

Pure glass can transmit UV Rays and give you a tan although it will take more time as the UV is diminished.

It is a safer way to tan as it is more gradual.

If the glass is convex or the shape of a paraballa like a magnifying glass, then you will increase the UV rays and burn.
Fly
on February 6th, 2012

Yes i always do through my glass roof car! just watch you don’t burn too its so much easier as the glass magnifies
FollowTheLeader
on February 6th, 2012

yes. you can burn.
its healthier for your skin to use tinted moisturiser once a week, unless you like wrinkle.
ok, ok, i agree real tans look and feel better
Bambi
on February 6th, 2012

yep you can, as long as the glass is transparent. it would be almost similar to sitting outside in the sun.
RollingSands
on February 6th, 2012

Yep you can, less than direct sunlight but still works!

That’s why i have a constant tan line round my neck because i travel in my car a lot with work….looks a bit odd when it gets really dark – even worse than a t’shirt tan!
Dolphinswimmer
on February 6th, 2012

Well Paul H, this is very interesting question you have asked. Our answer is hidden between the lines. Now. If you relaly think about it, you ABOSLUTELY cannn get tan through glass. It alllllll happened 49 years ago, when i was about 56. I sitting on a stool overlooking central park zoo. I noticed and young boy holding a balloon. All the sudden, it popped and the young cried. This is why you can get tan through glass, using the quadratic formula: X= tan through glass (squared) times 9. THank you paul, and have a nice day. Love……………………….KJaura

we should meet up sometime!!!!GIVE ME A CALL

911
Erin
on February 6th, 2012

Yes, in the summer thanks to the car I always get one arm more tanned!
StarGirl
on February 6th, 2012

No, don`t be silly
Cashsplash
on February 6th, 2012

Yes, I think so. I have gotten a mild sunburn on one side of my face & arm facing the driver’s side window while doing a long road trip during hot sunny weather. I suppose it would be reduced somewhat by window tint, and it certainly wouldn’t be even because of the limited angle of exposure.
SkateRForeveR
on February 6th, 2012

oh yes…a little less potent than direct sunlight
Gunship
on February 6th, 2012

Yea have you not seen close encounters of third kind pfffff