Why You *Have* to Slather on SPF Before Your Next Flight

Rain or shine, sunscreen is always a must—but for some reason, we'll find any excuse to skip the chore of slathering it on. Flying may seem like a good reason not to go to the trouble. After all, there are other skin issues to worry about, like moisture, or rather lack thereof. 

While in-flight beautifying will keep you looking refreshed in the short term, ignoring the damage the direct sun light is doing to you, even on just a two-hour flight, will hurt you and yes, age you, in the long run.

When you fly, you're about 30,000 miles closer to the sun and its Ultraviolet rays, which should really put things in perspective—especially for frequent flyers.

"If you fly 20,000+ miles in a year, it is an absolute must to wear sunscreen when you fly because of the UV radiation caused by elevation," warns Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer. "If you don't, your skin will age prematurely and fine lines and wrinkles will be much more visible earlier on."

Dr. Lancer recommends wearing SPF 15 or above, preferably SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection, and reapplying it every 2-4 hours on your face, neck, and décolleté. In addition, you should remember that airplane windows don't filter out the sun's rays, so maybe reconsider taking that Instagram of clouds drifting over the plane's wings.

Knowing this, it might seem like a window seat shouldn't be so coveted as more often than not, they're kept open. But if you're the one in the seat, you get to control the shade. Driver, roll up the partition, please.

For weightless protection on your next flight, try Dr. Lancer's Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF 30, which also doubles as an amazing daily makeup primer.

Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF 30, $52; lancerskincare.com.

Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.