It is a known fact that traveling exposes your skin not only to sunlight but also to other factors which may harm its condition, including UV rays in airplanes. This may result in tanned skin, dehydration, and pigmentation. Luckily, there are several ways that you can protect your skin from all this and remain healthy and attractive while traveling.
First of all, always use sunscreen lotion before going outside. Apply it to the exposed parts of the body and renew it after 2 or 3 hours if necessary. Don’t forget to cover those places which usually stay hidden: the neck, ears, and hands. Covering your head in a hat and wearing sunglasses and long sleeves may help protect your skin from the UV rays.
In airplanes, UV radiation can also harm your skin, as some travelers may believe. Close the window shades if possible and use sunscreen even while traveling. The air in the airplane cabin may be very dry, so use a good cream or lotion to moisturize the skin and avoid it becoming pale or lifeless.
Finally, make sure that you consume enough amounts of liquid during the day, which is important if you want your skin to look beautiful.
What Are the Reasons for Tanning During Travel?
There are many reasons for developing a tan while on vacation. Most importantly, it is associated with an increase in exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. Upon interaction with your skin, the UV radiation triggers the production of more melanin, the skin pigment that darkens your complexion.
When traveling, you may stay outdoors more compared to other times, as there will be a lot of walking around and visiting different sites. Besides, in some countries where you travel, UV radiation might be much higher, causing you to develop a suntan easily even after being outdoors for not long.
Furthermore, when traveling, you might neglect sun protection measures. You might forget to put on some sunscreen every few hours, or your sweat, humidity, or swimming might wash off the product. Moreover, the air in airplanes is drier, which makes your skin absorb more UV radiation.
Tanning Prevention Methods When Traveling
Tanning prevention methods while traveling involve skincare techniques and habits that one should follow. Considering that travel means spending more time outside and being under the sun, it’s essential to use several tips and tricks to preserve your skin and keep it even-toned.
First of all, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher. Use generous amounts and don’t forget to reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you sweat or wash your face. In addition, it’s necessary to apply sunscreen in hard-to-reach areas such as your neck, back, ears, hands, and feet.
It’s highly recommendable to wear protective clothing while traveling since it can protect your skin from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. You may wear long sleeves, full-length dresses, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Moreover, choosing cotton and linen fabrics would be an excellent choice.
Moreover, try to stay away from the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., since this period is the time when solar UV rays have the maximum strength. If you need to stay outside during this period, find the place where you can stay in the shadow. Also, you may use parasols and scarfs.
Methods of Avoiding Sun Tans During Air Travel
It may surprise many to learn that getting sun tans is possible while traveling in an aircraft. The atmosphere at high altitudes is less dense, thus more ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates the atmosphere. People seated close to the windows might expose their skins to UV rays for hours.
Firstly, apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your skin before boarding the plane. This measure is necessary despite being inside, especially during daytime flights. For longer flights, it would be wise to use sunscreen periodically throughout the journey.
Secondly, ensure that you lower the shade at the windows during flights. Even if you want to enjoy some natural light during the flights, avoid keeping the shade open for too long, especially during bright periods. Consider covering your skin with a scarf, jacket, or wearing long sleeves.
Lastly, stay hydrated during the journey. The cabin has low humidity, which may cause dehydration and dryness in the skin. You can hydrate by using moisturizers or sprays during the flight.
Additional Tips That Will Help You Prevent Tanning
Besides all the basics, some additional tips may help you take the next step in protecting yourself from tanning when you are away.
The first useful recommendation is to double your protection by using not only sunscreen but also various accessories – sunglasses, scarfs, or hats that protect you from the sun. Such an approach is particularly important during beach holidays and under bright sunlight.
Second, consider skincare products that contain antioxidants (vitamin C serums) which help your skin cope with the damaging effect of ultraviolet light better. After sun exposure, it is good to use aloe vera or other moisturizing creams and lotions to soothe skin irritation and decrease the likelihood of developing a tan.
Don’t forget about cleansing your skin during travel: regular washing eliminates sweat, sunscreen residues, and other impurities that might clog pores. You should choose a good face wash that won’t disturb your skin.
Last but not least, eat food rich in antioxidants (fruits and veggies).
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