Dermatologists Say There's 1 Thing You Should Always Do Before a Flight-and Most Travelers Forget It
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Dermatologists Say There's 1 Thing You Should Always Do Before a Flight-and Most Travelers Forget It
""Airplane windows don't completely block UVA rays, which are the ones that penetrate glass and accelerate aging," says Marnie Nussbaum, a board-certified dermatologist. "Plus, at 30,000 feet, UV exposure increases due to a thinner atmosphere, so SPF is an absolute in-flight essential." The only real exception, she adds, is on long-haul flights where the shades stay closed the entire time. Here's what you need to know about sunscreen on flights, one of the best ways to protect against ultraviolet radiation."
"At cruising altitude, ultraviolet radiation exposure is more than double what it is at sea level. Airplane windows block most UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. UVA rays, which have a longer wavelength, are more closely associated with skin aging and inflammation. "While airplane windows can block some UVB rays, they don't eliminate exposure entirely," Nussbaum says. "UVA rays, on the other hand, can be transmitted through these windows, causing DNA damage that leads to collagen breakdown, premature wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer.""
At cruising altitude ultraviolet radiation exposure is more than double that at sea level. Airplane windows block most UVB rays but allow UVA rays to transmit, which drive collagen breakdown, premature wrinkles, inflammation, and increased skin cancer risk. Window seats place skin closer to transmitted UVA, increasing exposure even on cloudy days or when the sun's heat is not felt. Frequent flyers and flight crews face elevated melanoma incidence. The only practical exception is when cabin shades remain closed throughout long-haul flights. Sunscreen application during flights is advised as a protective measure.
#air-travel #uva-radiation #sunscreen #skin-cancer-risk
Read at Travel + Leisure
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