IN-FLIGHT SKIN CARE – HOW TO KEEP SKIN HYDRATED AND HEALTHY WHEN FLYING
Flying can bring out the worst in our skin. I see it all the time on the faces of frequent flyers who find themselves dealing with dullness, dehydration and irritation after a long-haul flight. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right skincare choices, you can reach your destination looking fresher.
What happens to our skin mid-flight?
Cabin air is extremely dry, humidity levels drop significantly compared to what our skin is used to on the ground. This sudden dip in moisture can leave skin feeling tight, dehydrated and more sensitive than usual. If you’re prone to conditions like eczema, rosacea or general dryness – you might experience a flare-up in this atmosphere.
UV exposure is another overlooked factor. At altitude, you’re closer to the sun and more vulnerable to its rays, especially if you’re sitting in a window seat during a daytime flight.
Combine that with salty snacks, a few glasses of wine from the trolley and broken sleep, and it’s easy to see why many people disembark with skin that appears dull, dry and uncomfortable.
What is the best way to protect the skin in-flight?
Cleanse and prep before you board
A good in-flight skincare routine starts before take-off. I always recommend boarding with a clean, make-up free face. Our skin is already under stress at altitude, so layering on foundation or powders can congest, dehydrate and irritate it further. Try our Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser, which gently removes impurities while reinforcing the skin’s microbiome, which is essential when exposed to the drying, recycled air of an aeroplane.
Lock in hydration
Dry cabin air causes water to evaporate from the skin faster than usual, leading to a dull, dry and dehydrated complexion upon landing. To prevent this, layer your skin with hydration-boosting products – look for ones which contain humectants (which draw water into the skin) and occlusives (which help lock it in). A lightweight hydrating serum followed by a barrier-supporting moisturiser can reduce water loss and keep skin comfortable throughout the flight. Ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid are ideal. Your skin will love Dr Somji Night Cream, which is filled with humectants like hyaluronic acid and squalane. It also contains oils and butters to soothe and protect. Don’t forget to stay hydrated by sipping on plenty of water or herbal teas during the flight. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they are diuretics that can deplete moisture from the body.
Don’t skip SPF
It might seem like sunscreen isn’t necessary inside an aircraft, but UV exposure is intense when flying at 35000 feet. Studies show that pilots and cabin crew experience about twice the rate of melanoma compared to the general population. This increased risk is due to greater exposure to UVA rays, which can penetrate glass and clouds – throughout the year. If you’re in a window seat during a daytime flight, you’re consistently exposed to this UV radiation – making SPF essential. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. A formula like Dr Somji Vitamin C Daily Defence Moisturiser SPF30, is lightweight, non-comedogenic (so it won’t clog pores mid-flight) and contains antioxidants to help defend against free radical damage. Pop it on before take-off and don’t forget to reapply during long-haul flights. It also shields skin from the blue light of those in-flight screens that we all end up watching.
Repair and refresh on touchdown
Hours of exposure to dry cabin air along with broken sleep can leave skin needing some TLC. I recommend a thorough cleanse with Dr Somji Detoxifying Charcoal Cleanser to remove any impurities. I like to leave it on for 5-10 minutes, so it works like a treatment mask. It’s brilliant for calming inflammation, clearing out pores and restoring the skin’s barrier. Follow with a serum and hydrating moisturiser. Try Dr Somji Signature Serum.
Follow these steps, and your skin will feel fresh, balanced and jet-lag free.
Dr Munir Somji is a cosmetic surgeon and co-founder of DrMediSpa, located in Marylebone, Knightsbridge and Loughton. He has over a decade of experience in performing and teaching advanced aesthetic non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recognising the impact of skin health and the link to confidence and wellbeing, Dr Somji is passionate about restoring patient confidence and has gained himself a reputation for his meticulous work, reassuring manner and performing treatments that deliver subtle results.
