Protecting your skin from the sun on holiday is one of those things we all know to be important, but it may not be as simple as sticking on some extra SPF when you finally hit the beach.

In fact, according to dermatologist Dr Joyce Park, your holiday sun care routine should kick off way before you board your flight.

We know applying suncream might be the last thing on your mind when you’re rushing to get through security and find your gate number, but there’s a good reason why Dr Park recommends adding in this extra step. Indeed, as she explains in a recent TikTok, it’s all to do with the increased UV exposure that comes with flying.  

Referencing a 2015 study by researchers in the department of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Dr Park points out that pilots have twice the incidence of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) compared to the general population – because of the increased UV-A levels they’re exposed to when flying.

Of course, UV-A levels are higher further up in the atmosphere due to the closer proximity to the sun; the study found that pilots flying for 56.6 minutes at 30,000 feet are exposed to the same amount of UV-A radiation as that received from a 20-minute tanning bed session.

While pilots are worse affected due to the large windscreens in front of them – the windows on planes block UV-B, but not UV-A – Dr Park suggests we should all be taking precautions to protect ourselves from increased UV-A exposure, even if you don’t fly very often.

This is especially important if you’re flying above thick clouds or snow fields, because the 2015 study found these factors can lead to 85% of UV radiation being reflected back up towards the plane.  

“When you’re sitting in the back, make sure to wear sunscreen or keep your window shut to reduce exposure to UV-A during your flight,” she recommends in the video’s caption. “After all, you don’t want ½ of your face getting more sun damage than the other!”

Now, all of this talk about windows and UV-A exposure might get you thinking – what about forms of transport like cars and trains? Can they too put you at increased risk of UV-A exposure?

Luckily, the answer is no – because cars and trains are on ground level, the levels of UV-A you’ll be exposed to through their windows will be similar to that you’re exposed to while walking outside. In fact, some car windscreens even have special filters to reduce UV-A exposure.  

However, that doesn’t mean you’re completely off the hook when it comes to sun protection. After all, UV levels on the ground can cause significant damage, and according to Cancer Research UK, getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer compared to never getting burnt. So, if you’re going to be sitting in front of a car or train window for long periods of time, then protecting yourself from the sun is probably a smart idea.

It’s for this reason that dermatologists recommend wearing SPF every day (even in the winter) whether you’re travelling, enjoying nature or just working inside. Just because you’re not being directly exposed to the sun, doesn’t mean you can’t be affected by UV-A – and doing something as simple as applying a bit of suncream can make all the difference.

So, next time you’re setting off on holiday – whether you’re flying, driving or taking the train – make sure to add sun protection to your to-do list. It may seem a little overboard, but it can make a big difference. After all, prevention is key.

Images: Getty