I’ve Been an Esthetician for 18 Years—Here’s Why I’ll Never Do Skincare on a Plane

One of TikTok’s latest travel obsessions isn’t a destination—it’s the skincare routine people are doing before they land. If you’ve spent even a few minutes scrolling through the app, you’ve probably seen airplane trays transformed into mini skincare vanities, complete with serums, sheet masks, moisturizers, and even LED devices.

But as a master esthetician who’s been in the industry for nearly two decades, I have to confess: Watching someone perform a full skincare routine mid-flight makes me cringe. Before I get too ahead of myself, though, let’s get into why you might want to keep those products packed away until you land—and, if you absolutely must do some skincare in the air, the routine I’d recommend instead.

Why Everyone Is Suddenly Doing Skincare at 35,000 Feet

According to Dr. Marisa Garshick, the airplane skincare trend is fueled by both biology and social media. “Airplane skincare routines have become all the rage in part because of the changes in the skin, which could be notably dry and dehydrated, as a result of the airplane environment, and trends on social media,” she says.

In other words, the concern itself is legitimate, but social media has transformed it into a viral beauty ritual. The constant stream of content has only amplified the trend, with creators sharing elaborate in-flight routines that encourage viewers to pay closer attention to their skin while traveling. Meanwhile, the “skin-maxxing” movement has further popularized the idea that more products mean “better” skin, giving influencers an added incentive to promote elaborate routines.

What Actually Happens to Your Skin on a Plane?

The biggest culprit is the cabin environment. Inside an aircraft, humidity is extremely low compared to what your skin is accustomed to. “This can increase transepidermal water loss, leaving skin feeling dry, tight, dull, and sometimes more sensitive,” Dr. Garshick says.

For those with eczema, rosacea, or an already compromised skin barrier, the dry cabin air could worsen irritation or trigger a flare. And when you add frequent face-touching or applying products with unclean hands, you could also increase your risk of irritation or breakouts.

Why In-Flight Skincare Isn’t the Answer and What You Should Do Instead

In short: Planes are dirty. From tray tables and armrests to seatbelts, high-touch surfaces can harbor plenty of germs, especially since they aren’t thoroughly sanitized between every flight. According to Dr. Dina Strachan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Aglow Dermatology, “Planes are public, unsanitary places, and it’s best to avoid touching your face too much while on the plane given potential germs and irritants”.

So, rather than doing your entire routine mid-flight, focus on prepping your skin before you board. As an esthetician, I follow four pillars before every flight: cleanse, hydrate, seal, and protect. Your main focus should always be hydration, no matter your skin type. Start by cleansing with a gentle cleanser, then apply a hydrating serum or mist with ingredients like aloe, centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide.

Follow up with a supportive, climate-conscious moisturizer, which will “help support the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss and irritation,” says Strachan. Traveling during the day? Applying SPF is non-negotiable—doctor’s orders. It’s especially important to wear sunscreen during your flight “especially if you have a window seat, as UVA rays can penetrate airplane windows,” says Garshick.

The Final Takeaway

Once you’re in the air, resist the urge to perform a 10-step routine. If your skin starts to feel tight, dry, or uncomfortable, the most you should do is reach for a hydrating face mist or essence. Not only are they TSA-friendly, but they’re also mess-free, hands-free products that minimize the risk of pressing contaminants into your skin. Plus, they can be applied as frequently as needed—even over makeup—and don’t require a mirror.

While a mist alone can’t lock in moisture, it can provide an instant boost of hydration and comfort until you reach your destination. Look for formulas rich in humectants and soothing ingredients, which can help replenish moisture and calm the skin throughout the flight.

I recommend Avène Thermal Spring Water, Eadem Mami Wata Ultra-Calming Rescue Mist, and In Groov Irie Sea Mineral Essence (my brand!). Each of these gentle face mists can temporarily refresh the skin and provide immediate comfort, especially if your skin feels tight or irritated.