Why Does Your Skin Get Dry on Airplanes?
“Your skin dries out on a plane because the humidity is very low, which causes your body to expel moisture, which eventually causes your skin to become dehydrated,” explains Dr. Nayan Patel, CEO of Auro Pharmaceuticals and adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California School of Pharmacy. “For dry skin, this means even drier skin, while for oily skin, it increases oil production because your skin is trying to overcompensate for dehydration.” Affiliate links used.
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Hyaluronic Acids
“During air travel, cabin air is cold and dry, and while flying at certain altitudes there is a significant decrease in the humidity levels that our skin is used to,” says Garcia. “The best way to treat this is to prevent dehydration by protecting our skin barrier and water balance. Hyaluronic acid binds water to collagen and helps retain moisture.”
Vitamin C
You don’t just need skin products to help combat dryness on an airplane. Instead, says Dr. Patel, load up on vitamins and minerals before and during your flight, especially vitamin C. “Vitamin C helps your body retain water in a dry environment,” Dr. Patel notes, and it also offers vital antioxidant protection and support for the production of healthy connective tissues and collagen.
Drink Water
An obvious solution to the dry skin problem, staying hydrated—literally—will help. “To hydrate your body, be sure to drink plenty of water and try to avoid alcohol, soda, and coffee as they can further dehydrate your skin,” says Dr. Patel. Also, it’s important to have enough electrolytes and nutrients in your body so that your skin can stay hydrated.
