The pain, swelling and irritation of sunburn can ruin an otherwise fantastic trip. Whether you spent too much time outdoors or forgot to apply sunscreen, here are tips to soothe your inflamed skin and make your flight as comfortable as possible.

1. Stay Hydrated

Severe sunburns can cause issues like dehydration, headache, dizziness and nausea. Add the dry air on an airplane, and you have a recipe for feeling drained. Proper hydration will help you heal faster. Increase your water intake before and during your trip. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at the airport’s water fountain.

2. Put on Sunscreen

Sunscreen is essential, regardless of your travel time. Protecting the painful area could avoid long-term issues like premature aging. Use sunscreen without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. 

3. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothing

Wearing high-quality, breathable clothes can make you look put-together without sacrificing comfort. Choose natural fibers like cotton or linen so your skin can breathe. Opt for darker colors, as they provide more protection than light ones.

4. Keep Your Skin Moisturized

Moisturizers soothe skin as it recovers. You can use any gentle, chemical-free moisturizer, petroleum jelly or aloe vera to boost skin cell healing and calm irritation. Fill a small, TSA-approved container with your desired product and reapply it to the affected area whenever you feel hot or dry.

5. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Nonprescription pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen provide temporary pain relief, making your flight more bearable. Take your medication before boarding to give it time to kick in.

6. Wear Sunglasses

If you have a sunburn on your face, especially around your eyes, wear sunglasses inside the airport and airplane. They’ll reduce eye strain by minimizing glare from overhead lights and windows. You may need to remove them at security checkpoints for safety reasons.

7. Apply Cool Compresses

Cool compresses can help alleviate pain and moisturize the affected skin. Politely ask a flight attendant for ice and a napkin. Wrap a few ice cubes in the napkin, forming a small bundle. Gently press it onto your hot spots for a few minutes at a time.

8. Adjust the Air Vents

Direct the overhead air vent to blow a stream of cool air over your sunburned areas. A soft, continuous flow is ideal. Be careful not to make the airflow too strong, which will further dry your skin.

9. Move Gently

Move slowly and deliberately. If you feel stiff during the flight, do light stretches like neck rolls and arm circles, but stop immediately if you feel pain. 

10. Keep the Window Shade Down

While airplane windows block most UVB rays, they let through some UVA rays. If you’re in a window seat, keep the window shade down during daylight hours to minimize further UV exposure to your damaged skin.

11. Alleviate Distress With a Cold Shower

A cool shower when you arrive at your destination will calm your skin after your flight. Avoid hot water, as it can only worsen the burning sensation. Consistently apply aloe vera or moisturizer several times a day. 

Fly Comfortably

A little care and preparation can make a world of difference. Follow this advice to make your flight more bearable and help your skin heal faster. Safe travels!