Health

This Unbelievable Photo Will Make You Want Sunscreen This Summer

For years, the American public has been warned of the damaging effects of the sun’s UV rays.  As children, we may have run around sunscreen-less (the horror!), but now, one photo demonstrates what countless other scientific studies have failed to convey.

In the picture an unnamed truck driver is directly facing the camera, and one side of his face looks decades older than the other.

Care to guess which side?  Yes, the side exposed to the truck’s window and therefore, the sun.

Check out the picture from the New England Journal of Medicine below, via Gizmodo:

69 Year Old Truck Drivers Face Shows Sun Damage on Window Side | New England Journal of Medicine

The 69-year-old spent more than 25 years as a truck driver, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, and the Northwestern University doctor who studied him concluded: “The biggest take-home message from all of this is that you can get UV radiation through window glass even if you are just running an errand.”

The Journal continues to explain the science behind the picture:

A 69-year-old man presented with a 25-year history of gradual, asymptomatic thickening and wrinkling of the skin on the left side of his face. The physical examination showed hyperkeratosis with accentuated ridging, multiple open comedones, and areas of nodular elastosis. Histopathological analysis showed an accumulation of elastolytic material in the dermis and the formation of milia within the vellus hair follicles. Findings were consistent with the Favre–Racouchot syndrome of photodamaged skin, known as dermatoheliosis. The patient reported that he had driven a delivery truck for 28 years. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays transmit through window glass, penetrating the epidermis and upper layers of dermis. Chronic UVA exposure can result in thickening of the epidermis and stratum corneum, as well as destruction of elastic fibers. This photoaging effect of UVA is contrasted with photocarcinogenesis. Although exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays is linked to a higher rate of photocarcinogenesis, UVA has also been shown to induce substantial DNA mutations and direct toxicity, leading to the formation of skin cancer. The use of sun protection and topical retinoids and periodic monitoring for skin cancer were recommended for the patient.

One thing is for certain– the man is a great reminder as to why investing in a bottle of sunscreen is probably a good idea, as the summer starts heating up.

(H/T: Business Insider)

Comments (140)

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  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:47pm

    Personally I think it is more genetics.. my mother side of the family has awesome skin and my fathers not so great, Although his mothers wasn’t to bad.. some of us have better skin than others! But now I wonder… because some of us spent more time in the sun than others.. maybe that is why??

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:00pm

      I’m wondering why all older, long time, truck drivers don’t look like this. People have been driving trucks a lot longer than sunscreen has been available. He has some kind of vitamin deficiency.

      That, or someone install the exhaust pipe incorrectly. : )

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Unc68
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:46pm

      Applying sunscreen reduces your Vitamin D production by 99.9%. Reduction of Vitamin D causes many health issues.
      Don’t trust so called science, because most of the data is skewed to sell you crap you do not need.
      This is one case that they are trying to make into a whole freaking theory.
      I am in the medical field and I don’t trust most medical studies.

      Report Post »  
    • Gorp
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:11pm

      I’m a retired truck driver of over 36 years on the road. I will be 66 in July and people have mistaken my age for in the 50′s. It does have a lot to do with genetics. If it didn‘t then just about everybody who’s ever been outside would look pretty much like that. We got along for how many thousands of years now? Some people have good lives, some don’t. This was probably a study done by the sunscreen people to sell more sunscreen. OK. OK. The New England Journal of Medicine. But hey, lots of those groups believe in Global Warming too…

      Report Post » Gorp  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:13pm

      @UNC68
      You’ve presented two rather outlandish claims that I think require some justification.

      1) “99.9% of your VitaminD intake comes from the sun.” I know you do receive Vitamin D from the sun, but 99.9 sounds REALLY high. Please provide citations.

