3 Reasons Why You Need to Wear Sun Protection on Your Next Flight

Did you know that pilots and cabin crew have a higher incidence of developing skin cancer than the rest of the population?

According to a study funded by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health in the United States, pilots and cabin crew that are regularly exposed to ultraviolet radiation may be the cause of having approximately twice the incidence of developing melanoma.

Commercial pilots and cabin crew are more often than not cautioned about UVR exposure when flying; but what about their passengers?

Every time you set foot on a plane without protection, you face the risk of exposure – especially if you are a frequent flyer.

Here are 3 reasons why you need to use “sun protection” on your next flight.

Windows on the plane don’t protect you from ultraviolet light

Skin Cancer Expert and author of the International Best Seller “The Number 1 Guide to Preventing Skin Cancer” Karen Ong (BN, CN) says airline pilots are subjected to intense levels of UVR, especially when the sides of their faces and arms nearest to their respective window are exposed.

“Not everyone is aware of the amount of UVR our skin can be exposed to through side windows and windshields,” Ong said.

“Most people’s definition of being outdoors is when you are outside with open skies above you. But in fact you are actually outdoors unless you are fully protected by walls with a roof over your head…sitting in any vehicle with windows exposes you to various levels of UVR, regardless of tinting or if they are laminated.”

So next time you choose the window seat, make sure to apply sunscreen every couple of hours to exposed skin areas and stay in control of your window shade.

Dose of UVR is a lot bigger when you are flying sky high

When you fly in a commercial aircraft, the UV level is approximately twice that of the surface of the Earth. You are also roughly 10km closer to the sun’s rays.

According to skin cancer specialist Dr James Spencer, for every additional 900 metres above sea level, there is a 15 per cent increase in intensity of UV radiation.
Not only that, there is no cloud coverage to lessen that annoying glare through the windows.

So may we suggest not to think twice about packing sunscreen, SPF lip balm and sun glasses into your carry-on luggage? You will be needing that protection 20 000 feet in the air!

Who wants their skin to age prematurely? Not me, not I

So we have made it quite clear that when flying you ARE at risk of UVR exposure. But are you aware that this exposure can also age your skin dramatically?

“Prolonged exposure to UVR can cause irreparable damage to your skin’s health,” Ong said.

“Most of our wrinkles are caused from just UVR exposure…one thing you can do to significantly reduce the aging process and protect your skin is to make sure the product you are using to moisturise your skin is a broad spectrum UVR protectant.”

So guys and girls, if you are regular a plane traveller we strongly suggest investing in an excellent SPF moisturiser that not only hydrates your skin but prevents your skin from deteriorating.