Heading for winter sun or a Christmas city break? Your in-flight beauty routine could be making dry, uncomfortable skin worse.
Trying a new duty-free serum, scrubbing away flaky patches and repeatedly cleansing your face could leave your skin feeling worse during a winter getaway.
Aircraft cabins typically have humidity levels of around 10% to 20%, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority. This can leave skin, lips and eyes feeling dry. For travellers whose skin is already dry from winter weather and indoor heating, keeping skincare simple is a sensible approach.
Danielle Louise, hair and beauty expert on the Fresha app, shares five habits to reconsider before your next flight.
1. Opening your new duty-free skincare as soon as you sit down
“A flight can feel like the perfect opportunity to try everything you have just bought at the airport.
But if your skin reacts, you could be starting your holiday with redness and irritation.
Pack smaller versions of products you already use comfortably. Your seat does not need to become a treatment room.”
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends testing a new skincare product on a small area twice daily for seven to 10 days before introducing it more widely. That makes boarding time a poor moment for a first full-face application.
2. Scrubbing away flakes for smoother holiday make-up
“If you notice dry patches before take-off, resist the urge to scrub them until your skin feels smooth. The same applies to adding an extra exfoliating treatment because you want your make-up to look better when you land.
When skin is already dry and uncomfortable, focus on gentle care and moisturiser.”
Dermatologists advise against exfoliating dry, peeling winter skin aggressively, as this can worsen dryness. Choose a moisturiser suited to your skin, with a richer cream an option for particularly dry areas.
3. Repeatedly cleansing your face to feel fresh
“You do not need to restart your entire skincare routine every time your face feels uncomfortable.
If you want to remove your make-up before sleeping on a flight, do it gently. Avoid repeatedly wiping, rubbing and cleansing the same areas throughout the journey.”
Frequent washing and scrubbing can irritate skin. General dermatology advice is to cleanse gently, usually twice daily and after heavy sweating, rather than repeatedly washing whenever skin feels oily or tight.
4. Licking dry lips or reapplying a balm that stings
“Licking your lips gives a moment of relief, but it can leave you reaching for that same relief again and again.Keep a plain, non-irritating balm within reach. If a product makes already sore lips sting or burn, stop applying it.”
Lip licking can worsen dryness as saliva evaporates. Ingredients including menthol, camphor and some fragrances or flavourings can also irritate chapped lips. A fragrance-free balm or plain petroleum jelly is a simpler option.5. Expecting extra water to replace moisturiser
“Have water available, but do not assume drinking more will solve every tight patch or cracked lip. Remember the moisturiser and lip balm too.”
The CAA distinguishes dry-feeling skin and lips from whole-body dehydration: low cabin humidity alone does not cause dehydration. Drinking normally and caring for dry skin address different needs.
