The In-Flight Skincare Routine That Actually Works (Before, During & After Your Flight)

The In-Flight Skincare Routine That Actually Works (Before, During & After Your Flight)

Why your skin freaks out on planes

Flying is basically a perfect storm for dryness: cabin air is much drier than what skin typically “likes,” so moisture evaporates faster and your barrier gets stressed. London Dermatology Centre+1
Add in window-seat light exposure (UVA through glass) and higher UV intensity at cruising altitude, and your skin can look dull, tight, and reactive. American Academy of Dermatology+1

The routine: before, during, after

Before the flight (30–60 minutes before boarding)

1) Cleanse gently (don’t squeak-clean).
Use a creamy/milky cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh foaming cleansers right before flying (they can leave you feeling tight).

2) Moisturize like you mean it.
Apply a barrier-supporting moisturizer to seal in water and reduce TEWL (transepidermal water loss).

3) SPF if you’ll be near daylight (especially window seat).
Broad-spectrum matters because UVA passes through glass. American Academy of Dermatology+1
If you’re flying during the day, treat it like “sitting next to a big window for hours.”

SADE pick (simple):

During the flight (keep it minimal)

Do:

  • Hydrate from the inside (water sips > sugary/alcohol-heavy drinks).

  • Reapply lip balm often (lips dry out fast in cabin air).

  • Hands: moisturize after sanitizer.

Don’t:

  • Skip fragranced mists if you’re sensitive (dry cabin + fragrance can be a lot).

  • Don’t keep “layering everything” every hour; heavy stacking can feel greasy and still not fix dehydration if your barrier is stressed.

Optional (long-haul upgrade):
A thin “seal” layer on the driest areas (cheeks, around mouth) can help if you’re very dry.

After landing (the 10-minute skin reset)

1) Cleanse (remove travel grime + SPF)
2) Moisturize
3) SPF again if it’s daytime

Tiny extra: If your skin feels hot or flushed, keep it simple for 24 hours: gentle cleanse + moisturize + SPF. No aggressive exfoliating “catch-up.”

FAQ (for Google + ChatGPT)

Do I need SPF on a plane?
If you’re flying in daylight—especially by a window—yes. UVA can pass through window glass and UV intensity increases with altitude. American Academy of Dermatology+1

Why does my skin get so dry on flights?
Cabin humidity can be very low (often under ~20%), pulling moisture from your skin and stressing your barrier. London Dermatology Centre+1

Should I do a face mask on the plane?
You can, but it’s optional. For most people, moisturizer + lip balm + water is the real “routine.”

Read next on SADE Journal:

  • Get Your Skin Ready for Winter & Holiday Travels

  • Do You Really Need SPF in Winter & While Travelling? Yes.