Traveling by plane can seem as stressful for the skin as it is for the body, as the dry environment inside the cabin of the plane causes the skin to lose a large part of its moisture, which explains the proliferation of skincare routines shared by travelers on social media platforms, especially during long flights.
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Dermatologists confirm that the main reason for dry skin during flight is due to the low humidity level inside the aircraft.
While humidity under normal conditions is between 40 and 60 percent, inside the cabin it drops to only 10 to 20 percent, increasing water loss through the skin and making the skin more susceptible to dryness, tightness and signs of fatigue.
Dr. Azadeh Manish, a doctor at a skincare clinic in London, explains that this sharp drop in humidity causes water to evaporate from the skin's surface more quickly, leaving the skin looking dull and losing its freshness, and becoming more sensitive, especially during long flights.
Consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the UK Skin Health Alliance, Dr Bernard Ho, believes that skincare starts before boarding, not just during the flight.
It is recommended to focus on moisturizing the skin during the days before traveling, while avoiding the use of products that may make it more dry.
This includes temporarily staying away from products that contain active ingredients such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA), as they may make the skin more susceptible to dryness in a low-humidity aircraft environment.
He notes that some experts recommend stopping use for 24 to 48 hours before the flight.
While flying, experts warn against getting carried away by the long, multi-step grooming routines that are spreading across social media platforms, stressing that simplicity is the best option.
Bernard Ho recommends cleansing the face with micellar water when needed, then using a rich moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
Manish agrees, noting that overuse of in-flight care products can strain the skin and increase its sensitivity, especially if it contains exfoliating acids or retinol. She suggests sufficing with a moisturizing serum, followed by a moisturizing cream, with sunscreen if the trip is daytime, and reapplying it every four to five hours if needed.
Bernard Ho adds that it becomes even more important to use sunscreen before landing, especially if the destination has sunny weather, because UV exposure increases immediately after the plane leaves.
Skincare isn't just about products, experts recommend drinking plenty of water throughout the trip to replace lost fluids, while avoiding alcoholic beverages and salty meals that may increase dryness of the body and skin.
They also recommend not to over-apply cosmetics, as heavy layers can clog pores.
When choosing the right care products, experts emphasize that the primary goal is to boost the skin's hydration and support its protective barrier. They advise looking for products that contain hyaluronic acid and glycerol for their ability to attract and retain water within the skin, along with panthenol, which helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, and ceramides that strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Ectoin is also emerging as an ingredient that is gaining increasing interest due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in protecting the skin from environmental stress while traveling.
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