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BEFORE YOU GO ON HOLIDAY, THERE'S ONE VITAL STEP YOU MIGHT BE OVERLOOKING - AND IT IS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOUR PASSPORT SOPHIE BUCHAN Money and Lifestyle Writer 14:06, 21 May 2025Updated

14:07, 21 May 2025 If you love to sit at the window seat rather than the middle or aisle chair, then you may want to listen up. In a warming to holidaymakers, Cult Beauty and skincare

expert, Elizabeth Japal of The Derma Lab, have said that when heading abroad, SPF is non-negotiable - and you need to wear it. Stressing this is especially true if you sit at the window, she

explained: "Many people don’t realise that UV exposure actually increases at altitude, and airplane windows don’t block out all UVA rays, which are the primary cause of premature skin

ageing. You’re essentially sitting next to a magnified sun bed, especially in the window seat." Combined with the low humidity of cabin air, flying can leave your skin increasingly

vulnerable to dehydration, dullness, and damage - even on short-haul flights. Experts warn it is not just about post-flight appearance stressing that repeated exposure to such conditions can

have lasting effects on your skin’s health. Now, the skincare expert is urging travelers to prepare their skin before even setting foot in the airport — regardless of whether they are

flying short or long-haul. Her advice is clear: SPF is a must, even when skies are cloudy and grey. DO THESE 6 THINGS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER YOUR FLIGHT 1. BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF In her

number one rule, she urges people to cleanse before flying. “Starting with clean skin is essential. Your face will already be exposed to the drying effects of cabin air – leftover makeup,

SPF, or pollution will only clog pores and contribute to inflammation.” 2. FOUR ITEMS YOU NEED TO PACK Pack essentials in your clear bag for top-ups such as: * Face Mist * Lip Balm * Hand

Cream * SPF Touch-Up 3. HYDRATING SERUM “Serums are your skin’s drink of water. Layering a serum underneath your moisturiser maximises hydration while boosting antioxidant protection,"

explains Elizabeth. Try opting for a travel-friendly option that's packed with niacinamide and vitamins C and E. It brightens the complexion, calms inflammation and shields against

oxidative stress – perfect for fending off free radicals during flights. Article continues below 4. STAY HYDRATED - AGAIN Spritzing your face with a hydrating mist before and during the

flight helps combat the moisture loss caused by recycled cabin air. Regular misting keeps your skin hydrated and gives it a fresh, radiant boost mid-flight. 5. SPF - ALL THE TIME! Yes, you

should wear SPF indoors too. Many people think it is unnecessary on a plane, but UVA rays - the ones responsible for aging - can pass through clouds and glass, says Elizabeth. 6. AFTER YOU

LAND When you have landed at your destination, take the time to pip on a calming serum followed by a barrier-restoring moisturiser. And of course, always reapply SPF before stepping out into

the sun. You can do this whilst you wait to embark the plane. “Your post-flight skin ritual is just as important – it resets and supports your skin as you move into a new climate or time

zone,” Elizabeth advises.