Scrolling through TikTok lately, you’d think airplane cabins have become luxury spas. Influencers are filming elaborate in-flight skincare routines complete with sheet masks, layered serums, face mists, and more, all promising to combat the dehydrating effects of air travel. The reality is that most of these viral hacks are actually sabotaging your skin.
With holiday travel on the horizon, many Arizonans will be taking to the skies. The desire to protect your skin during flight makes sense but understanding how cabin conditions impact your complexion can help you make smarter choices.
Here’s what you should skip—and the one product that’s worth it.
WHY IN-FLIGHT SKINCARE BACKFIRES
Despite what influencers suggest, there’s nothing beneficial about layering skincare products on when you’re breathing recirculated air and sitting in an environment where every surface has been touched by hundreds of passengers. Airplanes have higher concentrations of airborne bacteria, germs and irritants, which means applying products mid-flight risks contaminating both your skin and the products themselves.
This is especially true for face masks, which can seal in any bacteria against your skin, potentially leading to clogged pores, breakouts and irritation.
PRE-FLIGHT SKIN PREP
The key is simplicity and preparation, not mid-flight intervention.
Before your flight, cleanse your face thoroughly and apply a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer with hyaluronic acid and ceramides. These ingredients help your skin retain existing moisture and create a protective barrier that shields against debris during the flight. For added protection in a window seat, consider applying mineral sunscreen to combat UVA rays.
The goal is to create a protective foundation before you board, then leave your skin alone as much as possible during the flight.
THE ONE PRODUCT WORTH PACKING
Skip the 10-step skincare routine and focus on one key product: hypochlorous acid spray. Spritz every few hours to maintain hydration and reduce bacteria on the skin’s surface, without the drying effect of traditional mists that often contain alcohol.
Remember that the best skincare routine at 30,000 feet is the simplest. Save the sheet masks for solid ground, stay hydrated by drinking water (and skipping the mid-flight cocktails) and resist the urge to layer on products just because everyone else on your feed is doing it.
Your skin will thank you when you land.
Dr. Karan Lal is the director of pediatric dermatology and cosmetic surgery at Affiliated Dermatology North Scottsdale. Affiliated Dermatology is a full-service dermatology group offering general dermatology, skin cancer detection and treatment, Mohs surgery, aesthetics, and allergy services. The practice has locations across Old Town Scottsdale, North Scottsdale, Anthem, Deer Valley, Gilbert, Surprise, Tempe, and Tolleson.
