One of the most common complaints about flying is that it damages skin. But with the right products and techniques, you can step off the plane feeling refreshed and radiant.
We break down the science of skincare at 30,000 feet to help you prepare for your next vacation.
Key Takeaways
- Flying can expose your skin to various stressors.
- Cabin air is often quite dry, which can suck moisture from your skin.
- At high altitudes, UV radiation is more intense, which can lead to sun damage.
- Airport authorities often limit how many liquid products you can take on a flight.
- Try to prepare your skin with high-quality products before you fly, and use travel-sized containers to bring your skincare essentials on board with you.
See More: How to Use Reed Diffusers for Home Fragrance
Supporting Your Skin During Air Travel
Metta Murdaya, co-founder of JUARA Skincare, says:
"Flying can be stressful on skin, but the right products and techniques can help you land feeling refreshed and radiant. Focus on hydrating and protecting your skin with moisturizers and sunscreen, and use travel-sized products while on board."
Few things are better than a vacation. It's time for yourself, for you to unwind, relax, and recharge.
The only problem is getting there.
Air travel can sometimes be tough on skin. If you've arrived at your destination only to break out, you know this firsthand.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can support your skin while flying. With the right skincare products and techniques, you can step off the plane with the glow a good vacation deserves.
The specific products and techniques you use will depend on your journey. Short-haul flights might require less intense preparation than long-haul flights. Daytime flights have different conditions than red-eye journeys.
But the fundamentals are the same. Chief among them: Protecting your skin barrier from the harsh in-flight environment, and preparing your skincare essentials so you can jump right into a supportive skincare routine from the moment you land.
What Happens to Your Skin on Long-Haul Flights
In order to properly protect and support your skin, you need to understand what's actually happening to it while you fly.
Modern air travel might appear seamless. Depending on your carrier and ticket, it might even be luxurious.
But even the most high-end seat won't change the basic environment of a plane in flight, which affects your skin in several ways.
High Altitudes
As you no doubt know, flights take you pretty high up in the sky. While flying on a typical commercial plane, you might be cruising more than 30,000 feet above sea level.
That far up, things start to change in ways you might not expect. For one thing, the atmosphere is much thinner up here than down on the ground.
That's great for the plane, because it reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency. But it also means the UV rays are more intense.
In other words, your airplane window seat might provide a wonderful view, but it's also exposing you to some serious UV radiation. That puts your skin at risk of sun damage. It's a kind of free radical damage, where the UV rays trigger the formation of damaging reactive molecules called free radicals.
Low Humidity
Then there's the inside. Ever felt like the air inside a plane feels somehow different than outside?
You're not wrong. Cabin air is different.
For one thing, it includes recycled air. That doesn't make it stale or unsafe. The air is constantly passed through filters.
But it does affect the humidity. Airplane cabins often have very low humidity, often between 10% and 20%.
That's way less humid than your typical indoor air. The constantly circulating, dry air pulls hydration out of and away from your skin, increasing transepidermal water loss.
If you've flown before, you probably know what this causes. Dry skin, chapped lips, and skin that just feels off when you land.
Dehydration can also undermine your skin barrier. That's the outermost layer of your skin. It's responsible for locking in moisture and keeping potentially harmful substances out.
An undermined skin barrier can lead to all kinds of problems. Dry skin is one. Breakouts are another.
Step 1: Plan Ahead
The first step in protecting and supporting your skin is preparing properly. A few minutes of preparation can make a world of difference when you actually step foot on a flight.
Pick Your Skincare Products Carefully
The most important thing is choosing what to bring. Remember, you're working with limited space.
When it comes to the liquids you can take in your carry-on bag, many airports follow the Transportation Security Administration's 3-1-1 rule. That means your liquid products must be in containers no larger than 3.4 oz or 100 ml. And they all have to fit in a single, clear bag no larger than 1 quart.
If you're used to multi-step skincare routines, that might sound like an impossible challenge. But it's actually quite doable. It just requires some planning.
One great tip is to invest in some travel-sized products. Some brands sell travel-sized versions of their products. Alternatively, you can purchase some reusable travel-sized containers.
Try to choose only your favorite products. Experts generally recommend focusing on products that can multitask. Look for products that contain a range of supportive ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.
If there are any products you can buy when you land, consider leaving them out of your travel bag. Alternatively, you could pack them in your checked luggage.
