Flight attendant shares the ‘hidden’ danger on planes that few know about
An ex-flight attendant has revealed a hidden danger on planes that can cause serious damage to your skin.
Kayla was a flight attendant for five years and said she “religiously” wears sunscreen on board because UV levels in the air are dangerously high.
The former flight attendant said she always makes sure to apply an Australian brand sunscreen and a toner to keep skin fresh and hydrated.
“There's a hidden danger on flights that I don't think most people think about, and that's UV,” Kayla said in a TikTok clip.
'The UV radiation up there is so incredibly high, so I'm religious about applying sunscreen before and during the flight.'
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Kayla (pictured) was a flight attendant for five years and said she 'religiously' wears sunscreen on board because UV levels in the air are dangerously high
Research has shown that pilots and cabin crew are twice as likely to develop melanoma compared to the general population Cancer Council.
The study looked at the increased risk of melanoma among pilots and cabin crew and compared the amount of UV radiation in aircraft cockpits with that in tanning beds.
It found that plastic windows, like those on commercial airplanes, block UVB rays, which cause sunburn, but have no effect on the transmission of harmful UVA rays.
The occasional exposure to UVA rays will not cause much harm to those who travel infrequently, but those who fly regularly were advised to apply sunscreen every two hours while in the air.
However, the Cancer Council has previously rejected claims that extra sun protection is needed on commercial aircraft.
Kayla is extra careful when it comes to UV damage from air travel and said she always packs and applies Eco Tna's Natural SPF 30 sunscreen when flying.
Research has shown that pilots and cabin crew are twice as likely to develop melanoma compared to the general population, according to the Cancer Council (stock image)
'It's Aussie, which means the UV protection is actually amazing compared to some countries. If you buy sunscreen there, it just doesn't work the same,” she said.
She also uses the brand's Super Fruit Toner facial mist spray, which she described as a “send from heaven” for skin hydration.
“This is your reminder, especially on your hands and face: sunscreen,” says the frequent flyer.
Kayla's clip was viewed almost 50,000 times and hundreds expressed shock.
'Omg, this didn't even occur to me!! From now on it will be slip-slop-slop,” said one viewer.
“Also the reason I pull down the blinds no matter how long the flight is,” another added.
“Huh, so this is how I keep getting mysterious sunburns on travel days,” wrote a third.