2024-03-22 13:48:02
He use of a mask on airplanes has changed a lot in recent years. We have gone from respiratory masks, mandatory to be able to travel in some countries during the harshest times of the COVID-19 pandemic, to facials. It is increasingly common to see people using them, especially in the long haul flights. Without a doubt, it is a custom that influencers have made fashionable, but does it make any sense?
The truth is that you could say yes. The fur It suffers a lot when traveling by plane, mainly for two reasons. On the one hand, because the humidity of the air inside the cabin is very low. So much so that the skin tends to dry out a lot. On the other hand, we must take into account that, at that altitude, the Sun’s ultraviolet radiation affects us more directly. Studies have been carried out to see to what extent they can penetrate the windows of the plane and it has been proven that it depends greatly on the material; but, in general, type A (UVA radiation) sneak more easily into the vehicle. In fact, flight crew members have been found to have a higher risk of developing melanomas due to continued exposure to the sun.
For passengers it is not so serious, unless they fly very regularly. However, they may experience more irritation and dryness of the skin. For all this, it can not only be useful wear a mask on airplanes. Sun protection is even more important.
A humidity issue
The ideal air humidity for the skin should be between 40% and 60%. If you drop below these figures, you begin to feel the stratum corneum. This is an outer layer of the skin, made up of cells, called corneocytosfused together thanks to a series of fats, which act as a binding cement.
If these corneocytes lose part of these fats, due to external attacks on the skin or even due to the simple action of soaps, they contract, causing a feeling of tightness and discomfort. Furthermore, if it occurs on a sustained basis, elasticity is lost and the skin gradually acquires a certain roughness.
The humidity in the aircraft cabin can drop to 10%. Credit: Suhyeon (unsplash)
Fortunately, both the water we drink or take in our diet and the humidity of the environment They help maintain that lubrication in case the corneocytes suffer. Unfortunately, humidity on airplanes can go down 20%. Some studies indicate that after the first two hours after takeoff it has already dropped by 10%. Therefore, there is not enough moisture in the air to keep the skin sufficiently hydrated.
As a result, some passengers describe itching and discomfort during flights, especially if they are many hours.
Beyond the use of a mask on airplanes
Does all this mean that it is advisable to wear a mask on airplanes? Not necessarily. A good hydration routine before the flight may be enough. In addition, it is important to minimize skin aggressions. For example, if you do not use make-up to get on the plane, the better.
Sun protection isn’t just for the beach. Credit: Unsplash
Refering to Solar protectionYes, she is an ally that we should not forget. On glass windows, UVA radiation could even penetrate and 53%. If the flight is long, it means many hours of exposure to cellular damage that can be minimized using a simple cream. Therefore, it is not only highly recommended for the crew. Also for passengers.
Beyond that, if we like to wear a mask on planes, there is no reason not to. Of course, that boost of hydration will be ideal for our skin. But we can also give it before and after, it doesn’t have to be during the flight. Everyone decides when they want to do it.
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