Sky-high glow: How to look after your skin before, during and after a flight

Experts explain why flying can sap the buoyancy from even the most healthy of complexions – and what can be done to combat it

Keep hydration top of mind before, during and after your flight to reduce air travel's skin-sapping powers. Getty Images

Flying can be harsh on your body. There's the jet lag, the bloating and, often, the impact on one's complexion.

“Most of our patients often complain of dry skin after flying,” explains Zieda Sharipova, beauty expert and founder of Zieda Aesthetic Clinic in Jumeirah, Dubai. “The cause is the super low humidity in aeroplane cabins, often below 20 per cent.

“Under those circumstances, the skin becomes prone to irritation, dry and tight. Additionally, travelling often can cause stress and discomfort, which can trigger eczema or acne.”

Even before boarding, travellers can experience airport anxiety, and stress is never good for the skin. Here, The National advises how to plan ahead when it comes to a travel skincare routine.

Before boarding: Check in on hydration

Hydrate

Hydrating before a flight is a good start. “Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating drinks such as coffee and tea,” advises Sinno Najah, L’Oreal's scientific and training manager for dermatological beauty in the Middle East.

Applying a serum to lock in moisture on the day leading up to your flight may also help, she suggests. Cabin-friendly products include The Inkey List’s Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Dh35 for 30ml) and La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Wrinkle Serum (Dh165 for 30ml). Both contain hydrating ingredient hyaluronic acid.

Moisturise

“It is crucially important to lock the skin moisture with a good moisturiser,” says Sharipova. Reaching for a rich moisturiser to create a barrier against the dry cabin air.

Flight-sized options include CeraVe Moisturising Cream (Dh34 for 50ml). It is enriched with three ceramides, which protect the skin's natural barrier alongside moisture-locking hyaluronic acid and is rich but non-greasy formula.

Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream (Dh435 for 50ml) is a pricier option but is noted for helping skin to glow due to its cocktail of oils, extracts and acids known to revive skin, such as vitamin C, nymph peptide.

Avoid make-up

“Avoid wearing any make-up since it can clog your pores,” says Sharipova, stressing that flying with a clean, makeup-free face helps prevent congestion and irritation.

Products to look out for include gentle cleansers such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser (Dh99 for 473ml), which removes excess oil without overdrying the skin, or Dermalogica’s Ultra Calming Cleanser (Dh205 for 250ml), which calms reactive complexions.

Sun protection

Some passengers may skip the step of wearing sunscreen during a flight, but Najah warns: “Higher altitudes expose passengers to increased levels of UV radiation, especially if sitting by the window.”

Recommended products include La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV range, which is available in fluid, gel or cream textures. The brand's UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid Sunscreen SPF50 has a light texture with higher protection and comes in a flight-ready 50ml bottle (Dh145). For very fair and sensitive skin types, Sisley Paris’s Sunleya Age Minimising Global Sun Care SPF30 (Dh1,115 for 50ml), is another option. It contains anti-ageing ingredients and plant glycerine which can help protect against irritation and infection.

During the fight: Keep cleanliness top of mind in the skies

Hydration

Sharipova underlines the importance of continuing to drink fluids while in the air. She reiterates: “Avoid drinking coffee and alcohol since they act as diuretics and remove water from your body and, with that moisture, from your skin.”

A facial mist can aid with on-the-go hydration. Products with soothing ingredients like rose water or aloe vera include the Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater (Dh25 for 59ml).

Moisturise

“Many ladies opt for a sheet mask during their flight, which is an amazing idea, especially during the long haul flights,” adds Sharipova.

The Dr Jart+ Dermask Water Jet Vital Hydra Solution (Dh85) is one option. It contains hyaluronic acid combined with a complex of glyceryl glucoside and glycerine, which also aid hydration and work to soften skin. Sharipova says a nourishing lip balm is also worth considering.

Hygiene

Experts say aeroplane surfaces can harbour bacteria, and a 2015 study showed that table trays are the dirtiest surface area onboard. Avoiding touching your face can reduce the risk of breakouts and infections and washing your hands regularly, and travelling with an antibacterial hand gel can help.

Post-flight: Soak in a restorative serum after baggage claim

Cleanse and exfoliate

“After each flight, make sure to gently cleanse your face and exfoliate your skin to remove any dead cells. And use a rich moisturiser to renew the skin,” says Sharipova.

A double cleanse routine can help to thoroughly remove dirt and impurities. A popular method includes starting with an oil-based cleanser, like Mac’s Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil (Dh101 for 30ml) – it contains jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E and rare Japanese peony, known for its skin tone-evening qualities – followed by a daily foam, gel or water-based cleanser.

For an extra glow, Sharipova advises using an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate your skin. Wishful’s Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub (Dh177 for 100ml) is one example that is suitable for most skin types. It uses pineapple and papaya enzymes alongside alpha and beta acids (AHAs and BHAs) to gently buff away dirt and cells.

Restore

“The pressurised cabin can lead to a decrease in blood circulation, making skin appear dull and tired,” explains Najah, hence why restoring skin post-flight is essential, too.

Applying a hydrating and restorative serum to help skin to recover. The Ordinary's Buffet (Dh90 for 30ml) is a worthy candidate, as a combination of peptide technologies, amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes has been proven to improve the appearance of skin's smoothness and elastically. Although that may take eight weeks to see any significant effect, your complexion should drink it in and thank you with a plump, dewy glow.

For instant results, Sharipova recommends booking in for a targeted facial. “A hydrafacial treatment can help you to achieve that perfect glow,” she explains.

Sharipova also advises plenty of rest, both on and after the flight. Studies have linked poor-quality sleep to slower recovery from various environmental stressors.