Why Flying Can Dry Out Your Skin And What You Can Do To Prevent It

There’s no shortage of frustrations when it comes to flying — securing a parking spot, finding your terminal, dealing with annoying passengers, looking for your luggage, etc. — so the impact it has on your skin might not be at the top of your list of concerns.

Nevertheless, taking a flight can take a toll on your skin … and fortunately, this is one issue that’s easier to address than many of those other air travel irritations.

Know the risks

Low humidity during flights can cause your skin to become dry and, in turn, trigger more oil production that could increase the chances of acne or other breakouts.

Dermatologist Dr. Adriana Lombardi noted that simply the thought of navigating a crowded airport can also be enough to negatively affect your skin.

“The process of flying can typically be stressful for most and this can increase cortisol production,” she advised. “Cortisol can cause [an] increase in acne and other inflammation.”

And those who regularly experience dryness or other skin issues might be even more acutely impacted by the effects of flying.

Know the remedies

A few simple steps can help anyone reduce the risk of developing irritated or dry skin during a flight. Experts recommend:

• Stick to water instead of wine or soda while in the air, and drink plenty of it.
• Opt for fresh produce as a snack instead of salty, processed foods.
• Forgo makeup that might clog your pores and choose a moisturizing product.

While there are a lot of products on the market that claim to protect against skin dryness, dermatologists say some work better than others — particularly during longer flights.

Relatively inexpensive products like Curology Barrier Balm and Holy Hydration! Hydrating Coconut Mist from e.l.f. Cosmetics, and good old Vaseline Healing Jelly are among their recommendations.

Chris Agee August 22nd, 2024

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