These airplane passengers are hitting the mini bottles — of skin care.
The sky is the limit for this latest beauty trend as jet-setters and influencers alike are touting their in-flight skin care routines, including everything from serums to red light therapy, all for the sake of a hydrated mile-high journey.
Ava Lee, CEO and founder of byAVA in New York, told Fox News that her in-flight beauty routine is all about “hydration, hydration, hydration,” using various mists and masks to maintain moisture-rich skin.
“It’s a form of self-care for me to indulge in the experience and make the most out of a somewhat stressful experience,” she added.
However, some overzealous self-carers on TikTok are taking their routines too far, prompting skin care experts to issue caution against airplane cabin cosmetics.
Katie Matten, global head of education at skin care company Rationale, explained to The Post that low humidity levels inside airplane cabins can lead to dehydrated skin.
“The humidity on planes is often lower than what your skin is accustomed to, which can cause moisture to evaporate from your skin more quickly, leading to dryness and loss of moisture,” she said, adding that other factors such as the air conditioning system and high altitudes can make it worse.
Nevertheless, with germ hot spots lurking at every turn, airplanes aren’t known to be bastions of cleanliness. And don’t think that hand-washing alone with save you — previous research also suggests that plumbing on board is not the same stuff coming out of your faucet at home.
A 2019 Airline Water Study by Diet Detective and Hunter College’s NYC Food Policy Center found that numerous US airlines have poor Water Health Scores and a large number of Aircraft Drinking Water Rule violations, with tap water containing differing levels of E. coli and coliform.
“Washing your face with unsanitary water can introduce bacteria, viruses or other pathogens to your skin, potentially leading to infections or skin irritations,” Matten warned. “This is especially concerning for the face, as it’s more sensitive and prone to issues like acne or dermatitis.”
She added that unsanitary water can disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin, leading to more dryness or inflammation.
One cosmetologist on TikTok, Meri-Liina, even warned to “never do your skin care in an airplane,” sharing that when you try to moisturize to keep up with the hydration, the dry air will “instantly start sucking the hydration out of your skin, possibly making it feel even more dry.”
“Also, despite any hand sanitizers, an airplane is probably one of the dirtiest places on earth to start doing your skin care,” she said in the video, adding in the comments that she “personally wouldn’t do ANY skin care or apply any products in the plane.”
If you feel doing in-flight skin care is non-negotiable, there are ways to properly take care of your skin while flying in a hygienic and sanitary way.
If you’re looking for a product to use specifically during the flight, Matten suggested using a hydrating facial mist every four hours to help replenish moisture.
Most of your skin care should be taking place before and after the flight, though. If needed, you can apply an occasional touch-up while in the air.
Using moisturizer should be happening both before and during a flight. Matten advised applying a lipid-rich moisturizer to the face and body the night before a fight and the morning before you board. Products with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or ceramides will help lock in moisture. During the flight, you can layer with a hydrating serum with ingredients like vitamin B.
Matten also suggested getting a facial the day before a flight.
This will “really boost your moisture levels before you step foot on the plane,” she explained. “For long-haul flights, I highly recommend having a facial on the other side, or even just using a steam room upon arrival to your hotel can really help your skin retain water and keep it feeling fresh and looking bouncy.”
But Matten said drinking water is the most important thing to do. “Staying hydrated from within is key.”
