Frequent fliers know how tough travel can be on your skin. And while social media has played a role in normalizing the use of in-flight face masks and multi-step moisturizing routines, many of us are still skipping the SPF when we fly. This left us wondering: Should you wear sunscreen on a plane? We asked experts for their opinion and to help break down the risks associated with UV exposure at 30,000 feet. Keep scrolling for dermatologists’ recommendations for travelers and their top picks for in-flight sunscreen.
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Are UV rays stronger on a plane?
While any dermatologist will tell you that sunscreen should be worn year-round as UV rays are present regardless of the weather or temperature, double-board certified dermatologist Dr. Danny Guo says that UV levels at high altitudes are much stronger than on the ground. “There is a 2% increase in UV radiation per 1,000 feet increase in altitude,” says Dr. Guo. “Given that the average flight is around 30,000 to 40,000 feet in altitude, this is a 60-80% increase in UV radiation levels compared to the ground.”
Unlike other types of radiation (like electromagnetic or beta), UV rays are unique in that they accumulate over time. Aside from short-term effects like sunburn, prolonged UV exposure is notoriously responsible for increasing your risk of skin cancer. Not to mention, triple board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano says, “with repeated skin damage, the signs of skin aging such as hyperpigmentation, sunspots, wrinkles are accelerated.”
Wearing sunscreen on your next flight doesn’t just apply to passengers but also the flight crew. “Pilots and flight attendants have a higher risk of skin cancer,” says Dr. Turegano, who points to a 2019 meta-analysis that found these occupations experience twice the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers than the general population. Further, if you think a short flight sans sunscreen won’t hurt, Dr. Turegano says that the impact of UV rays can cause a sunburn within 15 minutes of exposure.
Should you wear sunscreen on every flight?
To be clear: You should be wearing sunscreen on every flight, regardless of the duration, time of year, or proximity to the window seat. And if the route is a long-haul, you should be reapplying every two hours.
“Sunscreen oxidizes over time, so reapplying ensures its effectiveness remains strong and fresh,” says Alexis Robertson, a licensed esthetician, who advises her clients to reapply every hour. “This way, when you step off the plane, your skin is still well-protected,” she says.
While sunscreen is certainly the most important step of a pre-flight skincare routine, Robertson advises that layering antioxidants and hydrating products under the sunscreen can help keep your skin balanced and protected from stress while traveling. “The dry cabin air depletes moisture, reduces circulation, and increases puffiness, while poor air quality exposes the skin to oxidative stress from pollution—which leaves the skin in a vulnerable, stressed state,” says Robertson, who recommends an application order of: Vitamin C serum; a hydrating serum, like hyaluronic acid; moisturizer to seal everything in; and finally, sunscreen.
Dermatologist-recommended sunscreen:
If all this sounds too overwhelming or too complicated, the minimalist flier should seek out a two-in-one moisturizer with SPF or a sunscreen that’s formulated with antioxidants and other skin-nourishing ingredients. To help narrow down the best in-flight sunscreens, we asked these skin experts for their preferred product recommendations; discover their top picks below.
The bottom line: If you’re traveling in the near future and don’t have time to purchase a new product or already have your own favorite, Turegano says: “Honestly, any sunscreen is better than none, so if there is one that you already enjoy and use consistently, then keep doing that.”
