This is why you should never skip SPF before a flight

It's pretty frightening, actually...

While sheet masks and drinking lots of water may not be the biggest travel beauty secrets ever, we bet you'd never considered needing SPF while you fly.

A 2015 study published in JAMA Dermatology found that pilots who flew for just under an hour at 30,000 received the same amount of radiation as a 20-minute session on a sunbed, Byrdie reports.

Yikes.

Although very few of you reading are likely to be airline pilots, if you're sitting in a window seat while you fly you could experience the same amount of exposure; UVA rays, harmful rays from the sun, aren't blocked by plane windows.

These rays are responsible for causing wrinkles, ageing and damage to cells in the deepest layers of the skin – something which can cause cancer.

Even more terrifying? More light is reflected if you fly over clouds or snow, which could worsen the effects.

So if you'd rather not fly with the blind closed for the entire flight duration, the solution is to slather yourself with the best sun cream you can get your hands on.

A good sun cream will ensure that you're protected from both UVA and UVB rays, preventing sun damage while you fly. Be sure to cover every area exposed – not just your face!

Better make sure you carry a travel size bottle in your hand luggage, too...