I don’t like traveling by airplane. It’s admirable how people have managed to build such amazing contraptions. I absolutely marvel at the ingenuity and altogether-miraculous nature of human flight. But I don’t enjoy it – not for 2 hours, not for 12 hours, not for 16 hours (yeah, I’ve been there). One question which is always asked is how to protect your skin while flying?

Skin-issues aside, I don’t like it. Not the food, not the ‘tude, not the lines, nor the stuffiness. I’ve met a few really special flight attendants, though, I’ll tell you that. Sometimes it can get very real and raw in that small contained universe we call a commercial jet. I am sure those people work their butts off, and they have my vote!

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld described it best when he said: “It’s all a tiny world on an airplane, isn’t it? It’s always that tiny table there for the tiny computer, cramped seats, tiny food, tiny utensils, tiny liquor bottles, tiny pillows, tiny bathroom, tiny sink, tiny mirrors, tiny faucets, tiny soap.”

So let’s get down (or up?) to it.  Some love travelling by plane, some don’t. We know what the process of air travel may do to our moods, but what is it that airplanes can do to our skin?

What Airplanes Do To Your Skin

Woman sleeping on an airplane.

Want to find out what airplanes do to your skin? In short, the recycled air, combined with the absence of natural air movement and lack of ordinary humidity, can spell certain dry doom for your skin; particularly, your face and neck are most affected.

This whole ‘jetsetter beauty routine’ thing is very subjective. First, it depends on the length of the flight. Second, it depends (somewhat) on the destination. Third, once you are on the flight itself, it really limits what you can and cannot do to your skin. Those who wear masks and apply treatments may be going about it the wrong way. More about that soon.

Higher altitudes cause blood flow to lessen, and this means less oxygen and hydration for the skin at large. Air pressure decreases as the plane climbs higher, which is the whole idea of a ‘pressurized cabin’. The air which is being used is one from the immediate environment of the airplane, meaning air which is lower in oxygen compared to sea level and ground levels. About 25-30 minutes into your flight, the passenger cabin is drier than California’s Death Valley at midday in August.

The decreased flow of blood, the lower amounts of oxygen, and the dryness which exists on the airplane all come together to form one heck of a sucker punch to your skin. Your face is a primary target for all of these less-than-desired effects, because it is exposed and is generally more sensitive to subtle changes.

Now, to be clear, there is also a genetic component involved. It could very well be that your skin has received some serious protection, or that you are young enough so that your skin can breeze by a 14-hour flight with no special needs or wants. Still, you may find that it is best to replenish your skin’s moisture after the flight, even if you possess the best genes on the market.

Skin Care Before Flight

Woman applying product to her face.

“She packed my bags last night, pre-flight” sings Elton John. But before you get on that jet plane, Rocket Man (or Woman), you need to remember the following skin care before flights: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. This is what the skin loses and misses the most during the flight, and this is a fact that remains tried and true even for short-distance flights.

So, keep your skin hydrated before the flight. Do what you can to moisten your skin, lock in that moisture, and keep it in using a barrier-creating product, such as a designated serum or facial cream. It’s okay if the serum or cream or anything else is on the heavier side because your skin is probably going to need it.

Proper skin care before flight includes getting rid of any makeup you have on. I know, I know, you want to look great for those “before” or “goodbye” photos or whatnot, but take into account that any makeup you have on will probably be in the way of getting your face properly cleansed and hydrated. You’re looking at a few good hours on that airplane, so consider removing that makeup at the very latest once you are settled in, in those minutes before take-off.

Some travel with a full face of makeup on. No judgment, right? But I have found that it does not do me any good to do that. Your frequent flyer mileage may vary.

Sleep. If possible, get a good sleep before you get on that airplane. Snoozing does a lot to beautify the individual. It’s called “beauty sleep” for a reason, and it may be the reason why Princess Aurora was nicknamed Sleeping Beauty, and why she has such radiant skin! Then again, it could be because she is just a cartoon…

During Flight Skin Care

Woman with clear skin.

The dryness and stillness of the air work inside and out, which is why you must do the same. Water. Water will keep you hydrated from the inside out. Alcoholic drinks can dry you up (ironically), and this is especially true for longer flights. If you are on an airplane for more than 5-6 hours, avoid alcohol, and stick to water. That’s a general good health tip, regardless of air travel, but hey – alcohol is alcohol, right? Right.

Airplanes may seem clean, and technically they may be very clean environments, but your skin makes its own dirt and residue. During flight skin care includes cleaning the skin with cleansing wipes or a similar product once or twice during the flight. Take care to perform the final cleanse an hour or 90 minutes before touchdown.

Speaking of skin – even though the bulk of this post makes mention of the face and neck, don’t forget about other parts that are exposed, like the hands. Moisturizing your hands is just as important because the same elements and variables that affect your face also influence your hands.

The scalp is another area that may require some attention, depending on your scalp and hair type. The scalp and hair have their own frame of moisture and cleanliness. The sebum – your body’s natural oil – is something which is secreted constantly, and it has a lot to do with your hair care routine, regardless of air travel.

If you don’t want your scalp and hair to become greasy, droopy, and lame on arrival,  you can try some dry shampoos, which remove dirt and oil, and usually also provide some volume in the process. Take a travel-size one if you can, and a small brush to help it get everywhere it needs to go

Also, lip balm and possibly some kind of light face oil are the two things that you should be applying consistently during the flight. Any masks or treatments would be a good effort, but perhaps not enough to combat the very drying and trying nature of the small, airborne space you are occupying.

Post Flight Skin Care

Despite your efforts, the airplane can still make your skin appear dull, dry, and tired by landing. If you need to look good when you land, post-flight skin care is key. It could be at the arrivals lounge, the airport bathroom, or at the hotel room, etc.- wherever is most convenient for you.

• Step 1 – Cleanse your pores. Your skin picked up different things throughout the flight. Get back to basics with a fresh face. Use a travel cleanser or any other method you want, and remove dirt particles and dead cells from your skin.
• Step 2 – Use a mask. Now – perhaps more than during the flight itself – is the time to use a moisturizing and refreshing face mask. 10 or 20 minutes and you’ll be getting that glow back.
• Step 3 – Sleep (again!). If you didn’t get any sleep on the plane, now is the time to catch up on your dream correspondence. Sleep is something that is almost always beneficial for the skin but don’t overdo it.

Conclusion

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re about to begin our descent to XYZ airport, the temperature is blah blah blah…” you know the drill. Landing, taxiing, passport check, baggage claim, and then on to your destination.

Flying is not my favorite travel method, but it’s the fastest thing we have, making it worth the hassle. I’ll always remember what Louis CK said about air travel: “You’re on a chair in the sky! You’re like a Greek myth now!” It’s part of his bit about people who constantly complain about their flight experience.

And it’s true – it is like we’re all Greek myths, when we are on board a jet plane. There are so many advantages and conveniences associated with air travel, but you need to prep accordingly. And when it comes to keeping your complexion, there is a lot of prep involved, especially on long flights.

Before, during, after… it sounds like a lot, and maybe it is, but if you need to look good upon arrival – or don’t need to but want to – then you need to take some steps to mitigate the drawbacks of flying (because those are there, too). Drink water, get some sleep, and make sure you and your skin both get some much-needed post-flight TLC.