The Jet-Setter’s Guide to Skincare: Pre, Post, and In-Flight

Reading: 4 minutes

Jetting off for a vacation. Taking a quick work trip. Heading home to see loved ones.

No matter the destination, flying is always exciting (if not a bit stressful). After planning, packing, and praying for an on-time departure, your skin may face a few unwelcome challenges once you’re buckled into your seat. The dry cabin air, rapid changes in altitude and pressure, and exposure to recycled air can leave your complexion feeling dehydrated, stressed, and dull.

Fortunately, with a few smart skincare strategies, you can help keep your glow from takeoff to touchdown. Let’s take a closer look at what happens to your skin during a flight and explore some science-backed tips to protect and nourish your skin before, during, and after you fly.

What happens to your skin on the plane?

It’s not just you. Flying creates the perfect scenario for uncomfy, tired-looking skin to make itself known. Known as “flight face” in some social media circles, the environment inside an airplane can contribute to temporary dullness, dryness, and puffiness—and may even lead to longer-term effects.

Let’s take a look at some of the factors in play:

Low humidity dries skin out

When you’re thousands of feet in the air, your skin faces some extreme conditions. The humidity level inside airplane cabins often drops below 20%—much lower than the 40-70% our skin prefers. This drastic drop in moisture can cause transepidermal water loss, leading to dry, tight, flaky skin. If you’re already prone to dryness, sensitivity, or certain skin conditions like eczema, you might notice more discomfort than usual.

Air pressure can cause puffiness

Changes in cabin pressure throughout the flight and sitting still for a long period come together to create the ideal environment for puffiness. You might also note more bloat due to dehydration from the dry air, plus a craving for salty foods (yes, it’s a real thing!). On top of that, reduced oxygen and lower pressure can slow down circulation, leaving your skin lacking its natural glow.

High altitudes can amplify the sun’s effects

Ever heard the expression “You’re flying a little too close to the sun”? At higher altitudes, you’re closer to the sun’s rays—and airplane windows don’t block all UV radiation. Especially if you’re in a window seat, your skin could be getting more rays than you realize, increasing the risk of sun damage and photoaging over time.

Skincare for the airplane: How to care for your skin when flying

Pre-flight skincare tips

Getting ready before you even leave the ground is key. Because well-prepped skin is well-traveled skin.

1. Exfoliate the night before: Get a glowing head start. Use a gentle exfoliator the evening before your flight to help slough away dead skin cells, smooth the skin, and make way for other products to sink right in. Follow up with an overnight recovery serum to help hydrate and brighten—even better if it can come along for the ride in a carry-on-friendly format.
2. Hydrate and protect: Before heading to the airport, opt for the hydration trifecta: a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, all with hyaluronic acid. This moisturizing agent boosts elasticity, supports collagen and elastin, and helps repair skin damage.
3. Go light or no makeup: Consider skipping foundation and heavy makeup, especially for long-haul flights. This gives your skin a chance to breathe and provides a clean slate for airplane skincare. If you prefer a little coverage, opt for a lightweight tinted sunscreen with skin-loving ingredients instead.

In-flight skincare tips

Once you’re in the air, shift your focus to maintaining hydration the best you can and protecting skin from environmental stressors.

1. Moisturize regularly: Remember, cabin air can pull moisture from your skin, so keep a mini version of your moisturizer handy. Apply a small amount as you need it, especially during longer flights.
2. Hydrate inside and out: Don’t forget to hydrate from within. Drink water throughout the flight—ideally a glass every hour. Also, it’s best to avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can contribute to further dehydration.
3. Protect yourself from the sun: That coveted window seat comes with one drawback: UV exposure. That’s because UVA rays, or the sun’s “aging” rays, can pass through glass. Have a high-SPF broad spectrum sunscreen close by to reapply at least every two hours—it’s what the experts recommend.
4. Hands, lips, and nails need love, too: Airplane air affects more than just your face. Keep a nourishing lip balm, hand cream, and nail solution within reach to help combat chapping and dryness.

Post-flight skincare tips

Once you’ve landed, your skin will benefit from a little recovery care to help it bounce back from the journey.

1. Cleanse gently: After being exposed to dry, recycled air and possibly touching your face more often, your skin could use a good cleanse. Reach for your favorite oil cleanser (the travel-sized version, of course) to remove buildup and impurities while hydrating and brightening.
2. Wake up your gaze: Whether you caught the first flight out or the last, a hectic day of traveling likely has you a little less bright-eyed than usual. Hydrate, reenergize, and decongest with a cooling eye solution.
3. Keep up the SPF: Even though your feet are back on the ground, continue using daily sunscreen to shield your skin from further damage, especially if you’re exploring a sunny city.

Where to next?

Travel kit in tow, your next destination is an incredible one. Learning to love, protect, and care for your skin is one of the most exciting journeys you can take. And you’re already well on your way.

Take these skincare tips for flying and work them into your day-to-day routine when your skin needs a little extra TLC. Whether heading to the office or a tropical beach (although we do hope it’s the latter), you can always build in a few travel-sized moments of self-care.

---