Does your skin dry out on a plane?

First, the humidity of an aircraft's cabin dips below 20% while the typical humidity in a home is more than 30%, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). “When the skin is exposed to low ambient humidity, it becomes dehydrated, leading to [a] dry, dull, tight feeling and even itchy skin,” Friedler explains.



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Hassani recommends only using three skincare items for the duration of your flight: a hydrating lip balm, a hand cream and a broad-spectrum SPF. Use the lip balm and hand cream as needed, and be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours (with clean or sanitized hands!)

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For most people, I'd recommend, at the very least, applying a moisturizer before and during a long-haul flight to prevent excess dryness and irritation. But she says what's most important is making sure you've packed any prescription or even over-the-counter medications you're already using before travel to help ...

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Airplane acne is a real thing, and many travelers are affected by it. The dry air on airplanes can irritate your skin, no matter what type you have. For those with already dry skin, the air on a plane can exacerbate the dryness, while those with oily skin could produce excess oils to compensate for the dryness.

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If you don't shower after your flight you may end up depositing germs that aren't your own into your new space; particularly your bed. But showering with soap, and shampoo for the hair, removes any of the germs you may have picked up, as well as reduces the levels of your own that have grown over time.

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“After you get off a flight, thoroughly wash your face with a soap-free hydrating cleanser to remove any dirt or oil from the airplane,” Dr. Zeichner recommends. Then apply a moisturizer to help hydrate and repair any damage to the skin barrier. “Use cold compresses for any puffiness,” says Dr.

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What can you bring to prevent your skin from drying out on a flight?
  1. A water bottle for in-flight sipping. Credit: Reviewed / Betsey Goldwasser. ...
  2. A rich cream for hydrating your skin. Credit: Cerave. ...
  3. A sheet mask for an extra boost of moisture. ...
  4. A mineral sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. ...
  5. A balm to prevent chapped lips.


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Airplanes are controlled environments typically kept at only 10-20% humidity. This is far lower than the 35-65% humidity of normal everyday environments. Lower humidity in the air can lead to quicker dehydration.

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Sitting down in a tight seat for 13+ hours can sometimes lead to circulation issues, including swelling in the feet. According to The Healthy, the chance of your body forming blood clots increases when blood isn't moving correctly, such as when onboard a long-haul flight.

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Sitting down in a tight seat for 13+ hours can sometimes lead to circulation issues, including swelling in the feet. According to The Healthy, the chance of your body forming blood clots increases when blood isn't moving correctly, such as when onboard a long-haul flight.

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“This means that the skin on your face and body can become incredibly dehydrated, even on a short flight.” The consequences can appear in the form of oily skin, breakouts and puffiness, as the skin desperately tries to hang on to water and compensate for the arid conditions.

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To help keep your skin supple during long flights, Josie Vasquez, a flight attendant with United Airlines for more than ten years, swears by using a moisturizing face mask the night before take-off and after landing. She even travels with a mini humidifier that easily plugs into any USB port to keep her skin glowing.

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“The key to good post-plane hair is washing and blow-drying your hair the day of your flight and not using too much product,” says Atkin.

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Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder, but not temporary enough for many travelers. If you're flying from San Francisco to Rome for a 10-day trip, for example, it may take six to nine days to fully recover. That's because it can take up to a day for each time zone crossed for your body to adjust to the local time.

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Prioritize Shower + Personal Care the Night Before
This is especially helpful when prepping for early morning flights.

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