      2) “Reduction in Vitamin D *causes* health issues.” Correlation and causation are two very different things, but I’d even be surprised if you could prove correlation. Please provide citations.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • Gorp
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:22pm

      I also eat Whole Milk, Real Butter, Lots of Bacon, Lots of Doughnuts, Lots of Ice Cream, Lots of Eggs, Lots of McDonald’s and Burger King. They all taste good! Am I going to die?

      Report Post » Gorp  
    • Noonien_Soong
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:44pm

      You are right. If this guy was driving west during the daytime and driving home to the northeast at nite this would happen.
      As far as genetics, there are categories of skin color, White skinned people are more susceptible to skin damage than olive skinned or negroid people from either Africa or aboriginals from Australia.

      Report Post » Noonien_Soong  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:49am

      Gorp
      some day….

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • ThoreauHD
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 1:40am

      @VoteBushIn12

      If he has to explain to you that your body can not synthesize Vitamin D without sunlight, then what could he possibly tell you that would make you comprehend anything deeper than that.

      You have no biology or medical background. He might as well be telling a squirrel how to sing an opera. So how about this for a solution. You are the ignorant one. You look it up, read medical textbooks, take cellular and molecular biology and then you too can know these things. See, it’s simple.

      Report Post » ThoreauHD  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 4:15am

      ThoreauHD

      Thanks for that .. you took the words out of my mouth.

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 6:06am

      There’s another study out that prolonged use of sunscreen CAUSES cancer, so who are we to believe? I would like to see statistics of skin cancer occurance (vs other cancers, for that matter to see if all have increased) before and after the invention of sunscreen.

      Report Post »  
    • DakotaJoe
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:18am

      @VOTEBUSHIN12:

      When you asked the question I did a 20 second search on line. BUZZLE.com is the first one I found. Here are the side effects of low vitamin D. But go ahead and do your ownresearch before making stupid comments. As for the 99.9% part I dont feel like doing your homework.

      Deficiency of the sunshine vitamin can trigger a wide range of health problems. In children, it can lead to rickets. Rickets is a disease that is typically characterized by bone deformities. On the other hand, adults suffering from this deficiency are prone to osteomalacia, which is a condition that is characterized by the weakening of the muscles and bones. It may cause pain in bones, muscles and joints. Obesity, skin pigmentation or inflammatory bowel disease can also be attributed to a deficiency. Deficiency can also hamper the production of insulin in the body, thereby making one susceptible to type 2 diabetes. As this vitamin also affects the working of our nervous system, a deficiency can trigger psychological problems such as depression or schizophrenia. It is believed that deficiency of this vitamin can also cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Also referred to as seasonal depression, SAD is a condition wherein one may feel depressed especially when winter approaches. However, the symptoms of seasonal depression can be alleviated by taking supplements. Light therapy may also be recommended for people who have been diagnosed with SAD.

      Report Post »  
    • VoteBushIn12
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:29am

      @THOREAUHD

      My question was only in part to seek the answer. I may not be an expert on the subject, but I am an expert in Google Search and already knew the answer to my questions.

      You see, I knew his figures were unsubstantiable and so by asking, “Are you sure that’s right?” I’m really saying, “check your facts”.

      If you really think I’m the idiot, then I have some surprising news for you:
      “Average intake levels for males from foods alone ranged from 204 to 288 IU/day depending on life stage group” – that’s of a total recommended 600 IU/day meaning you get 30 to 50 percent of your Vitamin D from food alone. This opposes the “99.9% from the sun” our friend proposed earlier

      As for causing health risks, the readings I found make no suggestion of the sort. They claim, in some parts, that Vitamin D is correlated the onset of osteoporosis and some cancers, but never go so far as to claim it’s the CAUSE. That would be… what’s the word… “ignorant”?”

      http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamind-HealthProfessional/

      In the future maybe you’ll learn to do your own research before calling me out.

      Report Post » VoteBushIn12  
    • duckwalker
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 8:49am

      I‘m wondering why we all don’t look like this when we get old, truck or car driver, if this is true, which I think it’s a load of bull crap. Almost anything to excess can harm you. Sunshine in moderation is good for you.

