I recently took my first long-haul flight in a while and realized something was different—there were far fewer people going through the gamut of inflight skincare, even in the privacy of business class.
As someone who’s been guilty of terrifying air hostesses with glow-in-the-dark sheet masks (remember the tin foil one from Estée Lauder?), this came across as slightly bewildering.
Until I came across an article that challenged the effectiveness of skincare at 35,000 feet and questioned their entire safety levels.
Washing your hands in a tiny, cramped, basically public bathroom? Sheesh. Transferring bacteria from the armrest or tray table to your face? No thank you. Sealing in any germs that come via the recycled airplane air on your skin with a heavy moisturizer? All right, I see where some people are coming from.
Still, inflight skincare is not a black or white deal. You also need to factor in the effects of cabin dryness on the skin, sun damage, and puffiness.
So, it was time to buckle up and navigate the dos and don’ts of keeping your skin fabulous at 35,000 feet. See you at the end of this journey!
The In-Flight Skincare Debate
A recent article on PopSugar has stirred up quite a discussion about whether it’s truly hygienic to indulge in an extensive skincare routine while soaring through the skies.
With dry cabin air, cramped seats, and less-than-pristine bathroom conditions, it’s easy to see why some might be wary. Are you one of the skeptics? Let’s take a walk along both sides of the lane.
Hygiene Concerns
One of the primary concerns of the anti-inflight skincare team is the hygiene factor. Airplane cabins are notorious for their lack of cleanliness—with studies showing that tray tables and seat belt buckles are ever more germ-infested than bathrooms.
Not to mention the armrests, seat pockets, and buttons, all likely to have germs on them since not all planes are sanitized properly between flights due to stringent turnaround times. And every surface you touch can transfer bacteria to your skin.
So, while doing in-flight skincare, remember that touching these surfaces and then scooping out that moisturizer and putting it on your skin can lead to germs taking up real estate on both your skin and the product container.
That pristine honey-based cream? It may be teeming with bacteria by the end of your flight!
Dry Air and Its Effects
The humidity level in airplane cabins is typically around 20%, much lower than the comfortable 40-60% humidity levels we experience on the ground.
This dry air can rapidly dehydrate your skin, stripping away its natural moisture and oils and leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
It’s a Catch-22 situation. Dry skin needs hydration, and what better way than layers of moisturizer or a sheet mask?
However, dehydrated skin can also become more sensitive, making it more susceptible to reactions from products that it might normally tolerate well. The result? Irritation and breakouts.
Increased UV Exposure
When flying at high altitudes, you receive higher levels of sun exposure. This is especially true if you have a window seat, where UV rays can penetrate and damage your skin.
Maintaining a sun protection routine at this time is essential to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Not topping up your sunscreen can allow UV radiation to penetrate your skin, causing damage like premature aging and sunburn.
The Do’s and Don’t of Inflight Skincare
Got your boarding pass? Time to start prepping. Navigating in-flight skincare can feel like balancing on a tightrope.
So, here’s a rundown of the essential dos and don’ts to keep your skin glowing during air travel, even at 35,000 feet (the altitude of most commercial flights).
Ensure Your Hands Are Thoroughly Sanitized
Start any inflight routine skincare by sanitizing your hands before touching your face or applying any products. Using hand sanitizer helps to minimize the risk of transferring germs to your skin, which can lead to breakouts or infections.
And no, washing your hands is not enough. Studies have proved that airplane water is contaminated with differing levels of E. coli and other bacteria, which will remain on your hands even after rinsing them.
So, it’s important to sanitize your hands after touching any shared surfaces and before beginning your skincare routine.
Don’t Skip the Cleansing
Keeping your skin clean is crucial, especially in an environment where you’re touching surfaces and potentially transferring bacteria to your face.
Don’t rely solely on makeup wipes for an inflight skincare routine, as they can leave residue on your skin and may not cleanse thoroughly.
Use a gentle, travel-friendly cleanser like micellar water, which cleanses without needing water. Pack some cotton pads and a small bottle of micellar water to gently cleanse your face before and after the flight.
The only exception is if you are wearing a full face of makeup when you board the flight (this has been known to happen when I am rushing to catch a flight after a boardroom debate)—this would require a heavy-duty double cleanse.
Simplify Your Skincare
While bringing your entire skincare arsenal on board might be tempting, the limited space and potential for contamination make it impractical. Instead, prioritize products that address the key challenges of flying: dryness and UV exposure.
