Why Airplane Skincare Routines Are Overrated and Risky

Why Airplane Skincare is NOT as Iconic as They Say

“Skincare during my 12+ hour flight!” is probably something you’ve seen on your feed. *Shockingly* enough it’s those influencers in first class, showing off their expensive, elaborate skincare routines, telling you this is what they *always* do when they’re up in the air.

Now, don’t get us wrong—who doesn’t love a good skincare routine? But here’s the catch: the airplane isn’t the magical skincare haven people make it out to be. Just because your favorite influencer is pulling out a ton of expensive products at 30,000 feet doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin. They’re not dermatologists and their ‘glass skin’ results probably come from professional skincare treatments at a clinic, not an airplane skincare routine.

So, in today’s blog, we’re going to tell you why skincare mid-flight isn’t as “iconic” as it seems, and how you can actually prep your skin before the flight to make sure it stays healthy, hydrated, and glowing.

Why Airplane Skincare Routines Are Overrated (and Risky)

Let’s start with the basics: airplanes are not skincare-friendly environments. Here’s why doing your routine mid-flight might not be as beneficial as you think:

1. The Cabin Air Isn’t Doing You Any Favors

The air in airplanes is dry—like 20% humidity levels dry. That’s less than half of what your skin is used to on the ground. While it might seem logical to lather on a hydrating mask mid-flight, the reality is that the dry air could make it harder for your skin to absorb those products. Instead of hydration, you might end up with a greasy layer just sitting on your face.

2. Airplane Surfaces Are… Not Quite Clean

Tray tables, seatbelts, armrests—these surfaces aren’t exactly clean. When you’re doing your skincare routine, you’re probably touching your face after coming into contact with these areas. Even if you’ve sanitized your hands, the risk of transferring bacteria to your skin is higher than you’d like to think.

3. The Routine Itself

Let’s talk about what people are actually doing up there:

• Sheet masks: Sure, they look cool for an Instagram video, but they can dry out quickly in cabin air, leaving your skin feeling tight rather than nourished.
• Facial mists: These might feel refreshing at first, but without a sealing moisturizer, they can actually dehydrate your skin further as the water evaporates.
• Multiple layers of products: In a dry, pressurized cabin, this layering can clog pores instead of benefiting your skin.

What You Can Do Instead: Preparing Your Skin Before You Fly

The good news? You can avoid all the drama by taking care of your skin before you step on that plane. Here’s how to prep like a pro:

1. Hydrate From Within

Start with the basics: drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Keeping your body hydrated helps your skin stay supple, even in the driest environments.

2. Moisturize Like You Mean It

Before you board, apply a rich, nourishing moisturizer that locks in hydration. Look for one with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to create a protective barrier against the cabin’s dry air.

3. Don’t Skip Sunscreen

Yes, even on a plane, sunscreen is essential. Those UV rays can sneak through the airplane windows, especially if you’ve snagged a window seat. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen to protect your skin.

4. Go Minimal on Actives

Avoid using active ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids right before your flight. These can make your skin more sensitive and reactive to the dry, pressurized air.

5. Consider a Pre-Flight Mask

If you love a good mask, use a hydrating or soothing one before you leave for the airport. This way, your skin gets all the benefits without the risks of drying out mid-flight.

6. Pack the Essentials

If you must bring skincare on board, keep it simple. A travel-size moisturizer and lip balm should be enough to keep your skin feeling comfortable.

Let’s be real: skincare during a flight might look glamorous on social media, but it’s not exactly the best thing for your skin. Instead of risking irritation or dehydration, focus on preparing your skin before takeoff. By taking the right steps beforehand, you’ll land with healthy, happy skin—no in-flight routine required.

Remember, your skin deserves more than trendy advice from influencers. Treat it with care, follow the facts, and let’s leave the mid-flight skincare sessions to Instagram reels.

So next time you’re tempted to join the “airplane skincare” trend, think twice. Your skin’s health is important.

Catch you next time!