#SkinSchool: How flying affects your skin (and what to do about it)
While some of the elaborate in-flight skincare routines shared on social media might read excessive, the premise is far from futile – any frequent flyer will know how air travel can negatively impact the skin.
"During and after a flight, many people will experience various skin concerns, including breakouts, puffiness and dry skin," Dr Paris Acharya, an aesthetic doctor and facial surgeon tells us. "Most problems are a direct result of the low air pressure and dry cabin conditions when you’re flying," she explains, adding that humidity levels in an aircraft cabin can drop to 10-to-20 per cent in the air, which is extremely low (the skin is used to humidity levels of between 40-50 per cent). "This results in your skin losing a large proportion of its moisture, leaving it dehydrated, even after short flights." This can be especially problematic for those with dry skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea and psoriasis, given that flare-ups can easily occur as a result.
While dryness is the most common concern associated with air travel, dullness comes a close second. "This can happen for a number of reasons," adds Dr Leah Totton, a medical and cosmetic doctor, "such as the dehydration itself, lack of sleep, or the high altitude reducing blood flow to the skin".
Your face may also appear puffy during and post-flight, Dr Totton notes, "as the pressure can slow down the lymphatic drainage system," while the salt intake from food can also contribute to facial swelling, she says. Regardless of skin type, it is also common to experience breakouts from flying, she confirms. "Your skin produces more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture, and the oil build-up can lead to breakouts as a result of bacteria. In addition, a change in routine and poor air quality can contribute to breakouts, while dietary choices (such as those salty, sugary snacks onboard) and a lack of sleep may impact our skin, too."
So, with this dreary picture of a 'flight face' in mind, we asked the experts to advise on how best to treat your skin pre- and post-flight travel, as well as while you're in the air (routine-filming optional).
Pre-flight skin prep
1/ "Water intake is an important step throughout the whole flying process but before especially, to ensure maximum hydration for your journey. In the week leading up to your flight, up your water intake levels significantly to hydrate from within," Dr Acharya advises.
2/ "Having a hot shower before flying should be avoided as this can disrupt the moisture balance for the skin on the body and face, which may lead to itchiness and irritation," advises Dr Totton.
3/ "Exfoliate your body and face the night before flying as this will remove any dead skin cells, which will allow the skin to absorb moisture more easily," Dr Totton continues. "You should then moisturise your whole body, especially focusing on areas that will be more exposed. Look for a thicker body moisturiser that will protect the skin, and one that is long-lasting. If you do opt for a cold or lukewarm shower before flying, apply your moisturiser to the skin when it is still slightly damp, to help lock in the hydration."
4/ Dr Acharya tends to treat herself to an ultra-hydrating facial before flights, or replicates one at home, "starting with the PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask and then applying my favourite serums and moisturiser" the night before. On the day, "it is best to cleanse the skin before flying, using cold or lukewarm water," says Dr Totton, recommending a gentle, hydrating cleanser. "Then look for a facial moisturiser that is fragrance-free, as fragrance can be drying and lead to irritation and redness." Dr Acharya swears by serums and creams containing hyaluronic acid when flying, "as it is renowned for its ability to attract and retain moisture – so be sure to incorporate this into your lead-up routine regularly, too".
In-flight skin tips
1/ Dr Acharya chooses not to wear make-up. "While this is, of course, personal preference, I would always recommend flying without make-up unless you’re planning on removing it and carrying out your full skincare routine onboard. Make-up can sometimes clog your pores and this will be amplified on a flight due to the low moisture levels, so if you do choose to wear it, take the time to remove it properly."
2/ "SPF is perhaps the most important skincare product on a flight, as well as in everyday life. However, many people forget to apply it on a plane as they think that they are protected," Dr Acharya says. However, as Dr Totton adds: "When we are flying we are exposed to higher levels of UV radiation – so a high factor SPF must be applied pre-flight, and topped up during longer flights. And don't forget your hands, as these will be washed more frequently."
3/ On that note, do remember to always wash your hands before touching your face in-flight, adds Dr Totton, "as we're likely to be in contact with many germs and bacteria... The last thing you want is dirty hands when applying your skincare."
4/ When it comes to skincare, Dr Acharya says that with your skin losing so much moisture, you need to make sure you’re giving as much back as possible. "Skincare layering is the process of applying multiple different products to lock all moisture in. So start with a mist to refresh the skin and then apply an ultra-hydrating serum or a sheet mask – while I wouldn’t always recommend them for daily use, they’re sometimes one of the most effective ways of intensely hydrating the skin, especially during a long-haul flight. Leave it on for the recommended time and then massage any residue into the skin. Finish with a moisturiser, eye cream and hydrating lip balm." Dr Totton adds that for those long haul flights, "I would recommend taking a thick body moisturiser onboard, it will not only nourish and hydrate the skin, but protect the skin, too."
5/ Dr Acharya is a fan of facial massage when flying. "Using a serum or light cream, run your hands from your chin to the bottom of your ear, continuing to the collarbone – repeat this a handful of times to banish any excess fluid and to prevent puffiness," she advises. "Do the same from the cheek, to the middle of your ear, down to the collarbone too." Another effective method is to use a gua sha or a facial roller mid-flight, she says, "which helps with lymphatic drainage". On this note, Dr Totton also suggests moving around during the flight (where you can), "as this can aid circulation".
6/ Another of Dr Acharya's top tips is to avoid, or limit, alcohol intake. "Alcohol is a big contributor to dehydration, which may lead to skin dryness and irritation."
Post-flight skin recovery:
1/ Dr Acharya says it's important to maintain the hydration when you land. "If you’ve just arrived at your destination then be mindful that you’ve got to make the return flight too, so those pre-flight steps should be repeated accordingly. Maintain your high levels of hydration with the increased water intake for the duration of your holiday and continue to use your hydrating skincare – like hyaluronic acid products – daily."
2/ When you can, cleanse the skin immediately, she says. "Your post-flight skin focus should be to eliminate potential breakouts and further issues. All of the recirculated air can cause havoc for the skin so I would recommend completing a double cleanse – starting with a creamy cleanser to gently clean the face and then following with a facial wash."
3/ Avoid hot showers for 24 hours, Dr Acharya continues. "Hot water can often strip skin moisture, which can be detrimental to already-dehydrated post-flight skin. Instead, I would recommend opting for lukewarm water." Dr Totton concurs, adding that "a cold shower – if you can brave it – may also reduce swelling and inflammation post-flight". Either way, follow with a hydrating body moisturiser. "Look out for products that contain hydrating ingredients such as shea butter, says Dr Acharya.
4/ A final tip is to invest in a lymphatic drainage massage, before and/or after flying, says Dr Totton. "By gently massaging certain areas, it helps move fluid away from blocked areas to allow it to flow properly, helping prevent build-up in the body (especially in the arms, legs and face), while stimulating blood flow and circulation."
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