A streamlined inflight skincare routine might include a gentle cleanser, a hydrating mist, a moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum SPF. This not only saves space in your carry-on but also reduces the risk of skin irritation from overusing products on already-sensitized skin.
Inside-Out Hydration
The golden rule of flying is to stay hydrated! The air in airplanes is notoriously dry, which can damage skin.
To combat this low humidity, drink plenty of water, aiming for at least 8 ounces per hour to keep your skin (and body) hydrated. Carry an empty refillable water bottle through security and fill it up before boarding.
Additionally, use a hydrating facial mist or toner to refresh your skin. Opt for a travel-sized bottle to spritz your face periodically during the flight, and look for mists with ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, or hyaluronic acid.
Don’t Overdo It with Heavy Creams
While it might be tempting to slather on rich creams to combat dryness as part of your inflight skincare routine, avoid using thick, occlusive creams. They can trap dirt and bacteria on your skin, potentially leading to breakouts.
Instead, choose a lightweight, hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin for a non-greasy finish for hydration without the heaviness.
Layer Over Hyaluronic Acid with a Cream (Always)
Hyaluronic acid is a fantastic hydrator that draws moisture into your skin to keep it plump and moisturized.
However, it needs a little help in the dry cabin air. This step is crucial because if the air is too dry, hyaluronic acid can actually pull moisture out of your skin instead of drawing it in.
How to stop that from happening? Layer over any hyaluronic acid product with a water-based gel moisturizer to lock in the hydration.
Bring a Sheet Mask (But Use It Wisely)
Sheet masks can effectively hydrate your skin, but be mindful of when and where you use them. And don’t be worried about what the flight attendants may think—I can assure you they have seen far more amusing antics!
If you’re on a long-haul flight, wear a sheet mask in the privacy of your seat and make sure your hands are clean before applying it to avoid transferring bacteria to your face.
Do Use Products in Sealed, Single-Use Packets
Minimize contamination risk by using sealed, single-use packets for your skincare products. Opt for single-use packets for items like cleansers, moisturizers, and masks, as this reduces the risk of contamination and is more hygienic.
Avoid using products that require dipping fingers into jars, as this can introduce bacteria.
Protect Your Skin
When you’re flying, your skin is exposed to higher levels of UV radiation, especially if you’re seated by a window.
Apply a broad-spectrum SPF before your flight, choosing a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply as needed, particularly if you’re on a long flight.
Also, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re using hydrating mists or cleansers during the flight. Keep a travel-sized SPF in your carry-on for easy access.
DIY the Face Massage
Feeling bloated or lackluster due to all the salty foods and recycled air? Give yourself a mini facial massage—either with your fingertips or a gua sha tool (add one to your preflight checklist). This will boost blood circulation to remove toxins and make your skin glow!
Don’t Ignore the Eyes and Lips
There’s a reason most airplane amenity kits contain a lip balm—the delicate skin around your eyes and lips can become particularly dry during flights.
Apply a nourishing eye cream and a hydrating lip balm before the flight, and reapply as needed to keep these sensitive areas moisturized and comfortable.
Do Your Skincare the Day Before
Starting your skin care at ground level can make a big difference. Complete a thorough complexion refresh the night before your flight, including exfoliating, a facial treatment mask, and a good moisturizer to ensure your skin is in its best condition.
Don’t wait until you’re on the plane to start your skincare routine, as preflight preparation is key to maintaining healthy skin.
In-Flight Skincare Routine Example
Here’s a simple and effective routine to follow during your flight:
Before Takeoff: Double cleanse to remove any makeup.
During the Flight:
- Cleanse your face with micellar water, apply a hydrating serum, layer on a lightweight moisturizer or a nourishing face oil, and finish with SPF.
- Spritz your face with a hydrating mist every couple of hours.
- Reapply lip balm as needed. If you’re comfortable, use a hydrating sheet mask mid-flight to give your skin an extra hydration boost.
Before Landing: Cleanse again with micellar water, moisturize, and apply SPF to protect your skin upon arrival. Thiswill help refresh your skin and prepare it for landing at the final destination.
While the idea of a full-blown in-flight skincare routine might seem daunting, you can keep your skin happy and healthy during your travels with the right products and precautions.
Keep it simple, stay hydrated, and don’t forget your SPF! Bon voyage, and may your travels be as smooth as your glowing skin!
Do you have an inflight skincare routine? Share with the rest of us in the comments so we can all learn from each other!
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
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