Why Is Everyone Doing Their Skincare Routine on the Plane?
Dermatologists weigh in on whether you actually need an in-flight routine.
For frequent travelers, breakouts and dryness from long flights are second nature. Because of this, beauty fans on TikTok have started sharing the multi-step skincare routines they execute on the plane — but, dermatologists say that the relationship between planes and our skin is far more nuanced than we’re led to believe.
At the same time, beauty experts are confirming our suspicions about “plane air.” We’ve all experienced uncomfortable tightness and maybe even a few acne flare-ups from travel days, and dermatologists say that’s far from coincidence. “Airplane cabins typically have humidity levels below 20%, which is far lower than what your skin is used to. That kind of environment increases transepidermal water loss, so your skin dehydrates faster than normal,” Dr. James Y. Wang, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Metropolis Dermatology, tells Hypebae.
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Dr. Wang finds that when our skin is exposed to such low humidity, the barrier is less equipped to prevent dryness, dullness and irritation. However, he also notes that plane air itself is in no way permanently damaging — which is why routines tailored for traveling should be intentional, rather than a direct copy of your at-home regimen.
Above all else, a plane routine should emphasize maintaining the skin barrier. Additionally, harsh actives like retinoids should be avoided at all costs. “Your skin is already under stress, so adding more variables usually backfires,” Dr. Wang adds. Instead, dermatologists advise to keep things simple, with hydration being the main area of concern. When in doubt: keep the skin hydrated with moisturizer, support the barrier and avoid unnecessary steps.
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While plane air brings irritation and dryness to our skin, dermatologists also warn that airplanes are full of germs — meaning you should be extra cautious when touching your face. “I want to raise something that doesn’t come up enough in these conversations, and that’s hygiene. You’re in an enclosed space with recirculated air and a lot of other people around you,” board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Melanie Palm says. “Applying product with unwashed hands or repeatedly touching your face in that setting can introduce bacteria and increase your risk of breakouts.”
Since excessive in-flight skincare routines can actually do more harm than good, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ryan Turner says that the TikTok trend might instead be a result of the push to “clean girl” beauty — rather than an actual interest in skin health. “A big part of it comes down to how visual and shareable these routines are. Fresh skin, under-eye patches, dewy finishes — it all reads as effortless, put-together and aspirational, especially in a travel setting that’s usually associated with stress and fatigue,” Dr. Turner says.
In today’s beauty landscape, skincare is far more visual than it once was. Beyond just addressing our skin concerns, things like eye patches and face masks have become a symbol of cultural awareness, and everyone wants in — even if it means completing a six-step skincare routine at 30,000 feet.
