Why you need to take care of your skin on your next flight

If your Pinterest travel board looks anything like mine, it’s full of luxury destinations, breathtaking resorts, and bougie passengers rocking a sheet mask in spacious business class seats. But what does in-flight skin care really do for us, and is it a service we must always all take part in? To higher understand the dos and don’ts of airborne skin care, we enlisted the assistance of two board-certified dermatologists to higher understand the whys and hows of maximizing your in-flight skin care routine. Have a pleasant journey!

The truth about skin care during flights

Nowadays, there’s loads of conflicting information on the Internet about whether an airplane is the suitable place for skin care. From reclaimed air to tight seating and close-quarters toilets, it doesn’t appear to be the best setting for the 20-step skincare routines we’re used to seeing on TikTok.

“The limited space in an aircraft cabin, combined with the large number of passengers and reclaimed air, creates an environment in which bacteria and other pathogens can thrive,” he says Dr. Hope Mitchell, board-certified dermatologist based in Ohio.

“These factors can compromise the cleanliness and sterility of surfaces, including tables, armrests and toilets, that may come into contact with our skin care products or directly with our skin,” says Dr. Mitchell. However, these less-than-ideal flight conditions make skin care on the road much more essential.

“On long-haul flights you are in a really low humidity atmosphere, the common humidity level on a industrial aircraft is from about 10 to 20 percent, which is far lower than indoor humidity, which is around 40 to 60 percent depending on the climate you are in,” he says Dr. Adeline Kikamboard-certified dermatologist based in Houston, Texas.

“With humidity this low, the skin is susceptible to moisture loss,” says Dr. Kikam. If you’re just hopping on a fast two-to-three-hour flight, you probably don’t need to lug your entire makeup bag into your carry-on because pre-flight skin care will suffice.

“If they’re short flights, two to three hours. A pre-flight routine will help with this, says Dr. Kikam. “Cleanse your face; ensure to bring a moisturizing serum and sunscreen, especially if you’re sitting by a window,” says Dr. Kikam.

What type of skin care should you do while flying?

So what should we focus on when it comes to skin care at altitude? Well, hydration is at all times a very important pillar of sustainable skin care, however the stakes increase 10-fold once you start.

“Air travel often exposes our skin to dry and recycled air, which can lead to dehydration and dullness,” says Dr. Mitchell. In addition to being in a drier environment, you are also exposed to more intense UVA rays.

“At higher altitudes, you’re more exposed to ultraviolet radiation,” explains Dr. Kikam, who says that while these windows block UVB rays, UVA rays are still able to go through. These UVA rays are accountable for some of the more widely known consequences of increased sun exposure. “We always say UVA, the “A” stands for aging. This is what is going to cause inflammation and the breakdown of collagen and elastin after which expose or increase the danger of skin cancer,” says Dr. Kikam.

This makes the use of sunscreen and other protective measures much more essential. “I always make sure I have sunscreen and sunglasses to protect my skin,” says Dr. Kikam.

What products should you avoid?

Now, I really like an excellent exfoliation moment as much because the next person, but a flight shouldn’t be the time or place to use any drying or drying agents.

“I do not recommend peeling on the fly. To me it just makes no sense. It irritates the skin, so you can wait with it,” says Dr. Kikam. This also applies to retinoids and similar topical agents. “We don’t want to irritate the skin even more, and retinoids can make the skin tight,” says Kikam.

Where should you do skin care?

Your restroom often is the perfect place to start your at-home skincare routine, however the small cabin on your next flight is not.

“Water on flights, typically obtained from on-board tanks, may not be as clean and regulated as the water we use at home,” says Dr. Mitchell. Despite applicable sanitary regulations, there remains to be a risk of contamination. “Using tap water from an airplane restroom to wash your face can expose your skin to pollutants, chemicals or bacteria that could potentially lead to irritation or breakouts,” explains Dr. Mitchell.

Instead, go for micellar water or a wet wipe, advises Dr. Kikam. “I use disposable skin care products more often, e.g. micellar fluids, so that I don’t have to spend time in a small toilet. I can just do it in my place,” explains Dr. Kikam.

When is it price taking care of your skin?

Similar to our skin care routines, your in-flight skin care schedule is very customizable and based on your individual needs.

“People come by plane for different reasons; some are running away from work and some are just rushing from a party. So, depending on your circumstances, that will really be a guide as to where to start this routine,” explains Dr. Kikam.

If you plan to sleep throughout the flight, it could be price starting your skin care routine earlier. Alternatively, if you’re changing time zones or have an event you need to attend as soon as you land, doing your skin care routine closer to the tip of the flight could also be more helpful.

“It really depends on you and your circumstances,” Dr. Kikam says.

TLDR: over-moisturize, avoid restrooms, and sanitize the realm.