How to Look After your Skin on a Long-Haul Flight
The anticipated day has finally arrived and you’re ready to jet off into the sunshine and get some well-deserved R&R. Some people take products with them to keep up their skincare routines for the duration of the trip, but how about on the journey over?
Cabin air is unfortunately notoriously dry, oxygen levels are lower, and your skin can quickly go from glowing to grim.
Whether you're prone to oily or acne-prone skin, dealing with tired or aging skin, or just want to arrive looking refreshed rather than jet-lagged, this guide has you covered.
Start with a clean base
Before boarding or leaving home, cleanse your skin thoroughly to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser suitable for your skin type.
For those with oily or hormonal acne-prone skin, avoid heavy cleansing oils or balms that may clog pores. Stick to a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula.
Also avoid touching your face during the flight - it's tempting, but your hands are loaded with bacteria and grime that can trigger breakouts mid-air.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Aeroplane cabins can have humidity levels as low as 10-20%, compared to the usual 40-60% we're used to on the ground. This can lead to tight, flaky, or even breakout-prone skin as it tries to compensate by producing more oil.
How to combat this:
Apply a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid before your flight.
Layer it with a moisturiser containing ceramides, niacinamide, or squalane, which is especially important for skin in your 40s and 50s.
Drink water throughout the flight (yes, even if it means more bathroom trips!)
Try also extending skincare beyond the face to your neck, chest, and hands. Such areas are often neglected, but equally as vulnerable to ageing and dehydration.
Reminder: A consistent skincare routine is more effective than a quick fix. If you haven’t started one already, begin a routine 6-12 weeks before your flight to start showing noticeable results. This ensures great timing if you're prepping for a big occasion trip!
Skip heavy makeup
Stick to lightweight, non-comedogenic makeup (or better yet, go bare faced).
Heavy foundations and powders can trap bacteria and clog pores in the dry cabin environment.
Don't forget SPF - Yes, even on a plane.
It might sound counterintuitive, but UV rays are more intense at higher altitudes, and aeroplane windows don't block UVA rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before you board, especially if you're in a window seat.
Sunscreen is particularly essential if you've had any aesthetic treatments recently like microneedling, PRP or chemical peels to protect your investment and healing process.
Treat your journey as if it’s a spa visit
Flying is a great time to indulge in mini skincare rituals:
Apply a hydrating mask mid-flight (opt for clear gel masks to avoid alarming fellow passengers).
If you have one, use an LED light compact therapy device to calm inflammation or boost circulation.
To tackle tired-looking skin, medical-grade skincare like the OBAGI Nu-Derm system can target hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and uneven tone-perfect for post-flight recovery too.
Plan treatments in advance wisely
If you've booked aesthetic treatments like chemical peels, Profhilo or PRP, make sure they're done well in advance of travel - ideally at least 1-2 weeks before flying.
Treatments like SkinPen microneedling can improve skin texture and boost collagen, but the skin needs downtime to heal.
Stick to your routine
Bring travel-sized versions of your usual skincare. Switching to new products mid-flight can upset your skin, especially if it's trying to adjust to a new climate, time zone, or diet.
Consistency is key and chasing trends won't beat a well-tailored, stable routine.
Healthy skin is happy skin
Flying doesn't have to leave you looking dull or broken out. With a few smart skincare moves, you can land glowing, hydrated, and ready to go.
At any age, your skin has different needs, but the core principles remain the same: cleanse gently, hydrate well and be consistent.
Recommended travel skincare checklist:
Gentle cleanser
Hydrating serum (Hyaluronic Acid)
Barrier-repair moisturiser (Ceramides, Squalane, Niacinamide)
Broad-spectrum SPF
Hydrating sheet or gel mask
Lip balm and hand cream
(Optional) travel-size LED device