Skincare SOS: How to Avoid a Mid-Flight Skin Crisis

Here’s the ultimate, expert-approved guide to in-flight skincare!

Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra

9th October, 2024
Skin Health In Flight Skincare Skincare Travel Skincare

There’s no denying that flying has negative effects on the complexion. Flights, while exciting for travel, can wreak havoc on your skin. The dry cabin air, sudden changes in altitude, and lack of sleep can be a nightmare for your complexion. But stress not, with a little preparation and the right skincare regime, you can keep your skin looking fresh and glowing even after a long flight. Here are some easy-to-follow travel skincare tips so that you can land looking—and feeling—refreshed!

In this article

Before Your Flight

  1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Begin drinking plenty of water a few days before your travels. This is the best way to hydrate your skin before getting on your flight.
  2. Gentle cleansing: On the day of the flight, wash your face with a gentle milky cleanser, then layer on a hydrating toner and serum to support the skin’s natural barrier and shield it from environmental damage.
  3. Moisturise: Before your flight, apply a generous layer of moisturiser to your face, neck, and hands. Use a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid, which is great for hydration and prevents skin dullness. Applying a moisturising cream before going on the flight is key to keeping your skin hydrated and helping protect your skin barrier.

During Your Flight

Here are some in-flight skincare essentials to keep in mind during your journey:

  1. Stay hydrated: Continue drinking water throughout the flight. If you are worried about the quality of the water, bring your own filtered or packaged water bottle.
  2. Facial mist: As washing your face with a face wash on your flight can be tough, spritz your face with a hydrating facial mist every hour or so. This will help replenish lost moisture and calm irritated skin. ​​Face mists are our favourite in-flight skincare product because of their refreshing application, instant hydration, and hands-free use.
  3. Sheet mask: Flights are the perfect time to indulge in a quick skin treatment or two. Treat your skin to a refreshing sheet mask during your flight. Use sheet masks with hydrating ingredients such as aloe vera and hyaluronic acid.
  4. Moisturising Oil: Use a few drops of moisturising oil on your face and neck. This will help lock in moisture and prevent dryness. A moisturising oil is an integral part of skincare for dry skin.
  5. Sunscreen: Yes, you do need SPF, even on a flight! The sun's rays can penetrate through plane windows, so protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Additionally, UV rays can be more intense on a flight compared to on land because of the thinner atmosphere at higher altitudes and closeness to the ozone layer. Thus, always remember to pack your travel spf!
  6. Lip Balm: The dry air on the flight can irritate and cause your skin to lose moisture quickly, so it’s advisable to use a hydrating lip balm throughout the flight.

After Your Flight

  1. Gentle cleansing: Upon arrival at your destination, gently cleanse your face to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated during your flight.
  2. Moisturise: Apply a generous layer of moisturiser to your face, neck, and hands. Moisturisers are undoubtedly the best skin care products for dry skin.
  3. Exfoliate: If your skin feels dull, mildly exfoliate to remove dead skin and reveal a brighter complexion.

What Not To Do While Flying

  1. Over-exfoliation: Avoid exfoliating your skin too often, particularly during or immediately after a flight. The dry cabin air can make your skin more vulnerable, and over-exfoliation can lead to irritation.
  2. Heavy makeup: Wearing heavy makeup on a flight can clog your pores and lead to breakouts. Choose a lighter, more natural look.
  3. Hot showers: Right after landing, don’t take a hot shower. The sudden temperature change can dry out your skin.
  4. Alcohol-based products: Alcohol-based skincare and makeup products can strip your skin of moisture, so avoid using them during and after your flight.
  5. Touching your face: Try to avoid touching your face throughout the flight, as this can transfer bacteria and oils to your skin.

By following these simple in-flight skincare tips, you can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated during your travels. To avoid a skin crisis while flying, ensure that you begin your focused skincare routine before your flight and continue it even after you reach your destination.

Topics covered
  • ​Before Flight Skincare
  • Flight Skincare
  • After Flight Skincare
  • What Not To Do
Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra

Pallavi Mehra writes about lifestyle, culture and beauty, finding inspiration from her immediate environment or her travels around the world. Check out her wanderlust adventures @pallywally_ on Instagram.