The Expert Guide To In-Flight Skincare

"The biggest mistake people make is boarding with dehydrated skin. Aircraft cabins have extremely low humidity, so your skin starts losing moisture almost as soon as you're in the air. Before flying, I recommend applying a hydrating serum containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or polyglutamic acid, followed by a ceramide-rich moisturiser to help support the skin barrier. If you're flying during the day, don't forget SPF as UVA rays are stronger at high altitude, particularly if you're sitting by the window." – Dr Richard Devine, aesthetic doctor at Cornerstone Clinic and founder of Devine Clinic

"Before take-off, I like to moisturise well to support the skin barrier, particularly before a long-haul flight when cabin air can be very dry. My moisturiser of choice is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, followed by sunscreen as the final step. This is something I wouldn't skip, particularly on a long-haul flight because UV exposure is higher at altitude." – Dr Amna Shah, consultant dermatologist at Genesis Healthcare Centre

"Not a surprise answer from a dermatologist, but everyone should wear sunscreen before a flight. At cruising altitude, ultraviolet radiation is much higher than on land and, while the plane protects you from much of that exposure, sitting by a window on a long daytime flight increases your exposure to UVA, which contributes to hyperpigmentation and premature skin ageing." – Dr Lana Kashlan, American board-certified dermatologist

"One of the biggest mistakes is constantly touching your face. Aeroplane trays, armrests and seatbelts harbour plenty of bacteria, so repeatedly touching your skin increases the risk of irritation and breakouts. Instead, focus on keeping the skin comfortable with a nourishing moisturiser and lip balm. I also always recommend carrying a gentle cleanser or cleansing wipes so you can remove makeup before sleeping on an overnight flight." – Dr Richard Devine

"The biggest mistake I see is people touching their face too much. Leave the ten-step skincare routine at home. Cleanse before boarding, apply a hydrating barrier cream and SPF before getting on the plane, then try not to touch your face until after arrival when you've had a chance to wash your hands. I never board without hand sanitiser, a travel-sized gentle cleanser, Avène Tolérance Control, SPF, a lip balm and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Hand Cream." – Dr Lana Kashlan

"A well-formulated sheet mask can temporarily boost hydration, but it's not essential and won't prevent dehydration if the rest of your skincare routine isn't supporting the skin barrier. If you enjoy using one, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides or Centella asiatica rather than heavily fragranced formulas. Personally, I think applying a rich moisturiser is often a more practical option." – Dr Richard Devine

"I do think gel sheet masks such as the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask can be beneficial when skin feels dry." – Dr Amna Shah

"I don't love sheet masks on the plane because we want to limit how much we're touching our face. I do like reusable silicone eye patches to help prevent puffiness on long-haul flights – I use the Dieux Forever Eye Mask." – Dr Lana Kashlan

"Facial mists are great for giving the skin an instant refresh during a flight, but they shouldn't be relied on as your main source of hydration. While they can temporarily relieve feelings of tightness and dryness, the effect is short-lived unless the moisture is sealed in with a moisturiser. If you're using a mist in-flight, look for ingredients such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid, which help attract and retain moisture. Following with a nourishing moisturiser will help protect the skin barrier and keep the skin hydrated for longer." – Anastasia Koles, aesthetic nurse and founder of ALTA Medi Clinic

"I'm less of a fan of facial mists, as the hydration is generally short-lived unless followed by moisturiser, so I'd prioritise ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin or squalane instead." – Dr Amna Shah

"Facial mists can be helpful for feeling refreshed after a long flight, but in terms of hydration the effect is temporary because the mist evaporates quickly from the skin's surface. Using a more occlusive barrier cream will help trap moisture and prevent dehydration." – Dr Lana Kashlan

"If I could only take one product on board, it would be a ceramide-rich moisturiser. Ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, making them particularly valuable in the dry cabin environment. Healthy skin starts with a healthy skin barrier, and that's exactly what this type of product helps maintain." – Anastasia Koles

"My moisturiser of choice is Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream." – Dr Amna Shah

"Plain Vaseline. Petroleum jelly is the ultimate moisturiser. It can be used for the under-eyes, the lips and anywhere else the skin feels dry, and it doesn't clog pores." – Dr Lana Kashlan

"Once you've landed, the priority is restoring hydration and supporting the skin barrier. I recommend thoroughly cleansing the skin to remove any sweat, oil, and impurities that have built up during the journey, followed by a hydrating serum and a nourishing moisturiser. If your skin feels particularly dull or dehydrated, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and peptides can all help restore moisture and calm the skin. If you've travelled during the day, don't forget SPF as your skin can be more vulnerable following prolonged dehydration." – Anastasia Koles

"After landing, I keep things simple with a gentle cleanse, good moisturiser and plenty of hydration, adding a nourishing lip balm such as La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Lips, and avoiding too many active ingredients while the skin recovers." – Dr Amna Shah

"Once landed, a nice exfoliation is the way to go. I like ISDIN Essential Scrub to gently buff away dull skin, followed by SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renew Overnight Masque. The next morning, I always reach for a good moisturiser and SPF – ISDIN Fusion Water Tinted is one of my go-tos." – Dr Lana Kashlan

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