Spring break is just around the corner, and many of us are gearing up for exciting travel plans. While packing your sunscreen might already be on your checklist for lounging poolside or hitting the beach, did you know it’s just as important to protect your skin during your flight? At Advanced Dermatology, we want to remind our patients that UVA exposure at high altitudes is a real risk, even while sitting in an airplane cabin.

Airplane windows may block UVB rays, which cause sunburn, but they offer little to no protection against UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin, contributing to premature aging and increasing your risk of skin cancer. At cruising altitude—where planes fly around 30,000 feet above the ground—the thinner atmosphere provides less protection from the sun, and the intensity of UVA exposure is significantly higher. Pilots and frequent flyers, for example, have been found to have an increased risk of melanoma due to this heightened exposure.

If you’re seated by a window during your flight, you’re directly in the path of these harmful rays. Even brief periods of exposure during a single flight can accumulate over time, putting your skin at risk. That’s why applying sunscreen before boarding is just as crucial as when you’re spending a day outdoors.

For optimal protection, we recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for products containing ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide a physical barrier against UVA and UVB rays. EltaMD® UV Clear ($43, 1.7 oz), skinfo® Pure Protection Ultra ($43, 4 oz), and Alastin® Hydratint ($24, 0.4 oz; $76, 3.2 oz) are a few of my favorites from skinfo®. Don’t forget to reapply if your flight is particularly long or if you plan to do some sightseeing immediately after landing.

At skinfo®, we’re passionate about raising awareness of everyday sun protection, whether you’re on the ground or in the air. If you’re planning your spring break getaway, prioritize your skin’s health by incorporating sunscreen into your travel routine. And if you have questions about the best products or how to protect yourself, we’re here to help!