Another tip is to swap liquid products for solid ones, like makeup remover wipes.
Bonus: The Benefits of a Body Cream, And How to Use Them
Prepare With a Good Moisturizer
Before you even get on the plane, you can treat your skin to a pre-flight pamper.
First, consider using a gentle cleanser to remove any built-up sweat, dirt, and makeup. That'll help your skin fully absorb the products you apply before flying. Some gentle exfoliation, like with an enzyme scrub, can also help remove built-up dead skin cells.
Next, it's time to moisturize. You don't just want to hydrate your skin, but protect it from losing hydration to the dry cabin air.
For that reason, experts often recommend layering your hydrating products. For example, you could start with a hydrating serum, then layer your favorite moisturizer over the top to seal the beneficial ingredients and moisture in.
Look for products with humectant ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. These help pull moisture into your skin for deep hydration.
Moisturizers with occlusive ingredients, or ones that create a physical barrier preventing water loss, can also be beneficial. A natural oil can be a great option for sealing in hydration.
Don't forget your lips, too. A nourishing lip balm is a must-have for flying. It's small enough that it should fit in your travel kit.
Sunscreen is another pre-flight essential. Try to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher, especially if you're taking a daytime flight.
You should use sunscreen even if you're not sitting at a window seat. It's the same principle as using it even if it's grey outside.
Some experts recommend skipping heavy makeup when flying, or foregoing it altogether. Makeup can block your pores, preventing your skin from breathing and potentially worsening the effect of cabin air.
Step 2: In-Flight Skincare Routine for Radiant Skin
So, you've prepared properly. You're on the plane, in your seat, and flying toward your destination.
Now's the time for maintenance.
Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is particularly thin and delicate. That means it's often one of the first places to be visibly affected by dehydration.
Consider packing a travel-sized version of your favorite eye cream. JUARA's Miracle Tea Complete Eye Creme contains antioxidant-rich kombucha to help protect your skin from environmental stressors, five-flavor berry to support collagen production, and turmeric to help promote a more radiant complexion.
Hydrating Mist
A good hydrating face mist is a must-have in many people's in-flight routine. A few spritzes of a high-quality mist can give your skin an instant hydration boost.
Consider a mist with soothing, skin-supporting ingredients. Keep it in the seat pocket so you can refresh every hour or two.
Stay Hydrated
Products are just one way to support skin hydration. Another way is drinking water.
Make sure to carry a bottle of water on your flight. You can buy one at the airport if you forget. And if you forget both, just make sure to ask the flight attendants for enough water to keep you hydrated throughout the flight.
Consider avoiding caffeine and alcohol, too. They're diuretics, which means they increase urine production. That also makes them dehydrating.
Step 3: Post-Flight Skincare Tips
You've landed, and hopefully your skin is feeling healthy and radiant. But there are still a few steps you can take to walk out of the airport and arrive at your final destination feeling totally refreshed.
First, consider gently cleansing your skin. That'll help wash away any impurities that may have built up during the flight. It also removes the products you used throughout, like sunscreen.
If you do this, don't forget to reapply moisturizer. Experts generally recommend applying it on damp skin to help lock in extra moisture. You could also use a body lotion on any other dry areas, like your hands.
Even with perfect preparation, it's entirely possible your skin might be a little stressed. If you're experiencing some post-flight puffiness from the air pressure changes, a quick lymphatic drainage massage could help.
Conclusion
With the right steps, you can step off the plane and start your vacation with your skin feeling as refreshed as you do inside. Make sure to prepare with travel-friendly products, keep your skin moisturized, and protect your skin barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Do My Skincare On Flights?
Taking a flight doesn't mean abandoning your skincare. Consider doing part of your routine, like cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen, before you board. While on board, use travel-friendly versions of your favorite products.
How to Take Skincare Through TSA?
TSA generally restricts the liquids you can take in your carry-on luggage. You'll likely need to opt for containers that are no larger than 3.4 oz (100 ml) and ensure they all fit in a single clear bag.
What Is the 4-2-4 Rule in Skincare?
The 4-2-4 rule is a method for cleansing. It calls for 4 minutes of cleansing with an oil-based product, 2 minutes of cleansing with a water- or foam-based product, and then 4 minutes of rinsing to clear everything away.
Keep Reading: The Meaning & Importance of Dermatologist-Tested Skincare
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Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by learning more about our founders and following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
