This Is The One Place You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen To And You Probably Aren¡¯t

The past decade has underscored the importance of incorporating SPF into our daily skincare routines. The damaging effects of UV rays on our skin are undeniable, leading to premature aging, including wrinkles and sunspots, and posing a significant risk of skin cancer.

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Wear sunscreen before boarding a plane

According to Cancer Research UK, nearly 9 out of 10 cases of melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, could be prevented by practicing sun safety measures.

Despite widespread awareness of these risks, a study by Cancer Research UK revealed that only 60% of UK adults who use sunscreen apply it before sun exposure, and merely 37% carry it with them to reapply throughout the day. While we're often reminded to apply SPF when outdoors, there's one location where many of us overlook this crucial step: while flying.

It's logical to assume that UV radiation is heightened at altitudes of 38,000 feet, yet the notion of applying sunscreen before boarding a plane often escapes our minds.

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Window seat can give you wrinkles

As an avid window seat enthusiast, Dr. Maryam Zamani, the surgeon and founder of the MZ Skin line, opened my eyes when she suggested that the window seat could contribute to wrinkles.

Considering the prolonged exposure to UV rays during flights, especially near windows, incorporating SPF into our in-flight skincare regimen is essential. By applying sunscreen before takeoff and reapplying throughout the flight, we can protect our skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, ensuring a safer and healthier travel experience.

¡°Absolutely, sitting at a window seat can increase exposure to harmful UV rays that increase the rate of collagen break down,¡± Zamani says, adding, ¡°Being closer to the sun and its powerful UV rays means that you are at increased risk of skin damage, including skin cancers as well as degradation of collagen.¡±

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Airplane windows can't protect you from UVA rays

While it's true that airplane windows are made of materials designed to block UVB rays, they do not fully protect against UVA rays, which can penetrate glass and contribute to skin damage. Dr Barbara Sturm said that she uses ¡°sun drops SPF 50, because UVA rays penetrate windows¡±.

In our opinion, she¡¯s entirely right: most airplane windows protect passengers from UVB radiation to a certain extent ¨C the kind responsible for most sunburns ¨C but UVA can still get through the windows.

UVA is the type of radiation that penetrates deep into the skin, ageing it by damaging collagen, elastins and inducing wrinkles and sunspots. This is particularly alarming for frequent fliers, as prolonged exposure to UVA rays can cause significant damage and increase risk of cancer.

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