Is a Skincare Routine Necessary During Flights? Insights from Dermatologists

Flying often leads to skin issues due to dry cabin air, stress, and disrupted sleep—factors that can cause dryness and breakouts. Experts advise against following elaborate in-flight skincare routines and suggest simple pre-flight preparations instead.

Key Points:

• Dryness and Breakouts: In-cabin germs and dry air can dehydrate the skin and cause breakouts. Increased stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep contribute to skin problems.

• Pre-Flight Skin Prep:

  • Mineral Sunscreen: Especially important for window seat passengers to protect against UVA rays.
  • Moisturizer: Use products with ingredients like vitamin C and probiotics to protect and balance the skin.
  • Holistic Care: Keep stress in check, stay hydrated, and ensure adequate sleep to maintain healthy skin.
• In-Flight Recommendations:
  • Less is More: Avoid applying complex skincare routines on planes. Limit to essentials like hydrating facial mists and lip balms.
  • Expert Opinions:
  • Some experts recommend products like hypochlorous acid sprays for their antimicrobial benefits.
  • Others advise against any skincare application in-flight due to potential contamination from airborne bacteria.

The consensus is to minimize skincare actions on the plane and focus on maintaining skin health before and after the flight.