Here’s why you should NEVER book the window seat on a plane
YOU’RE happily sat in your window seat.
You picked it out especially – probably even paid a smidge extra for it!
After-all, why wouldn’t you want a birds-eye view of whatever glorious holiday-destination you’re going to?
But according to a dermatologist, the fun seat might be one of the worst seats on the plane when it comes to your health.
Speaking to The Sun, Dr Magnus Lynch, Harley Street and NHS consultant dermatologist, explained why sitting by the window while in the sky can increase your risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
He said: “When you are at higher altitudes, such as in an airplane, the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation increases.
“This means that you may be exposed to higher levels of UV radiation while flying compared to being on the ground.”
UV rays come directly from the sun and can seriously damage skin.
There are two types of UV rays which reach the earth’s surface – UV B and UV A.
UV B causes sunburn and UV A penetrates the skin deeper and will still come through on a cloudy day.
Both types can cause skin cancer.
“Although the glass in airplane windows blocks most of the UV B radiation, it does not completely filter out UV A radiation,” Dr Magnus explained.
“UV A rays are longer wavelengths that can penetrate through glass and reach the deeper layers of your skin.
“Prolonged exposure to UV A radiation can lead to skin damage, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer.”
In fact, to a 2015 study that found pilots and cabin crew are over twice as likely to develop melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer – when compared to the general population.
So, there is definitely some connection between flying and sun damage.
He added: “The glass in airplane windows also will not block visible light which can cause pigmentation.”
Obviously the best way to protect yourself from the sun on a plane, is to nab yourself a isle seat.
But if you’ve already booked a window seat do not fear, Dr Magnus has some useful tips.
“To protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation while sitting next to a window on a plane, you can close the window screen,” the expert said.
“If the screen is open you can apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear protective clothing or sunglasses,” he added.
Melonoma symptoms
Melanoma, the most serious skin cancer, is diagnosed 16,000 times a year. The deadly cancer takes the lives of 2,340 people per year, according to Cancer Research UK.
The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
But here are eight other signs you must know:
- Mole with a mix of colours
- Large mole
- Mole that changes over time
- Swollen mole
- Bleeding mole
- Itchy mole
- Crusty mole
- Mole in the shape of a line under a nail