High Altitude, High Impact: Ways Flying Affects Your Skin
As holiday travel surges, many of us are preparing for flights, family gatherings, and festive fun, but few think about how the skin fares at 30,000 feet. With nearly 31 million passengers expected to travel this holiday season, the risk for “travel-skin stress” is very real.
Here’s what you need to know before, during and after your flight to keep your glow grounded and your skin barrier intact.
Why Air Travel Drains Your Skin
Flying isn’t just tiring for you; your skin feels it too.
- Low humidity: Cabin air often drops below 20% humidity, leading to dehydration of the skin’s outer layer and weakening of the moisture barrier.
- Increased UV exposure: At altitude, UVA rays penetrate and can affect skin even when the weather seems benign.
- Pressure + recycled air: The combination of lower pressure, recycled air, and often cold cabin conditions means skin is more vulnerable to damage, tightness and visible fatigue.
This means even if you’ve been diligent with your routine on the ground, the airplane environment can undo some of that prep if you’re not careful.
Pre-Flight Skin Prep: Start with Strength
To give your skin the best chance of arriving looking refreshed, not drained, here’s your pre-flight strategy:
- 24 hours ahead: Avoid introducing new or strong actives (like high-strength retinols or aggressive acids) right before flying; the skin’s barrier is already going to be compromised.
- Moisture-lock: Use a rich emollient moisturizer the evening before you fly and incorporate a hydrating serum (think hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based) to boost water retention.
- Sunscreen before you fly: Yes, apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning (even if your destination is cloudy) because window seats can expose you to more UVA than you’d expect.
- Minimize stressors: Get a decent night’s sleep, stay well hydrated from within, and skip alcohol or extra caffeine in the evening before travel, since these dehydrate you further and impact skin resilience.
Post-Flight Recovery: Landing with Your Skin in Mind
You made it! But your skin needs a reset:
- Gentle cleanse: Choose a non-foaming, barrier-friendly cleanser as soon as you can. Skip harsh scrubs or physical exfoliants in the next 24 hours.
- Repair & replenish: Use a barrier-repair cream (rich in ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) and a hydrating mask or overnight treatment.
- Consider in-office care: If your skin feels very tight, red, or you have a big event after traveling, a quick in-office treatment (like a hydration facial or gentle laser) can help your glow catch up.
- Return to your routine slowly: After 24-48 hours at home, you can resume your regular skincare routine.
Why It Matters for You & Your Routine
With the massive number of holiday travelers, and the compressed timelines of Thanksgiving week, your skin is competing with the same stressors your body, mind and schedule are facing. By integrating pre-flight and post-flight steps into your skincare plan, you’re proactively protecting one of your most visible assets: your skin.
Safe travels, and here’s to arriving at the holiday table with your best self!
As holiday travel surges, many of us are preparing for flights, family gatherings, and festive fun, but few think about how the skin fares at 30,000 feet. With nearly 31 million passengers expected to travel this holiday season, the risk for “travel-skin stress” is very real.
Here’s what you need to know before, during and after your flight to keep your glow grounded and your skin barrier intact.
Why Air Travel Drains Your Skin
Flying isn’t just tiring for you; your skin feels it too.
- Low humidity: Cabin air often drops below 20% humidity, leading to dehydration of the skin’s outer layer and weakening of the moisture barrier.
- Increased UV exposure: At altitude, UVA rays penetrate and can affect skin even when the weather seems benign.
- Pressure + recycled air: The combination of lower pressure, recycled air, and often cold cabin conditions means skin is more vulnerable to damage, tightness and visible fatigue.
This means even if you’ve been diligent with your routine on the ground, the airplane environment can undo some of that prep if you’re not careful.
Pre-Flight Skin Prep: Start with Strength
To give your skin the best chance of arriving looking refreshed, not drained, here’s your pre-flight strategy:
- 24 hours ahead: Avoid introducing new or strong actives (like high-strength retinols or aggressive acids) right before flying; the skin’s barrier is already going to be compromised.
- Moisture-lock: Use a rich emollient moisturizer the evening before you fly and incorporate a hydrating serum (think hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based) to boost water retention.
- Sunscreen before you fly: Yes, apply a broad-spectrum SPF in the morning (even if your destination is cloudy) because window seats can expose you to more UVA than you’d expect.
- Minimize stressors: Get a decent night’s sleep, stay well hydrated from within, and skip alcohol or extra caffeine in the evening before travel, since these dehydrate you further and impact skin resilience.
Post-Flight Recovery: Landing with Your Skin in Mind
You made it! But your skin needs a reset:
- Gentle cleanse: Choose a non-foaming, barrier-friendly cleanser as soon as you can. Skip harsh scrubs or physical exfoliants in the next 24 hours.
- Repair & replenish: Use a barrier-repair cream (rich in ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol) and a hydrating mask or overnight treatment.
- Consider in-office care: If your skin feels very tight, red, or you have a big event after traveling, a quick in-office treatment (like a hydration facial or gentle laser) can help your glow catch up.
- Return to your routine slowly: After 24-48 hours at home, you can resume your regular skincare routine.
Why It Matters for You & Your Routine
With the massive number of holiday travelers, and the compressed timelines of Thanksgiving week, your skin is competing with the same stressors your body, mind and schedule are facing. By integrating pre-flight and post-flight steps into your skincare plan, you’re proactively protecting one of your most visible assets: your skin.
Safe travels, and here’s to arriving at the holiday table with your best self!
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