When you board a plane for your next trip, your skin is about to embark on its own journey – one with heightened risks from the sun.
The combination of altitude and sunlight means your skin is exposed to significantly more ultraviolet radiation than you’d encounter on the ground, making sun protection just as important in the air as it is outdoors.
Data from a 2015 JAMA Dermatology study showed that an hour inside an airplane cockpit resulted in an equivalent amount of UV radiation to 20 minutes in a tanning bed.
Airplanes fly between 30,000 and 40,000 feet above sea level.
At those heights, the Earth’s atmosphere starts to become much thinner, meaning fewer UV rays are getting blocked.
Additionally, while flying over clouds or snowfields can be beautiful, they also serve as reflective surfaces that bounce UV radiation back up to you, increasing your total exposure.
Windows on airplanes, especially those made of plastic, may block some UVB rays but often allow UVA rays to pass through. UVA radiation is associated with skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer, making it important to take precautions even when you’re inside an aircraft.
How to protect your skin during air travel
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. If you’re in a window seat on an airplane, shut the shade.
- Consider wearing lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to minimize skin exposure.
- Sunglasses with UV protection can help safeguard your eyes from harmful rays.
- Apply lip balm with SPF to protect the delicate skin on your lips.
Staying hydrated also supports skin health, as the dry air in airplane cabins can exacerbate the effects of sun exposure.
How does a passenger’s risk of skin damage compare to the flight crew?
The amount of UV radiation exposure for a passenger is likely less than that of the flight crew – especially pilots in the cockpit.
The cockpit is equipped with a large, forward-facing window, and pilots can regularly operate long-haul flights, resulting in significantly greater exposure compared to passengers.
In fact, a review of 19 research studies that was published in JAMA Dermatology in 2015 concluded that pilots and cabin crews have about twice the incidence of melanoma compared with the general population.
While a passenger’s risk is generally lower than the crew, they should also be aware that even a single long flight can contribute to cumulative skin damage.
It’s best to follow sun protection measures when flying.
How to choose the best sunscreen
- When selecting sunscreen, look for products labeled as “broad-spectrum,” which protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Creams or lotions are generally preferred over sprays for even more coverage.
- If you have sensitive skin or allergies, opt for mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- If you’re traveling abroad, consider shopping for sunscreen with better UV protection.
Other forms of travel pose risks, too.
Whether traveling by plane, train or car, being by a window in daylight for longer periods of time exposes you to harmful UV damage that can increase your risk for skin cancer and sun damage that can lead to early signs of aging.
People who frequently commute or take long journeys by car or train should also be mindful of sun exposure.
You can protect your skin by thinking ahead.
For example:
- Choose a seat away from windows, if possible. Even indirect exposure can build up over long flights. (Flights that cross polar regions have higher UV levels.)
- Use antioxidant-rich moisturizers or serums before your flight to strengthen your skin barrier. Traveling can be stressful for your skin. Aside from UV exposure, planes often have extremely dry cabin air. Consider re-applying your moisturizer while in flight and drinking water.
- Book your travel for early morning or late evening hours when sunlight intensity is less.
For those who travel with children, ensure their skin is protected as well, since younger skin is especially vulnerable to UV damage.
You can help protect your skin’s health now and for years to come.
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