WHY YOU SHOULD BRING SUNSCREEN ON EVERY FLIGHT YOU TAKE

There are a lot of dos and don’ts when it comes to taking care of yourself during a trip, but even the well-prepared traveler might be overlooking one major safety precaution: wearing sunscreen on airplanes.

Despite being inside, sitting on an airplane leaves you more exposed to the sun’s harmful rays than you may realize.

“Although plane windows can block UVB rays, UVA rays can still pass through and given the elevated level, the UV rays don’t have to travel as far to cause damage and can be much more intense at higher altitudes,” NYC-based dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College Dr. Marisa Garshick told Travel + Leisure.

While pilots and cabin crew are at a higher risk than the average traveler due to prolonged stints in the air, all passengers – especially those in window seats – should take the strength of the sun at higher altitudes seriously.

While flying, Dr. Garshick says, “It is important to protect from UVA rays in addition to UVB as UVA rays can lead to skin aging as well as skin cancer.”

She recommends “finding a sunscreen that is broad spectrum, which provides coverage for both UVA and UVB, and at least SPF 30. The sunscreen should be applied approximately 30 minutes before flight and you should remember to reapply every two hours, especially if you are traveling on a long flight.”

As long as your sun-shielding products fit the TSA’s 3.4-ounce limit, both creams and sprays are allowed on planes in your carry-on bag.

For a fast-absorbing sunscreen, try: Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence, $11 at amazon.com.

If you travel with makeup on, check the label to make sure it’s at least broad spectrum SPF 30 as well, and reapply every two hours the same way you would a regular sunscreen.

Something like: DR Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm, $39 at sephora.com.

Dr. Garshick cautions, however, “Most makeups don’t fully meet the requirements, in which case it would be fine to use an additional sunscreen on top. There are some sunscreen powders, like Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen, which can be easier to apply in these cases.”

Find it here: Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen, $64 at colorscience.com.

If your skin gets dry on flights because of the drop in humidity, you can apply a moisturizer with SPF to restore your skin’s hydration while combating harmful radiation.

One option: Coola’s Classic Face Sport, $32 at sephora.com.

Don’t forget to reapply during your flight!