Top 5 Reasons to Wear Sunscreen When on an Airplane
When boarding a plane, sunscreen might not be the first thing on your packing list, but it should be! Air travel can expose your skin to intense conditions that are often overlooked. Here are the top five reasons why applying sunscreen before and during your flight is essential:
1. Increased Exposure to UV Radiation at High Altitudes
At 35,000 feet, airplanes fly above most of the atmosphere, which typically absorbs and scatters harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Up there, the protection from the atmosphere is thinner, exposing your skin to significantly higher levels of UV rays. Windows in most airplanes are not designed to block UV-A rays, which can penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage like premature aging and skin cancer. Even if you’re sitting by the window, you are exposed to these damaging rays. Applying sunscreen can be a simple yet effective way to shield your skin from harmful UV exposure.
2. Prolonged Sun Exposure Through Windows
While you might think you’re safe from the sun inside an airplane, window seats are particularly risky for sun exposure. The sunlight streaming through can seem mild, but over several hours, this exposure adds up. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), just 60 minutes of flying at cruising altitude is equivalent to 20 minutes of sunbathing without sunscreen! Sunscreen helps protect your skin from this prolonged exposure and reduces the risk of sunburns, even at high altitudes.
3. Dry Air Exacerbates Skin Damage
Airplanes are notorious for their dry cabin air, with humidity levels around 20%, compared to typical indoor humidity levels of 40-60%. This low humidity can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to damage, including the harmful effects of UV rays. The combination of dry air and UV radiation creates a perfect storm for skin aging and dehydration. Applying sunscreen with hydrating properties helps lock in moisture while protecting your skin from the sun.
4. Reflection from Clouds and Snow
If you’re flying over snow-covered mountains or even large cloud banks, remember that sunlight reflects off these surfaces, amplifying your UV exposure. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV light, and clouds can reflect up to 90%. The reflective nature of these surfaces increases your risk of UV damage, even when it doesn’t seem sunny outside. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen can offer a shield against these unexpected sources of UV exposure.
5. Long Flights Mean Prolonged Exposure
Flights, especially long-haul ones, mean prolonged exposure to UV rays and dry cabin conditions. The longer your skin is exposed, the more susceptible it is to the cumulative effects of UV damage, such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and even increased risk of skin cancer. By reapplying sunscreen during the flight, especially after a nap or before landing, you can ensure that your skin stays protected throughout the entire journey.
In Conclusion
Flying might seem like a skin-safe environment, but the reality is that it exposes your skin to unique risks. UV radiation, prolonged sun exposure, dry air, and reflection from clouds all combine to create an environment that can accelerate skin damage. By applying a good sunscreen before your flight and reapplying during, you can maintain healthier, more youthful-looking skin.
Have questions or concerns? Contact Bad Skin at (415) 669-0888 via TEXT or visit our medspa at 933 Emerson St., Palo Alto, CA 94301 to explore our services. Let’s be bad, but better.
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