Skincare for Aviation Professionals: Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Radiant at 35,000 Feet

The life of an aviation professional is as exhilarating as it is demanding. Jetting across time zones, spending long hours in dry, pressurized cabins, and constantly adjusting to new environments can take a toll on your skin.

Frequent flyers, pilots, and flight attendants know the struggle all too well: dry patches, breakouts, and a perpetual tired look. With the right skincare routine and products, you can maintain your glow even in the skies.

This comprehensive guide offers essential tips, top-rated products, and practical advice to help you stay radiant amidst the challenges of an aviation career. Read on to discover how to keep your skin healthy and glowing at 35,000 feet.

Understanding the Causes of Skin Irritations: Flying frequently exposes your skin to a variety of stressors:

• Low Cabin Humidity: Airplane cabins have extremely low humidity levels, often below 20%, which can cause your skin to lose moisture quickly.

• Pressurized Cabins: The pressurized environment can lead to increased skin sensitivity and dryness.

• Irregular Sleep Patterns: Constantly changing time zones can disrupt your sleep, leading to tired, puffy eyes and dull skin.

• Diet and Hydration: Irregular meal times and dehydration can negatively impact your skin’s appearance.

• Environmental Changes: Frequent shifts between different climates and exposure to varying water qualities can cause skin irritation and breakouts.

Pre-Flight Prep – Get Your Skin Ready for the Journey Ahead

Hydration Begins Days Before: Start preparing your skin by drinking plenty of water for several days before your flight. Aim for at least 2-3 liters per day to ensure optimal skin hydration. Proper hydration is crucial as it helps to maintain your skin's elasticity and resilience.

Night Before the Flight – Pamper Your Skin:

1. Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and enhance moisture absorption. This step is essential as it prepares your skin to absorb hydrating products more effectively. Recommended products: Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator, Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel, Aveeno Face Calm+Restore Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser.

2. Cleanse: Follow with a calming cleanser to remove impurities and add moisture. Cleansing helps to clear away any residual dirt and oil, ensuring your skin is clean and ready to absorb hydrating products. Try Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Sensitive Cleansing Milk, or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser.

3. Hydration Mask: Apply an overnight hydrating mask to plump your skin. This step is crucial for providing deep hydration that lasts through the flight. Favorites include Origins Drink Up Overnight Hydrating Face Mask, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask, and Liz Earle Hydrating Cream Mask.

In-Flight Skincare For Aviation Professionals: Keeping Hydrated at 30,000 Feet

Cleanse and Refresh: Regularly refresh your skin with micellar water or cleansing wipes. Cabin air can make your skin feel clogged and dirty, so it’s essential to keep your skin clean and fresh. Options: Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water, Micellar cleansing wipes.

Hydration is Key for Aviation Professionals

1. Serums and Moisturizers: Choose serums with hyaluronic acid or vitamin B5 for maximum hydration. These ingredients help your skin retain moisture and stay plump. Recommended: Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate, Byoma Brightening Serum. Follow with a rich moisturizer to lock in hydration: Kiehl’s Ultra-Facial Cream, Avène Hydrance Hydrating Cream, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Soothing Balm B5, or Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer.

2. Eyes and Lips: The skin around your eyes and on your lips is more sensitive and prone to drying out. Use a specialized eye cream and a moisturizing lip balm. Recommended eye creams: Drunk Elephant C-Tango Eye Cream, Olay Collagen Peptide 24 MAX eye cream. For lips: Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm, Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Moisturizing Lip Balm.

3. SPF Protection: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30. The sun’s rays can penetrate airplane windows, increasing the risk of skin damage. Options: Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion for Face SPF 50+, La Roche-Posay Invisible Fluid.

In-Flight Tips for Glowing Skin

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to counteract the drying effects of cabin air. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, even the night before the flight, as they can dehydrate your skin.

Use a Facial Mist and Seal: Refresh your skin with a hydrating mist throughout the flight. Options: Elizabeth Arden Miracle Eight Hour Cream Hydrating Mist, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, PIXI Rose Glow Mist. After misting, lock in the hydration with a hydrating serum.

Move and Improve Circulation: As a crew member, perform gentle in-seat exercises and take regular breaks to walk and stretch. This boosts circulation, prevents fluid retention, and keeps your skin looking healthy. Simple movements like ankle circles, knee lifts, and foot flexes can be done while seated.

First Symptoms and What to Do: Frequent flying can lead to symptoms like dryness, breakouts, and puffiness. The first signs often include tight, flaky skin, and an increase in blemishes. It’s essential to stay proactive and establish a routine to combat these effects. Hydration and moisturizing are crucial, along with using gentle, soothing products. Remember, you can keep these symptoms under control with the right care and consistency.

General Skincare Tips

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Drink water before, during, and after flights.

2. Cleanse regularly with gentle products.

3. Moisturize frequently to combat dryness.

4. Use a humidifier in your hotel room.

5. Minimal makeup during flights.

6. Eat nutritious meals and avoid excess caffeine and alcohol.

7. Prioritize sleep with a consistent bedtime routine.

8. Pamper your skin with regular masks.

9. Protect with SPF even in the air.

10. Gentle exfoliation to maintain smooth skin.

Top 5 Rated Products

1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

   Where to Find: Drugstores and online retailers.

   Deals: Amazon or local pharmacy discounts.

2. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

   Where to Find: Drugstores and online.

   Deals: Amazon or CeraVe's website promotions.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel

   Where to Find: Drugstores and online.

   Deals: Target and Walmart sales.

4. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

   Where to Find: Sephora, Ulta, and online.

   Deals: The Ordinary's website offers.

5. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

   Where to Find: Sephora and online.

   Deals: Supergoop! website specials.

Best Tips for Layovers

• Travel-Size Products: Pack travel-size versions of essential products.

• Sheet Masks: Use sheet masks for quick rejuvenation.

• Quiet Resting Spaces: Find quiet, dark spaces to rest and ensure maximum privacy.

• Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent: Use hypoallergenic laundry detergent to avoid skin irritation.

• Kitchen Facilities: Choose accommodations with fully integrated kitchens to cook healthy meals and even meal prep.

We’ve surveyed many of our members to discover their favorite products and ultimate skincare tricks. Now, we want to hear from you! Share your skincare secrets and best practices with us. When it comes to skincare for aviation professionals, what are your go-to products and tips for maintaining radiant skin? Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook, and join our community of aviation professionals dedicated to healthy skin.