In short: car and window glass stops UVB but lets most UVA through, and UVA penetrates deep into the skin. Daily exposure behind glass adds up to premature ageing, dark spots and skin cancer. Every Iceberg shade, light or dark, rejects 99% of UV. That is what "Because We Care" means.
What UV does to skin
Ultraviolet (UV) is the part of sunlight you cannot see or feel as heat. Two kinds reach the ground:
- UVB acts on the outer layer of the skin. It is what causes sunburn.
- UVA penetrates deeper. It slowly damages collagen and the DNA of skin cells: the skin loses its glow, wrinkles earlier, develops dark spots, and the risk of skin cancer rises. UVA cannot be felt, so the exposure often goes unnoticed.
The World Health Organization lists UV radiation as the main cause of skin cancer, and Indonesia, on the equator, has a UV index in the "very high" to "extreme" range around midday for most of the year.
UV passes through ordinary glass
Most people feel safe from the sun once they are inside a car or a room. In fact ordinary glass stops almost all UVB but lets most UVA through. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology (2016) measured 29 cars and found windscreens blocked an average of 96% of UVA because they are laminated, while side windows blocked only 71% on average, and under 50% in some cars.
So skin that catches the sun through a car side window, a window at home or an office window still receives a dose of UVA every day, without the burning that would normally warn you.
UV exposure inside a car
In a car, the arm, hand, neck and the side of the face next to the window get the most exposure. A US study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2010) found skin cancers more often on the left side of the body, the driver's side there. In Indonesia, where the steering wheel is on the right, it is the right arm and the right side of the face. Ride-hailing drivers, chauffeurs, field sales staff and anyone who drives long distances every day have the most to gain.
UV also fades dashboards, seats and door panels. UV-rejecting film slows that down, but the main reason is the people inside.
At home and in the office
Large windows, glass doors and a desk by the window give the same UVA exposure, only for longer: hours a day in the same spot. Iceberg film for homes and apartments and for offices and buildings rejects UV at the same rate as the car film, and keeps furniture, wooden floors and artwork from fading.
Iceberg: 99% UV rejection on every shade
UV rejection does not depend on darkness. The nano carbon layer in Iceberg film rejects 99% of UV on every shade, from the nearly clear ICEBERG 20 for windscreens to the darkest ICEBERG 90. You do not need a dark film to protect your skin.
| Shade | Colour | VLT (light through) | UVR (UV rejected) | TSER (total heat rejected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICEBERG 20 | Glacier Blue | 70% | 99% | 60% |
| ICEBERG 40 | Emerald Black | 32% | 99% | 74% |
| ICEBERG 60 | Emerald Black | 23% | 99% | 77% |
| ICEBERG 80 | Emerald Black | 7% | 99% | 81% |
| ICEBERG 90 | Midnight Black | 5% | 99% | 83% |
With no metal in the film, Iceberg does not reflect and does not interfere with phone or GPS signals. Full specifications are on the products page, and VLT, UVR and TSER are explained in the glossary.
Everyday protection
Window film protects you while you are behind glass. For full protection, dermatologists recommend:
- UV-rejecting window film in the car, at home and at work, especially on the side that gets the most sun.
- Sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, reapplied every 2 hours outdoors.
- Protective clothing, a hat and UV-rated sunglasses outdoors.
- Have a dermatologist check any mole or patch that changes shape, colour or size.
Iceberg film is installed by official dealers with a 5-year warranty. Prices by shade and car size are on the price list.
FAQ
Does ordinary car glass already block UV?
Partly. Glass stops almost all UVB, but ordinary side and rear windows let most UVA through, the UV that penetrates deeper into the skin and causes premature ageing and contributes to skin cancer. Laminated windscreens block far more UVA than side windows.
Do light window films also reject UV?
Yes. UV rejection does not depend on how dark the film is. Every Iceberg shade, including the lightest ICEBERG 20 (70% VLT) for windscreens, rejects 99% of UV.
How much UV does Iceberg window film reject?
99% on every shade: ICEBERG 20, 40, 60, 80 and 90, for cars, homes and buildings. The figure is on the official specification sheet and is the same for home and building film.
Does window film replace sunscreen?
No. Window film protects you while you are behind glass: in the car, at home or at the office. Outdoors, keep using sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing as dermatologists advise.
Why can skin still get sun damage inside a car?
Because UVA passes through ordinary side windows and the skin is exposed for a long time without feeling hot. Drivers who spend hours on the road are most exposed on the arm and the side of the face next to the window.