      Report Post »  
    • Instigate
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 9:02am

      @ THOREAUHD & DAKOTAJOE –

      I’m not taking a position here either way, but I have to say that the majority of the time when a person makes a claim and then gets offended by someone asking them to substantiate it and/or point out where they learned it or what facts they’re basing it on – chances are they’re full of $h!7 or are just parroting back something they over heard and can’t even remember who they heard it from.

      Don‘t make claims you’re not ready and willing to support. If you’re bothered by people hearing your claims and then asking for the who, what, where, when, why, and how before they buy into what you’re peddling, then just keep your mouth shut.

      Report Post » Instigate  
    • VastRightWingConspirator
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:50am

      GORP
      Yes, some day you will die. Unless you are immortal and are heading to New York for a big sword fight.

      Report Post » VastRightWingConspirator  
    • Jezreel
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 11:56am

      You are correct. Genetics has everything to do with it. I am 60 years old and don’t have any wrinkles yet. All I have is the usual lack of skin firmness but at least no wrinkles. I surfed in the ocean for years too and have been exposed to the sun. I inherited skin from my fathers side. He died when he was 80 and hardly had one wrinkle either.

      Report Post »  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:14pm

      It seams the journal proffers the premiss and conclusion of their “study” with only this single patient/truck driver. This falls way short of proper scientific study to assert any conclusive proof of any hypothesis. As posted by GORP, there are more than just this one patient who would fit into that demographic of truckers. If they had included in the study, let’s say about 500 truckers and some sort of a control group, and more than half the truckers expressed the same skin characteristics, then they may have a leg to stand on.

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
    • PaxInVeritate
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:26pm

      Excuse me… “seems”. Dang spell checker can’t proof read yet.

      Report Post » PaxInVeritate  
    • fiddlefaddle
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:38pm

      I’ll take my chances with the sun over the chemicals in most sunscreens! Look up the benefits of using Astaxanthin – great antioxidant that can provide some protection.

      Report Post »  
    • stanfe
      Posted on July 8, 2012 at 5:19pm

      Hello Gorp. Of course you had to politicize everything. Why are you lying about being a truckdriver? We all know your mom was a lot lizard and that is how you got to spend so much time at truckstops while your mom turned tricks for truckers.
      You are now having selective memory where you are mixing up your mom’s lot lizard days and conjuring up experience as a truck driver
      We know your kind too well. You are a loser. You are fat, worthless and uneducated and you want to come here and sound reasonable and intelligent

      Report Post » stanfe  
  • MOLLYPITCHER
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:30pm

    Sunscreen? No way. I keep our sun screen use to a minimum. I’m not a fan of rubbing chemicals into my skin. I’d rather look old. When I start to turn pink, I get in the shade.

    Report Post »  
    • 22
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:43pm

      I agree. I’ve been a roofer for 25 years and have never used it. Some aloe in the evening and all is well.

      Report Post » 22  
    • ShawnB
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:56pm

      Sunscreen causes cancer and has aluminum. The Blaze is mainstream media now!

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 6:15am

      When I was a teenager, I was jealous that my brother showed his Indian heritage better than me by just having the sun come out and he tanned. I look more Irish, reddish hair and pale pale skin with freckles. I would buy the stuff that was supposed to tan you faster, like putting oil on and frying in the sunlight. Sometimes I would lay out and just squirt water on myself when I got hot. I’m 48 now, and even with going through cancer twice people still guess me in my late 30‘s or early 40’s. It’s heritage.

      Report Post »  
  • NathanHale2
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:11pm

    My left testicle seems to be more tan than my right..?

    Report Post »  
  • Ari Ben TZion
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:07pm

    I’ve lived in Florida most of my life. I rarely wear any sunscreen protection but I should.

    Don’t have any wrinkles yet though.

