The Plane Truth: 3 Ways Air Travel Can Wreck Your Skin and How to Stop It by The Plane Truth: 3 Ways Air Travel Can Wreck Your Skin and How to Stop ItBefore you take off and put on your neck pillow, consider these tips to help you arrive at your destination looking better than when you departed.Beware the Window Seat As you fly higher, the atmosphere, which helps scatter UV rays, gets thinner, leaving you with less protection. Also remember: windows block UVB but not UVA rays. And that damage can add up. A 2015 study found that UV radiation received from flying in the cockpit for 56 minutes at 30,000 feet was the same as a 20-minute tanning booth session!So if you’re in the window seat, close the shade when possible. And absolutely wear sunscreen, no matter where you’re seated. Many dermatologists agree that mineral sunscreen is best, especially for people who have hyperpigmentation and melasma. The Day Cream Clear SPF 50 is a 100% mineral formula that leaves no white cast and comes in a handy TSA-friendly 3-ounce size, perfect for carry-on. And that goes for hands too. Protect them with sunscreen during your flight. And for extra after-care to battle any damage already done, there are powerful products for face and body with tretinoin and hydroquinone to speed up cell turnover and fade dark spots. Choose Your Drinks WiselyIt’s well known that airplane air is typically bone dry. That’s because most of the cabin air that’s circulating is pulled from the outside—and air at higher altitudes has extremely low humidity. When the beverage cart comes around, it may be tempting to have a cocktail or a caffeinated drink but those can dehydrate you (and your skin) even more. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after a flight. And leave the Pinot Noir for after landing. Fly with a Fresh FaceEspecially on longer flights, dirt, oil, and makeup can clog your skin. It’s best if you can fly makeup-free with clean, moisturized skin (protected by sunscreen, of course) since it makes it easier to reapply moisturizer and sunscreen throughout your flight. But if you can’t, try to cleanse soon after you land with a gentle, non-stripping cleanser created by dermatologists.