How to manage rosacea on aeroplanes

Ok first things first - if you have booked a seat at the window and you have rosacea, I would suggest changing your seat. Read on to find out why.

Commercial planes fly at approx 30,000 feet. According to aviation and dermatology publications, the UV radiation can be as intense as in a tanning bed. Exposure at 30,000 feet for 56.6 minutes can expose you to the same amount of UVA radiation as a 20-minute tanning bed session, according to dermatology research. https://www.reuters.com/article/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/prop-plane-pilots-exposed-to-tanning-bed-radiation-levels

UV radiation is the single biggest trigger for anyone with rosacea.

So sitting at a window seat on a plane can expose you to much higher levels of UV radiation than you’d get at ground level, especially during daylight flights. Airplane windows block most UVB rays, but a lot of UVA rays (which cause skin aging and can trigger rosacea) can still get through. So, if you’re by the window, you’re getting significantly more UV than someone sitting in the aisle.

The dry air in airplane cabins, with humidity often around 10-20%, can draw moisture from your skin, leading to dehydration and tightness. (Normal humidity levels at home are usually around 40% plus, so you can see why there will be problems for your skin when flying)

Look at the above image. It shows just how drying the air in a plane can be...My skin is as tight as a drum if I don't have my calming serum 1 and balm applied before take off.

Any flight over 2 hours and I normally reapply it. Always splash cold water on your face before applying.

Thanks for reading.

With love from Ireland,

Finola