Overwhelmed by the elaborate in-flight skincare routines crowding your social media feeds? Don’t let that deter you from having one at all. While you might not need 12-steps with mid-air reapplications, turns out, your skin really could benefit from some TLC after all.
“When you’re on a flight, your skin can experience extreme dryness,” says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder and medical director of Isaac Luxe Clinic. The culprit? “Low humidity in the cabin, and the same recycled air keeps circulating. There’s also increased UV exposure, and humidity levels can drop to as low as 10–20%. This can lead to plane face.” For the uninitiated, the term refers to the unmistakable post-flight dullness caused by lack of moisture. The dehydration can even trigger redness and irritation, leading to a compromised skin barrier.
If reaching your destination with a well-rested glow intact matters to you, a few strategic—and realistic—skincare steps can make all the difference.
The work begins pre-flight
It’s not just in-cabin care that matters. How you prep your skin pre-boarding can significantly influence how it holds up mid-air. Before flying, Dr Mittal Gupta recommends a thorough cleanse to remove impurities, followed by a hydrating serum—think hyaluronic acid or peptides. This should be sealed in with a barrier-strengthening moisturiser to help prevent moisture loss during the flight. Sunscreen, she insists, is non-negotiable—especially if you’re flying during the day.
“I generally suggest using a physical sunblock because that activates and protects the skin better,” she adds. For those looking for more coverage, a tinted sunblock can double as makeup. As for your foundation and concealer? The expert strongly advises against wearing any: “it can clog pores and exacerbate breakouts in a dehydrating environment.” She also recommends steering clear of alcohol-based products, exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs, and retinols—all of which offer…