    Report Post » Ari Ben TZion  
    • ShawnB
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:57pm

      no you should not do your research on aluminum which is the main ingredient for sunsreen. This article is propaganda. check out naturalnews.com and please dont put sunscreen on your body

      Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:04pm

    I remember when I was a kid my father worked driving a cab. In the summer time and he use to have a sunburned left arm and white right

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • prd1
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:03pm

    Stop the fear mongering …It took 70 years for this to happen .
    I think by that age …he doesn’t plan to do any modeling .
    Just once , can the American government do ANYTHING POSITIVE ?

    Report Post » prd1  
  • jakartaman
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:54pm

    Like this happened overnight?
    I am sure he recognized the issue long ago.
    Just did not do anything about it – can’t fix stupid

    Report Post »  
  • face.chewer
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:51pm

    Even I wouldn’t eat that left side.

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:58pm

      Why not it looks like it’s been tenderized,add a little hot sauce and you’re all set.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • LEGION57
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:36pm

    They are saying sunscreen causes cancer now. Anyway- good argument for tinted windows on the old truck. Who puts it on their face? Now- I do! Wear a cap that helps cut it down. Hey he’s 69- lived longer than average.

    Report Post »  
    • ViewPointtt
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:23pm

      The diabolical indoctrination to dupe the worldwide population into believing that the sun’s healing powers must be avoided at all times continues to be bombarded into the “sheeple’s” minds. The sun’s natural, highly beneficial, cost-free Vitamin D (actually a hormone) is critical for a healthy immune system. Subsequently, those that believe this deliberate misinformation will likely die prematurely from a deadly disease… simply by appealing to their superficial vanity. It’s a calculated, decades-long campaign to brainwash the global masses into believing that the sun’s rays are harmful. It is not difficult to imagine how gleeful they are at the malevolent brilliance and ease of their sinister scheme to persuade the “useless eaters” to not only avoid the sun, but to first rub in and bake on toxic, sterilizing chemicals before allowing the sun rays to touch their absorbent skin. Vitamin D has been proven to be far more effective against lethal illnesses, viruses, and radiation then the crippling results of thermotherapy, vaccinations and pharmaceuticals. It could be that significant information was manipulatively omitted such as that this trucker had a stroke, or nerve damage. If the photo of the trucker was not photo-shopped, it would be far better advice to shield the side of an over-exposed face with something non-toxic and temporary, similar to a sun-blinder that extends from a head cap that can be detached or flipped under once the sun goes down.

      Report Post »  
    • 22
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:46pm

      @Viewpointtt. Excellant post

      Report Post » 22  
    • ShawnB
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:59pm

      This article on the Blaze is mainstream media

      Report Post »  
  • jimandcharo
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:32pm

    He was probably low on vitamin ‘D’ & what type of diet did he maintain? Based on this article’s link, I would certainly avoid a sunscreen product:
    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/11/26/vitamin-d-deficiency-recipe-for-disaster-part-2.aspx

    Report Post »  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:28pm

    The dude is two faced

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • Dougral Supports Israel
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:26pm

    One thing I decided long ago is that I am going to live normally and not fear the environment. I believe that our bodies are built to handle a moderate amount of solar exposure. I am not about to slather on sunscreen and wear wide-brimmed hats to mow the lawn. I will not have a pang of fear every time I catch a stray ray. If my face gets a few lines when I am old then so be it. I will have earned them.

    Report Post »  
    • Reavin
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:02pm

      I don’t think it matters for you occasional sun dwellers. However, for myself, as an A/C tech living in the Southwest, I decided a long time ago to wear a long sleeve shirt and a wide brimmed hat on even the hottest days here in Phoenix, AZ. Unless I know I’m going to be in an attic that day, anyway. Not only does it help protect the skin, but, it’s a much more comfortable work day. The sun can drain the energy out of you pretty quickly on a 120+F temp roof.

