Skip to content
Travel — Fitness-and-exercise — Lifestyle — Health-and-wellness — Skin-care — Science

Air Travel Skin Protection Advised: UV Radiation Presents Threat in Flights; Dermatologists Recommend SPF Application

Travelers advised to apply sunscreen during flights due to increased UV radiation at high altitudes, according to skincare professionals.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Airborne UV rays pose a threat to travellers at high altitudes; skincare advisors advise regular...
Airborne UV rays pose a threat to travellers at high altitudes; skincare advisors advise regular SPF application during flights for adequate protection.

Air Travel Skin Protection Advised: UV Radiation Presents Threat in Flights; Dermatologists Recommend SPF Application

**"Heading for the skies this summer? Be cautious of a less talked about travel hazard: elevated UV exposure at altitude. Skin gurus are giving out a stern warning - passengers are exposed to harmful UVA rays, even within an aircraft cabin, making SPF a must-have in your travel arsenal.

Paula, a skincare maven from The Derma Lab, in collaboration with Cult Beauty, alerts us that many people fail to recognize the surge in UV exposure at high altitudes. Airplane windows only partially block UVA rays, the main culprits in skin aging and damage. "Imagine you're seated next to a supercharged sun bed, especially if you're near a window," Paula explains. In addition to the cabin's low humidity which strips moisture from your skin and exaggerates vulnerability, even brief flights can take a toll. "It's not just about that first impression off the plane; regular exposure to this environment can gradually harm your skin's overall health," Paula adds.

The UK's Civil Aviation Authority revealed that at 30,000 feet, UV radiation levels can spike significantly, surpassing ground levels due to less atmospheric protection. A 2015 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology claimed that pilots and cabin crew are hit with UV exposure equivalent to tanning bed sessions, underlining the importance of protection during flights. For passengers, particularly window seat-dwellers, the risk is real, although less intense.

To help travelers safeguard their skin, Paula shares her curated skincare routine for both short and long-haul journeys. Here's her step-by-step guide:

Skincare routine for radiant skin during air travel

  • Cleanse before taking off: "A fresh canvas is vital," says Paula. "Cabin air already saps moisture from your skin, leaving behind makeup, SPF, or pollutants can clog pores and exacerbate inflammation." She suggests using Jordan Samuel Skin The Matinee Gel Cleanser, infused with green tea and chamomile to cool and balance skin.
  • Hydrating mist pre-flight and mid-flight: Cabin air zaps moisture swiftly. Paula advises opting for Zelens Provitamin D3 Fortifying Mist, which bolsters skin barrier with antioxidants and provitamin D3, providing a refreshing boost during the flight.
  • Hydrating serum: "Serums are your skin's hydration boosters," Paula explains. "By layering a serum beneath your moisturizer, you maximize hydration while amplifying antioxidant protection." Decree Perfect Elixir Serum, enriched with niacinamide and vitamins C and E, illuminates and reinforces your skin against oxidative stress.
  • Moisturize and SPF: "People often assume SPF isn't required aboard, but UVA rays filter through clouds and glass - and they're the wrinkle-causing ones," Paula emphasizes. Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50+ serves as a moisturizer and broad-spectrum sun protection, blending effortlessly without creating a greasy residue.
  • Onboard top-ups: Pack a face mist like Odacité Hydra Mist Vitalize Rose + Neroli to rejuvenate skin, LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask for supple lips, Grown Alchemist Restorative Hand Cream for hydrated hands, and Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF50 Reapplication Mist for weightless SPF touch-ups. "It's designed to be used over makeup or bare skin, making it convenient to stay protected without causing a mess," Paula notes.
  • Post-flight recovery: Upon landing, cleanse to eliminate grime, then apply Paula's Choice Calm Repairing Serum to counteract redness, followed by a barrier-reinforcing moisturizer and SPF. " Your post-flight skincare ritual is equally crucial - it helps restore and support your skin as you transition into a new environment," Paula advises.

Dermatologists also underline that UV threats reach beyond flights. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends daily SPF use, as UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and glass year-round. For regular flyers, accumulated exposure could accelerate skin aging and increase skin cancer risk, making Paula's routine a sensible precaution.

With summer travel in full swing, incorporating SPF into your carry-on could be as essential as your passport. By heeding these expert tips, travelers can disembark with healthier, glowing skin, eager to enjoy their destination."

[1] Skin cancer and UV radiation: http://www.dhss.alaska.gov/DPH/Chronic_Disease/CancerProgram/Pages/SkinCancer.aspx[5] UV radiation and flying: https://www.mayoclinic.org/skin-cancer/expert-answers/faq-20058063

  1. Recognizing the increase in UV exposure at high altitudes during travel, skincare expert Paula from The Derma Lab collaborates with Cult Beauty to emphasize the importance of SPF for protecting skin during flights.
  2. To combat the moisture-stripping cabin air and harmful UVA rays, Paula shares a skincare routine for both short and long-haul journeys, including cleansing before takeoff, using a hydrating mist, applying a hydrating serum, moisturizing with SPF, and performing post-flight recovery.
  3. Beyond flights, dermatologists advise regular application of SPF year-round, as UVA rays can penetrate clouds and glass, potentially leading to skin aging and increasing skin cancer risk, especially for frequent flyers.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest