- By Bornika Das
- Sat, 16 Aug 2025 02:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In Flight Skincare Tips: Although you get to be above the clouds and witness mesmerising scenic beauty, air travel can take a serious toll on the skin. The cabin in-flight air is extremely dry, with a drop in humidity, which can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Moreover, the effects of recycled air, long hours of sitting and disrupted sleep cycles make the skin look dull, dehydrated and tired by the time you land. Here’s where the in-flight skincare plays the role, making you look fresh while protecting the skin barrier.
What Happens To The Skin Inside A Flight?
The pressurised air inside the airplane cabins is dry, recycled, and loaded with bacteria. Humidity levels drop to as low as 10 per cent, as compared to the comfortable 40-60 per cent on land, oxygen in low and the UV ray exposure is higher due to the altitude. Besides, the harsh air conditioning makes the skin more terrible. These factors can lead the skin to the following problems.
Dryness: Low humidity sucks the moisture out of the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and in some cases, even rashes or eczema.
Dullness: The skin becomes dry, dull and dehydrated, giving the face a tired, lacklustre look.
Itchiness: The body skin also suffers in-flight. The lack of natural moisturising factors (NMFs) causes itching and discomfort.
Puffiness: Sitting long hours inside the flight leads to sluggish lymphatic drainage, which causes bloating and under-eye puffiness. Besides, salty snacks and in-flight alcohol make it worse.
Breakouts: If the skin is not well-moisturised, it overcompensates by producing excess oil, which clogs pores. Besides, makeup, unclean linen and frequent face-touching with not-so-clean hands can trigger outbreaks.
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In-Flight Skincare Tips For Flyers
Skin-Prep Before Flight
Hydration: Drink water and use face mists, hyaluronic acid, ceramide-based moisturisers or even a sheet mask before leaving for the air travel.
Skip Makeup: Allow the skin to breathe by not putting any makeup on it. If there is already makeup on the skin, double cleanse it off before boarding. Clean skin, moisturiser and SPF (for daytime flight) provide the ideal flight-ready face.
Dress Smart: Opt for breathable, chic loungewear or a comfy co-ord set. Skip heels and go for flats.
Airplane Skincare Routine For Long Flights
Hands-Free Essentials: Carry face mists, sheet masks, lip balms, spray sunscreen and pre-soaked toner pads in the face mists. Always clean your hands before touching your face.
Step 1: Face mist
Step 2: Sheet mask (remove in 15 mins)
Step 3: Face mist again + lip balm
Step 4: Allow it to soak into the skin and give that glow
In-Flight Skincare Tips (Image Credits: Canva)
What To Eat And Drink In-Flight: Drink enough water and limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol. Avoid salty foods. Hydration and clean food choices help skin health in-flight.
Get Moving: A quick stretch every hour boosts circulation and helps lymphatic drainage, helping the overall health and the skin as well.
SPF Is A Must: UV rays are stronger when at higher altitudes. Apply before boarding and reapply with a spray during longer flights.
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After Flight Skincare Routine
Skip The Actives: Allow the skin to recover. Do not use vitamin C or retinol serums for some days. Stick to gentle cleansing, moisturiser and SPF.
Take A Cold Shower: A cold shower helps you relax the body and refresh the skin, while inducing deep sleep. Avoid hot water as it can strip the skin’s moisture more easily. After a shower, apply a generous moisturiser to the face and body.
Depuff With Tools: Use a jade roller or gua sha to gently massage the face and improve lymphatic drainage. It’s calming and reduces post-travel puffiness.