July 15, 2025, 6:34 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Packed your bags, checked in, and off to the plane! Whether you’re heading on vacation or traveling for work, you can use the time in the air to care for your skin during the flight. We don’t mean unpacking your entire skincare line and doing a thorough routine in seat 3C or the tiny airplane bathroom. It’s much simpler than that–you can help your skin by avoiding these three things.
Overview
3 Things You Should Avoid on Flights for the Sake of Your Skin
In the Test: How Good Is a Period Bikini Really?
Darya Strelnikova on the Desire to Have Children: “The Question Is Never Asked When You’re Single”
Avoid These for Skin Care During the Flight
Say “No, Thanks” to Salty Snacks
Even if we stick to a balanced diet in our daily lives, we often become more relaxed about it when traveling. While that’s totally fine, unfortunately, our skin is less thrilled about it. On one hand, the sudden change in diet during vacation–such as eating greasier or spicier foods–can be challenging for our skin. On the other hand, it can lead to what’s known as “plane face,” especially on flights.
Due to the low air pressure and dry air on board, our bodies dehydrate faster, which naturally affects the skin. What makes it worse are salty snacks. The salt in flight classics like chips, peanuts, and similar treats retains water in the body, leading to bloating. Combined with limited movement from long sitting, this causes our faces to swell, making us look puffy and bloated.
You might also be interested in: Prevent Frown Lines with These 6 Tips
Face Sprays Don’t Support Skin Care on the Flight
To counteract the dehydration mentioned earlier, many people reach for face sprays on the plane. However, you should be cautious, as they might have the opposite effect of what you want. Even if your rose water with hyaluronic acid works wonders on the ground, conditions are different on a plane.
The average humidity in an airplane is around 12 percent, compared to over 70 percent on the ground. This means ingredients like hyaluronic acid can’t function properly. They’re supposed to draw moisture into the skin, but with little moisture in the environment, the skin tries to compensate, losing more water. The result: dry, tight, and dull-looking skin.
If you still don’t want to give up your face spray, ensure that ingredients like rose extract, panthenol, or other hydrating and soothing substances are sealed into the skin. Use the spray first, followed by a facial oil or a rich cream with ceramides. These strengthen the skin barrier, making it more resilient and less permeable. Ideally, apply your face spray before the flight to prevent skin dehydration and ensure proper skin care.
Let Others Have Your Spot in the Sun
Admittedly, it’s a beautiful sight: seeing the sun from a plane high above the clouds. But as lovely as the view is, it’s dangerous for your skin. The radiation is much stronger at high altitudes than on the ground. While the windows block UVB rays, which cause sunburn, UVA rays still penetrate your skin and can cause significant damage.
Besides accelerating skin aging, it can also increase the risk of skin cancer. To ensure optimal skin care during the flight, it’s best to avoid a window seat. At the very least, apply sunscreen that protects against UVA rays to arrive at your destination relaxed and radiant.