Should You Wear SPF While Flying? Experts Weigh In

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean it’s time to put away your sunscreen. If you’re in the know about SPF, you’re probably well aware of the fact that you should be protecting your skin year round, but did you know it’s also important to wear sunscreen when you’re flying?

Yep, you read that right. If you have a handful of items you always like to fly with – whether it’s an eye mask, a neck pillow, or an entire in-flight skin-care routine – you’re going to want to go ahead and add SPF to that list. Sun exposure can actually be worse when you’re in the air, which makes it all the more necessary.

Ahead, we chat with experts who take us on a deep dive and explain why wearing SPF is so important when you fly. Plus, they lay out a plan for what products to wear and which to avoid while you’re flying. Keep scrolling to learn more.

Experts Featured In This Article

Annie Chiu, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute, a practice located in California.

Jen Breslin is a certified medical aesthetician at SkinSpirit in Newport Beach.

Kunal Malik, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology located in New York City.

A Note on Sun Exposure in the Air

If you’re flying during the day, then yes. “If you are in a window seat, the answer is likely yes, simply because of potential extended exposure in such close proximity to a window and to UV rays, specifically UVA, through the window,” board-certified dermatologist Annie Chiu, MD, tells PS. “Theoretically, you may also be exposed to more UV radiation because of the altitude and reduced UV protection from a thinner layer of atmosphere.”

UVA rays can penetrate windows, and they’re responsible for contributing to premature aging, photodamage, and increased risk of skin cancers. “Multiple studies show that airplane pilots and cabin crew are at increased risk for skin cancer due to their higher exposure to UV radiation during flights,” cosmetic dermatologist Kunal Malik, MD, says.

Do You Need to Wear Sunscreen When Flying?

So, what should you do to combat this? The shortest and easiest answer? Wear sunscreen. “Closing the shade to the window will obviously decrease UV exposure,” Dr. Chiu says. “But often flight crews instruct opening shades at certain times, and some planes now have auto darkening windows that may not completely block sun exposure.” Just like when you’re not up in the air, wearing an adequate amount of SPF is your best bet when it comes to protecting your skin. As for what type, opt for a physical sunscreen that has zinc oxide as well as titanium dioxide.

You’ll want to reapply every two to three hours to any exposed areas like your face, neck, and arms. The good news is you can bring sunscreen with you onto a flight, as long as it’s less than or equal to 3.4 ounces. You can bring them in both cream and aerosol form. Additionally, you can opt to wear UV protective clothing, as well as sunglasses. “Glasses and long sleeves are a must, especially if you have a history of skin cancer,” certified medical aesthetician Jen Breslin says. “Use a lip balm containing SPF 30 or higher, and a UV protectant to your hands.”

What Skin-Care Products Should You Avoid Wearing When Flying?

Additionally, there are a few skin-care ingredients you should avoid wearing while flying. “If you are going to be on a longer flight near a window seat, you can consider avoiding same-day use of products that might increase sensitivity to UV light, like retinols, AHAs, or BHAs,” Dr. Chiu says.

Dr. Malik also adds that you should skip out on heavy occlusives or rich moisturizers that could trap heat and sweat, which could lead to clogged pores. “Instead, focus on hydrating and protective products, like hyaluronic acid serums and lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizers.”

Additionally, consider adding products with antioxidants into your pre-flight skin-care routine. “Skin-care products with strong antioxidants, like vitamin C, can also help mitigate the downstream effects of UV exposure, such as photoaging and inflammation,” Dr. Chiu says. Happy flying!

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.