      Report Post »  
  • sle-uth
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:24pm

    uk; drivers sit in the right seat,
    so how is the left side of his face exposed to the sun????

    Report Post »  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:30pm

      Why do you think he’s from the UK?

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • spfoam1
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:47pm

      New England is not in Europe or part of the UK. So, you graduated from HS in DC with honors?

      Report Post »  
    • BenInNY
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:53pm

      *NEW* England Journal of Medicine. That’s ok, on first read-through I didn’t catch that sentence at all, so you’re ahead of the game by only missing one word.

      Report Post » BenInNY  
  • liberalescheisskopf
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:16pm

    and, it was BUSHES fault! heh, heh…

    Report Post » liberalescheisskopf  
  • bikerr
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:04pm

    Of the 25 yrs, I am going to assume he only drove 1/2 the time with his face exposed to the sun.Which of course makes it even more scary.(not all driving is in full sun).

    Report Post »  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:04pm

    My left arm is always tanner than the right. I will give credibility to this story. I rest my arm on the window sill with windows closed. My face is tan year round. You do get UV rays through automobile glass. But nothing like the tanning mom from NJ.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
  • Joyce61
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:04pm

    propaganda

    Report Post »  
  • NOCLUE
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:03pm

    Most states make it illegal to put tinting on commercial vehicles.They fine you and make you remove it before being allowed to leave……go figure.

    Report Post »  
    • OlefromMN
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:16pm

      Million dollar idea, create polarizing for automobile glass. Microscopic shades that block the direct rays. The glass manufacturers are doing everything possible, but may be running in the wrong direction.

      Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • burnbabylon
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:34pm

      @ Olefrommn
      How about liquid crystal diodes? Expensive but adjustable.

      Report Post »  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:47am

      I have something that works GREAT! It’s called a “wide brimmed hat.” Keeps the sun off your face. Wear it in the yard when mowing. There are too many questions about the relationship between chemicals and cancel. If the UV rays don’t get you, the sunblock will.
      For curiousity, what side of his face does he sleep on?

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 3:04pm

      Go to Wal-Mart and buy a $5.00 stick-on see-through sun shade for the side windows. You can even buy one that is a roll up.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:02pm

    This doesn’t make sense. Did he only drive going West his whole life? With his left side facing the equater?

    Report Post »  
    • JohnDoeSr
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:19pm

      What? How would the right side of his face get equal sun when it is always shaded by the truck cab?

      The side close to the truck window gets the most sun. If he were a truck driver in England it would be the right side that gets the most sun….OK, not that much sun in England, but you get the idea.

      Report Post »  
  • MEESHEL
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:59pm

    I’ve known a few truck drivers… and none of them had that type of condition. I think it must be something else… or at least ‘in addition to’. This doesn’t seem right to me.

    Report Post »  
  • CatB
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:59pm

    Did he drive with the window down .. looks more like wind damage than just sun.

    Report Post »  
  • conservative crane
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:52pm

    Looks like someone who worked hard most of his life. My dad’s face probably would be as shocking to ppl who live where everyone sits at a desk, he was a farmer. Guess it’s a slow news day?

    Report Post » conservative crane  
    • chips1
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:15pm

      When a person reaches 80 or 85, the only thing people are interested in is, can you win American Idol. How you worked hard during your life isn’t important. Liberals have infected this country with cancer. Are you ready for the operation in November?

      Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:52pm

    What happened to the Story… that Sunscreen on the Skin changes in a Chemical Reaction… causing Burning & Cancer?

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:07pm

      How about the guy who got to close to the grill after applying and caught on fire .. it was on The Blaze also.

      Report Post »  
  • RightPolitically
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:49pm

    This won’t stop sun bathing. A tan is sexy and women want one regardless. Men too.

    Report Post » RightPolitically  
  • salvawhoray
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 4:42pm

    Nothing that photoshop can’t fix.

    Report Post » salvawhoray  
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