On planes, tablets are covered with sheet masks and serums: on TikTok, passengers transform their seats into spa cabins. Skincare on the plane has become as much a spectacle as a promise of glow.
A beautician for eighteen years, Shani Hillian nevertheless observes these videos with suspicion. The expert confides that she would never do these routines in flight and prefers to prepare the skin on the ground before boarding.
Skincare on a plane: ultra-dry air
In a classic cabin, the humidity is around 5 to 7%, when our skin is used to 40 or 60%. Result: tightness, dull complexion and weakened skin barrier, especially after several hours of flight.
Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or vitamin B5 attract water. At 10,000 meters, if you layer serums without a cream or oilier layer on top, the hyaluronic acid can draw water from the deeper layers and worsen dryness.
Why does the expert limit skincare in the cabin?
For Shani Hillian, the problem mainly comes from the hands. Before touching the face, they touch the belt, armrests, tablet, touch screen: so many shared surfaces which concentrate germs and irritants, resulting in redness or breakouts on return.
The beautician prefers a real routine on the ground, then the minimum in flight. Clean skin, well hydrated and protected beforehand, then, only if it feels tight, a moisturizing mist or an essence spray which avoids massaging the face for a long time.
Skincare routine before the plane and key protections
Just before boarding, pros advise cleansing the face with a gentle product, applying a moisturizing serum then a cream that strengthens the skin barrier. When flying during the day, especially on the window side, a high SPF sunscreen remains essential, because, recalls dermatologist Dr Catherine Gaucher, cited by ISZORA,.
Once on board, the most important things happen outside of the beauty kit: drink water regularly, avoid alcohol, get up sometimes, and keep your plane skincare routine ultra-simple, or even settle for a nourishing lip balm.
Skincare on the plane: is it risky?
Not really, but this routine remains of little use and is unhygienic.
What care should you take before a long flight?
Clean gently, moisturize with serum and cream, add SPF.
Do you need sunscreen near the window?
Yes, especially on the window side: SPF 50 is still recommended.
