Traveling by air is harmful to the skin. Here are some solutions

As skin care tips and routines spread while traveling, dermatologists explain what actually happens to the skin in the weather, and what simple steps help keep it fresh and moisturized.

Dry skin during plane travel is common, and is mainly related to low humidity inside the cabin, according to what the British news agency (PA Media) reported.

For her part, Dr. Azadeh Manish, a doctor at a skin care clinic in London, says that the humidity level in normal conditions ranges between 40 and 60 percent, while inside an airplane it drops to only between 10 and 20 percent, which is a very low percentage that leads to increased water loss through the skin.

She adds that this may cause the skin to feel tight and dry, and also make its appearance dull and less vibrant.

However, this problem increases during long flights compared to short trips, so Dr. Bernard Ho, a consultant dermatologist and spokesman for the “Skin Health Alliance” in the United Kingdom, believes that the skin may need some special care while traveling.

What do you do before boarding the plane?

Skin care does not start only when boarding the plane, but one must prepare before the flight, according to Dr. Bernard Ho, explaining that maintaining healthy skin before traveling helps in obtaining the best results during and after the flight.

It is recommended to increase the use of moisturizing products in your skin care routine before traveling, while avoiding some products that contain active ingredients that may increase skin dryness.

He also says that the skin may appear oily during the flight, but the main problem to focus on is the loss of hydration, not the increase in oil.

It is recommended to stay away from ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and retinol before traveling, as some recommendations indicate avoiding these substances for a period ranging between 24 and 48 hours before the trip to reduce the risk of skin dryness.

What’s the best skincare routine during a flight?
Despite the spread of complex care routines on social media platforms, skin experts believe that simplicity is the best option, especially on the plane.

Dr. Ho prefers to use micellar water to cleanse the face during the flight, in addition to relying on a simple moisturizer, rather than applying many products.

Dr. Manish also agrees with him, who warns against “skin fatigue” due to excessive use of products, noting that this may make the skin more sensitive, especially when using strong ingredients such as acids or retinol.

She recommends following a simple routine consisting of a moisturizing serum, skin moisturizer, and sunscreen during day trips, reapplying it every four to five hours.

Even if sunscreen is not used during the flight, Dr. Ho explains that exposure to UV rays increases after landing, especially when arriving at a sunny destination, so it may be beneficial to apply sunscreen before leaving the plane.

Water and food also affect the skin
The two experts advise drinking sufficient amounts of water during the trip, while avoiding alcohol and salty snacks, as they may increase skin dryness.

Dr. Manish also points out that some women prefer to wear cosmetics while traveling, explaining that using a small amount may be appropriate, but excessive makeup may lead to clogged pores.

What ingredients help the skin while traveling?
Hydration remains the most important element in protecting the skin during flights, so experts advise looking for ingredients that help the skin retain water.

Dr. Ho points out the importance of using substances such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, as they are basic and simple ingredients that help maintain skin moisture.

He also points out that panthenol is a useful moisturizing ingredient, while ectoin is receiving increasing attention due to its properties that help support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.

He adds that ceramides are among the ingredients that are talked about a lot, because of their role in supporting the skin’s protective barrier and maintaining its balance.