Did you know that you should apply sunscreen before boarding a plane? Dermatologists advise that SPF30+ sunscreen should be worn every day to prevent the signs of ageing and skin cancer, and this is even more important when flying.
Even though plane windows are small, they let in a lot of bright light. Pilots are at higher risk of skin cancer and sun-induced skin damage as they sit in direct, bright light and are over-exposed to the sun’s UV radiation on a daily basis.
Pilots wear sun protection as a standard measure, and passengers should do the same. The windows may be small, but you are closer to the ozone layer by tens of thousands of feet when you fly in a plane. UV radiation is much more harmful at this level, and adequate sun protection is necessary to prevent sunburn, skin damage and cancer.
Dermatologists recommend moisturising with an SPF30+ lotion or applying sunscreen every day before heading outside or boarding your flight. This needs to be reapplied every two hours if you are sweating, swimming, or on a long-haul trip.
The best sunscreens are those that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. These are called broad-spectrum sunscreens, and should be applied in a thin film over your body on all sun-exposed areas. Sunglasses can also help alleviate the strain on your eyes when flying.
Learn more about how to apply sunscreen and protect your skin.