5-Step Simple Pre-Flight Skincare Routine: What Your Skin Needs Before You Fly

5-Step Simple Pre-Flight Skincare Routine: Flying dehydrates your skin, making it feel tight and irritated, thankfully because of the low humidity in airplane cabins (usually below 20%). With good skincare and water intake, however, you can arrive looking freshly rested. Here is a basic, 5-step routine that preps your skin for flying without cluttering up your packing list.

Step 1: Cleanse Gently

Begin with a gentle, moisturizing cleanser that strips the skin of oil, dirt, and makeup. Keep away from abrasive exfoliants or actives such as retinol the evening before flying, which annihilate the skin’s natural barrier defense.

Pro Tip: Choose cleansers containing ceramides, aloe vera, or glycerin.

Step 2: Use a Lightweight Hydrating Serum

Apply a serum that is high in hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, or vitamin C. These help increase moisture holding capacity and guard against oxidative damage, ideal for fighting dry plane air.
Fact: Hyaluronic acid retains as much as 1000 times its own weight in water.

Step 3: Moisturise Deeply

Seal in the moisture with a moisturizing cream with shea butter, squalane, or ceramides. This closes the skin barrier and prevents loss of water throughout the flight.
Tip: Use moisturizer when your skin is still slightly moist for improved absorption.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Yes, even on a plane! UV rays are more intense at high elevations and can travel straight through airplane windows.
Use: A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

Also Read: Skin Care Tips: Red Wine Facial at Home for Glowing Skin

Step 5: Moisturise Lips & Under-Eyes

Use a moisturizing lip balm and an under-eye cream to shield thin areas of skin. Dry cabin air will dry out your lips in seconds and puff the eyes.

Bonus Tips: Hydrate Inside & Out

Stay hydrated by drinking water during your flight. No substitute for internal hydration exists.

Avoid heavy makeup on your flight. Pores get clogged and your skin gets dried out in low-humidity environments. Give your skin a break!

Flying doesn’t necessarily frazzle your skin. Get a hold of this simple 5-step routine—along with hydration and light makeup—to support you in landing radiant, not green. Simple, clever, and ready to fly!