Why pack a sun cream in your hand luggage?

sun cream, hand luggage

You are leaving air travel and you're wondering whether you should take a sun cream in your hand luggage? The answer is yes! Suncream is an essential product for protecting your skin from the sun, both during the flight and at your destination. And here's why.

Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun during the flight

During a flightyou are exposed to ultraviolet rays (UV) more intense than on the ground, because you are closer to the sun and there are fewer atmospheric filters. Depending on altitude, UV intensity can increase by 10 to 20% every 1,000 metres. So at an altitude of 10,000 metres, UV intensity can be up to 10 times greater than at sea level.

sun cream, hand luggage

These UV rays can have harmful effects on your skin, such as sunburn, premature ageing and an increased risk of cancer. So it's important to protect yourself with a sun cream that's suited to your skin type and the UV index of the place of departure and arrival. Choose a sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays, and also protects against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin ageing.

You need to apply sun cream before take-off and reapply it every two hours or after each trip to the toilet. You should also avoid direct exposure to the sun through the window and wear CE-approved sunglasses.

Sunscreen protects your skin from the sun at your destination

Once you arrive at your destination, you will probably want to enjoy the sun and get a tan. But beware, your skin is not used to the sunshine of the place you are going to, especially if you change latitude or season. You must therefore give it time to adapt and produce melanin, the pigment that protects the skin from UV rays.

To avoid sunburn and the skin damageWhen you go out, you should continue to use a sun cream suited to your skin type and the UV index of the place where you are. Choose a sun cream with an SPF adapted to your phototype (your skin's ability to tan) and the length of exposure. For example, if you have fair skin and spend two hours in the sun, you should choose an SPF of at least 50.

Sunscreen should be applied before each exposure to the sun and reapplied every two hours or after each swim or wipe. You should also avoid exposure to the sun between 12 noon and 4pm, when the rays are strongest, and protect yourself with light but covering clothes, a hat and sunglasses.

How do you pack a sun cream in your hand luggage?

To take sun cream with you in your hand luggageIf you're travelling with an airline, you need to comply with a few rules imposed by the airlines. You cannot carry just any liquid product in your cabin baggage. The following conditions must be met:

  • The product's capacity must be less than or equal to 100 ml. It is not enough that the product is opened or that the level is below 100 ml, it is the capacity of the container that counts.
  • The product must be placed in a transparent re-sealable bagThe maximum size is 20 x 20 cm. You can use a freezer bag or buy a special bag in the shops.
  • The total volume of the products must not exceed 1 litre. You can therefore carry up to 10 products of 100 ml each in your transparent bag.
  • The transparent bag must be presented separately at the security check. It should be easily accessible and closed.

These rules apply to liquid products, but also to gels, aerosols, pastes, foams or creams. If you are unsure about the nature of a product, it is best to put it in your hold baggage or leave it at home.

If you don't want to buy sun cream in travel format or if you can't find the one you're looking for, you can use empty bottles filled with your usual cream. You can also opt for solid products such as sticks or balms, which are not subject to the restrictions on liquids.

With these tips, you can pack a sunscreen in your hand luggage without any problems! Remember that sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the sun during and after a flight. Enjoy your trip!

sun cream, hand luggage

Claudia Bernard

Claudia turned her passion for travel into a sustainable lifestyle by becoming a digital nomad. She explores the globe while working remotely, offering practical advice for those who want to combine work and a passion for travel. Discover her tips for finding the best work spots, managing jet lag and living a balanced nomadic life.

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