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Hey there, fellow travelers! Let’s chat about something you might not have considered before—wearing sunscreen on flights. Yes, you read that right. Sunscreen isn't just for beach days and poolside lounging. It’s a must-have for your in-flight skincare routine. So, grab your boarding pass and let’s talk about why sunscreen is a high-flying essential.
In-Flight UV Exposure
Here’s a fun (or maybe not-so-fun) fact: Flying at 30,000 feet can expose you to a surprising amount of UV radiation. Research has shown that pilots flying for just 56.6 minutes at this altitude get the same amount of UV-A radiation as a 20-minute tanning bed session. That’s a lot of UV-A rays! Why But, what about UVB rays? Well, the windows in the passenger cabin are built of robust 3 layers of plastic fiber that filter out virtually all of UVB radiation.
Can You Get a Sunburn in an Airplane?
UVB rays are the ones that give you sunburn. Since airplane windows block most of these rays, you do not get a sunburn on a flight. But this leads to an obersver's biase-no sunburn, no UV exposure, right? Wrong!! Research shows that UV-A rays can pass through airplane windows, and at cruising altitudes of 30,000 to 40,000 feet, the intensity of UV radiation can be up to twice as strong as on the ground. Flying over clouds or snow can increase this exposure further, reflecting up to 85% of UV rays.
Since UV-A rays are still getting through most airplane windows, due to their longer wavelength, the risk is real! UVA rays are also carcinogenic like UVB. UVA which penetrate deeper into your skin and can lead to aging and skin cancer, can still get through. So while you might not come off the plane with a sunburn, those UV-A rays are still sneaky.
Do You Need to Wear a Sunscreen on the Flight even if the Weather is Cloudy?
thick clouds or snowy areas are even worse. These can reflect up to 85% of UV radiation back at you. Imagine the sun hitting you from all angles. Yikes!
The Risk of Melanoma
Pilots and Cabin Crew: A Case Study
Let’s talk numbers. According to a meta-analysis, pilots and cabin crew have about twice the incidence of melanoma compared to the general population. If the pros, who are up in the air all the time, are at higher risk, it makes sense for us occasional flyers to take precautions too.
Indoor Tanning and Skin Cancer: The Parallel
According to a study from JAMA Dermatology, pilots flying at 30,000 feet for just under an hour are exposed to UV-A radiation levels equivalent to a 20-minute tanning bed session. While there are no direct studies linking flight-related UV exposure—mainly because air travel has only become routine in the past century—we can draw meaningful comparisons from existing research on artificial UV exposure. Notably, the use of tanning beds (prodominantly UVA) even occasionally, is linked to a roughly 20% increased risk of melanoma. Although passengers don't face the same intensity of exposure as pilots, they still encounter a measurable amount of radiation during flights.
Addressing the Doubts
But What About Ionizing Radiation?
I hear you—what about that ionizing radiation during flights? It’s true that flying exposes you to low levels of ionizing radiation (even at night), but that’s a different issue from UV exposure. Frequent flyers and flight crews follow specific protocols to mitigate these risks. For the average passenger, the immediate concern is UV-A exposure, and sunscreen can help with that.
Practical Tips for In-Flight Sun Protection
Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Slather it on all exposed skin—your face, neck, and hands.
Reapply: On long flights, reapply sunscreen every two hours. Cabin air is dry, making your skin more susceptible to damage.
Window Shades: Keep the window shades down when you’re not enjoying the view. This can significantly reduce your UV exposure.
Protective Clothing: Wear clothing with built-in UV protection. Long sleeves and scarves can add an extra layer of defense.
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FAQs
1. Do I need sunscreen if I'm flying at night?
No, you don't need to wear sunscreen in an overnight flight. But you should still consider applying sunscreen if you’re flying during twilight hours or if your flight spans several time zones. UV exposure is highest during daylight, but protection is never a bad idea.
2. Can I use any sunscreen on a flight?
It’s best to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50 and PA+++ or higher. Look for formulas that are easy to reapply and travel-friendly. Stick sunscreens or compact lotions are great for in-flight use, but require multiple passes over same site to give the same protection as a regular sunscreen.
3. What about makeup with SPF?
Makeup with SPF is a good start, but it’s often not enough. Most people don’t apply enough makeup to get the full SPF protection (none of us are applying "two fingers" worth of makeup every day, thrice a day, are we?) Layering a proper sunscreen underneath your makeup is the best approach.
4. Does sitting in the aisle seat reduce my UV exposure?
Sitting in the aisle seat might reduce your direct exposure to UV rays coming through the window, but UV-A rays can still scatter throughout the cabin. It’s better to be safe and apply sunscreen regardless of your seat choice.
5. Are there any other ways to protect my skin during flights?
Absolutely! Besides wearing sunscreen, you can wear full sleeved clothes or UPF clothing, a face mask and sunglasses with UV protection. Hydrating your skin with a good moisturizer or face mist can also help counteract the dry cabin air.
Fly Smart, Stay Protected
Next time you board a plane, remember that UV protection is just as important as your carry-on essentials. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can keep your skin safe and healthy, even at 30,000 feet. So, slather on that sunscreen, sit back, and enjoy your flight with peace of mind!
Safe travels, everyone!
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