Summary
Flying can negatively impact skin health due to low humidity, stress, and prolonged sitting. The dry air in aircraft cabins often leads to dry skin, while stress from travel can trigger acne breakouts and exacerbate conditions like eczema. Additionally, fluid retention may cause facial puffiness and swollen feet. Frequent flyers, especially pilots and cabin crew, face an increased risk of skin cancer due to higher UV exposure. To mitigate these effects, travelers are advised to maintain their skincare routines, stay hydrated, and apply sunscreen before flying.
From winter getaways to spring break or traveling for work, often getting from point A to point B requires traveling by air. While flying is one of the fastest ways to travel, it can also be one of the quickest ways to cause imbalance in your skin. So what exactly happens to your skin at 30,000 feet?
1. Dry skin
The World Health Organization reports that humidity levels in aircraft cabins are typically less than 20 percent. Low humidity is one of the most common causes of dry skin. To counter dry skin, bring along a small bottle of moisturizer to apply during travel. Remember to limit the size to no more than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) to comply with TSA requirements.
2. Acne Breakouts
Travel can be stressful. From security lines to flight delays and tight layover windows our stress hormones can be in high gear. These stress hormones can increase redness and flare up conditions like eczema and psoriasis. To prevent added irritation, stick to your regular skincare regimen even while traveling.
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Find a location near you3. Fluid Retention
Sitting for long periods of time, as well as too much salt intake, causes water retention. You may notice facial puffiness or swollen feet after hours of air travel. Keep yourself hydrated with water during the flight, wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid crossing your feet. The brisk walk in the airport post-flight will help alleviate fluid retention as well.
4. Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
Pilots, cabin crew and frequent fliers take note on this surprising effect. A scientific review published in JAMA Dermatology found that pilots and cabin crew are occupationally exposed to higher levels of UV radiation than the rest of us, making them twice as likely to develop melanoma. If you frequently find yourself on an airplane, be sure to apply a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection prior to boarding, especially if you are sitting in the window seat.
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About Forefront Dermatology
At Forefront Dermatology, we believe that healthy, beautiful skin is a reflection of overall well-being. That's why we're committed to providing the highest quality skin and body care, backed by cutting-edge technology and a team of world-class experts. In other words, we're always at the forefront of skin and body healthcare.
Our goal isn't just about how you look on the outside. We aim to transform lives.
By delivering industry-leading skin and body healthcare to more people in more places, we move closer and closer to this goal for thousands of people every day.