Flying gets you to dreamy beaches in Santorini, canals in Copenhagen, and those Parisian pastries you absolutely deserve. But it’s notoriously brutal on your skin. The moment you board the plane, you’re met with low humidity, recycled cabin air, altitude changes, and hours of sitting still in a very dry environment.
With the right skincare routine for flying, you can trot off the plane fresh and hydrated. This guide covers exactly what happens to your skin in the air, plus the tips, routines, and essentials you need before, during, and after a flight.
Why Flying Dries Out Your Skin
If you have ever stepped off a flight feeling like your face aged several years somewhere over the Pacific, there’s a scientific reason for it. Three words: trans-epidermal water loss.
Airplane cabins sit at around 10-20% humidity (your skin much prefers 40-70%). In low humidity, water evaporates from your skin much faster, causing:
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Tightness
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Flakiness
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Irritation
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Overall “meh” skin texture
Combine that with recycled cabin air, changes in air pressure, disrupted sleep, and the inevitable lack of water intake during the flight…and your skin starts to panic a bit.
But don’t worry. Hydrated, glowy post-flight skin is achievable with the right approach.
Skincare Tips for Staying Hydrated in the Air
Looking glowy when you land starts long before you buckle in and blast off. Here’s how to keep your skin comfortable and hydrated even at 30,000 feet.
1. Hydrate from the inside
The flight attendant is about to become your best friend. Aim for about one glass of water per hour of flight time.
2. Skip heavy makeup
Thick foundation + dry cabin air = clogged pores and unnecessary dryness. Go bare-faced or wear minimal, hydrating makeup so your skin can breathe. Plus, it gives you a perfect blank canvas for your mid-flight Transformazing Sheet Mask.
3. Sheet mask
When the cabin lights dim….it’s Transformazing time. In just 10 minutes you will have visibly brighter, glowier skin by the time you're landing.
4. Layer hydrating products
Moisture is your best travel companion. Layer products that hydrate, then seal the hydration in.
Think: Much Plumper Skin, Face Hero and Very Useful Face Cream
5. Sunscreen (yes, seriously)
If you are lucky enough to score the window seat, sunscreen is a non-negotiable. UV exposure is much stronger at altitude and airplane windows don’t completely block all UVA rays. Nifty Fifty is ideal: Antioxidant rich, hydrating, and most importantly, protective.
6. Lip Balm And Hand Cream
Your lips and hands lose moisture super fast on planes. Make sure you bring your nourishing lip oil and restorative hand cream.
And, of course: don’t forget your passport. Hydration is important, but it won’t get you through immigration.
Skincare Essentials To Pack For Your Flight
You don’t need to pack a whole extra suitcase, it’s just important that you pack strategically.
Gentle cleanser (definitely optional, but fun). If you know you can’t get to sleep without washing your face, use something gentle like Juicy Gel. If not, maybe cleanse before heading to the airport, skipping the need to touch your face in the cramped airplane bathrooms and mobilising a line in the aisle while you do.
Hydrating serum. A hyaluronic acid serum like Much Plumper Skin will help draw much needed moisture into the skin to combat the drying cabin air. Load that on your skin before, during, and after your flight.
Nourishing face oil. Face Hero will be the real MVP of your in-flight skincare essentials, as its natural lightweight properties will help nourish your skin and leave it feeling more hydrated and supple after landing.
Sheet Mask. When the cabin lights dim? It’s Transformazing time. In just a quick 10 minutes your skin will be visibly glowier and brighter ready for your catwalk down the jet bridge upon landing.
Sunscreen. (Every day.) (Rain, shine, or cabin.)
In-Flight Skincare Routine
Here’s your easy, step-by-step skincare routine for long flights:
Before You Head to the Airport
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Cleanse your face thoroughly.
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Apply Much Plumper Skin (hydrating serum).
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Seal it in with Face Hero (facial oil).
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Lock everything down with Very Useful Face Cream.
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Apply sunscreen if it's daylight—Nifty Fifty to the rescue.
During the Flight
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Mist your face with Prep Step whenever you’re feeling dry.
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Reapply a lightweight layer of serum or oil as needed.
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Lock it all in with moisturiser.
Before Landing
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Another spritz of Prep Step for optimal absorption.
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Transformazing for dewy, hydrated skin in a flash.
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Dab on some oil or moisturiser to lock it all in.
FAQs About Flying And Skincare
Why does my skin feel so dry after flying?
Because cabin humidity is extremely low, your skin loses moisture faster than usual, causing dryness, tightness, and irritation.
Can I bring my regular skincare products on a plane?
Sadly! Go-To Air isn’t a reality. (Yet!) (Zo can totally pilot a commercial, she just chooses not to!)
So we recommend checking with your airline before flying to know what’s allowed and what’s not. We would hate to cause you the holiday-spoiling trauma of watching your Face Hero Extra get binned at security.
Is it better to wear makeup or go bare-faced when flying?
Your skin will love you for going makeup-free or sticking to minimal, hydrating makeup. Especially if you have no intention of double cleansing on the flight.
Should I apply sunscreen on a plane?
Yes! Especially if you’re in the window seat. UVA rays can still penetrate airplane windows, and UV exposure increases at high altitude. A broad-spectrum SPF like Nifty Fifty is your best friend.
What’s the best skincare routine for a long-haul flight?
A long-haul routine should focus on hydration and protection:
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Cleanse before boarding
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Mist to maximise product absorption
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Apply hydrating serum and follow with a nourishing oil
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Seal with moisturiser
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Drink water
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Use a hydrating lip balm
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Mask mid-flight if you want an extra boost
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Eat approximately three full-size Kit Kats
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Complete the book of puzzles you bought at the airport because your attempts to download Emily In Paris failed and the WiFi isn’t working.
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