How to protect yourself from UV rays? The sun is the source of two types of ultraviolet light you’ve probably heard of: UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, making it lose its firmness and elasticity. They’re a leading cause of wrinkles, and make up 95% of the sun’s energy that reaches you. UVB is what gives you sunburns, discoloration in your complexion, and even DNA mutation! 

And did you know that the UV index increases about 2% for every 1,000-foot increase in altitude? On a plane flying 30,000+ feet above the ground, the UV index can reach a critical 15 on board. Compare that to the Sahara Desert, where it’s only around 10! You might not notice it because on the plane, you’re protected from the heat. Just because you don’t feel the sun damaging your skin, that doesn’t mean the UV rays aren’t doing their dirty work. But don't airplane windows block UV rays? And should you wear SPF on a plane?

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