Getting comfy on a plane is a must, especially during a long haul flight. This is why many frequent flyers have been sharing their tips and travel must-haves on the internet so others can also relax (as much as they can) while flying. Some travelers swear by having their own neck pillows, while others share they sanitize their seats, windows, and trays before take off in order to truly get comfy.
Most recently, travel content creators have been making a case for doing elaborate skincare routines during a flight, claiming that it helps with keeping your skin hydrated while you're up in the air. While different travel hacks may work for everyone, some experts actually can't get onboard with doing 10-step skincare routines on an airplane. Here's why.
Why You Shouldn’t Do Skincare During Flights, According to Experts
While there's no scientific research and strong evidence against doing skincare during flights just yet, some licensed specialists have already advised against it because of the germs present on an aircraft, where air is being recycled.
According to certified medical aesthetician Maja, owner of Self.Skin, planes are filled with germs and bacteria. And yes, that includes business class, too. "The airplane is so dirty, you're just spreading bacteria all over your face," she stated in a now viral TikTok video. "The only skincare you should be doing on a flight is hypochlorous acid spray," she added, as the product actually helps kill bacteria.
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Optometrist Dr. Gurleen Dhanoa of EYEsthetics echoed Maja's sentiments. "If I could deinfluence any one beauty trend, it would be this one: skincare on an airplane," she explained through a TikTok video. "An airplane is a vessel enclosed with people sitting in such close proximity to each other. So, there's not a lot of airflow in there." She also said that while the cabin and cleaning crew may sanitize the aircraft, they don't do it thoroughly.
"Really, the only thing that you should be doing to take care of your skin on flight, especially if you're acne prone is [to spray it] with hypochlorous acid spray, because it is a cleansing toner." Dr. Gurleen elaborated. "It's going to cleanse the skin. It's going to maintain the hygiene of the surface of the skin, without drying out the face." By doing so, Dr. Gurleen said that there wouldn't be contact between the dirty hands and the face.
Meanwhile, Meri-Liina Kainonen, a content creator and cosmetologist based in Copenhagen, weighed in, saying that, "the air humidity inside the aircraft can drop to below 10%. Your skin, however, needs the air humidity to be in between 40-60%." She even added, "In fact, the airplane air is said to be dryer than the Sahara Desert." Now, that said, wouldn't it actually be helpful to rehydrate your skin, then?
Meri-Liina says, nope! "You've just served the hydration to the aircraft on a silver platter," she countered. "Meaning, the dry air will just instantly start sucking the hydration out of your skin, possibly making it feel even more dry." Chiming in what both Maja and Dr. Dhanao earlier said, Meri-Liina added, "Also, despite any hand sanitizer, the airplane is probably one of the dirtiest places on earth to start doing your skincare."
What should you do instead?
Meri-Liina encourages to just do it before boarding! Pack in the hydration the night before the flight. On the other hand, some dermatologists weighed in on the conversation, and said that doing skincare on a plane is a matter of personal preference.
Dr. Brendan Camp, a New York-based licensed dermatologist, said in conversation with Fox News that the extensive skincare routines as seen on TikTok aren't always necessary. Instead, he suggests that travelers focus on the basics: skin hydration and protection. "Higher altitudes expose your skin to higher levels of UV radition, it's important to wear sunscreen and pull the window screen down if sitting next to it," he said. He also recommends to drink lots of water and to moisturize the skin to fight against transepidermal water loss.
*This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
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