Getting comfy on a plane is a must, especially if it is for a long haul flight. This is why many frequent flyers share their tips and travel must-haves so others can also relax (as much as they can) while flying. Some travelers swear by having their own neck pillows, while others share they sanitize their seats, windows, and trays before take off in order to truly get comfy.
Another trend that's taking the Internet by storm these days are people getting ready and doing their elaborate skincare routines on their seats. While different travel hacks may work for everyone, some experts actually can't get onboard with doing 10-step skincare routines on an airplane. Here's why.
Why shouldn't you do skincare during your flight?
Because apparently, it's gross. And you don't need to be a germaphobe to know this. There's no scientific research and strong evidence against doing skincare during flights just yet. But some licensed specialists advise against it because of the germs on an aircraft, where air is being recycled.
According to certified medical aesthetician Maja, owner of Self.Skin, planes are—to quote that one song—nasty. And yes, that includes business class, too. "The airplane is so dirty, you're just spreading bacteria all over your face," she began in a now viral "Stupidest Skincare Trends I Saw On The Internet Today" TikTok video. "The only skincare you should be doing on a flight is hypochlorous acid spray," she added, as the product actually helps kill bacteria.
Sanibreeze Hypochlorus Acid/Anolyte 200ppm Sani-Tizer 100ml, P88, Shopee
Optometrist Dr. Gurleen Dhanoa of EYEsthetics echoed Maja's sentiments on doing elaborate skincare routines while on an airplane in her "Deinfluence" TikTok series. "If I could deinfluence any one beauty trend, it would be this one: skincare on an airplane." She then explained on her video, "An airplane is a vessel enclosed with people sitting in such close proximity to each other. So, there's not a lot of airflow in there." She also said that while the cabin and cleaning crew may sanitize the aircraft, they don't do it thoroughly.
"Really, the only thing that you should be doing to take care of your skin on flight, especially if you're acne prone is [to spray it] with hypochlorous acid spray, because it is a cleansing toner." Dhanoa detailed. "It's going to cleanse the skin. It's going to maintain the hygiene of the surface of the skin, without drying out the face." By doing so, Dhanoa furthered that there wouldn't be contact between the dirty hands and the face.
Meanwhile, Meri-Liina Kainonen, a content creator and cosmetologist based in Copenhagen, weighed in, saying that, "the air humidity inside the aircraft can drop to below 10%. Your skin, however, needs the air humidity to be in between 40-60%." She even added, "In fact, the airplane air is said to be dryer than the Sahara Desert." Now, that said, wouldn't it actually be helpful to rehydrate your skin, then?
Meri-Liina says, nope! "You've just served the hydration to the aircraft on a silver platter," she countered. "Meaning, the dry air will just instantly start sucking the hydration out of your skin, possibly making it feel even more dry." Chiming in what both Maja and Dr. Dhanao earlier said, Meri-Liina added, "Also, despite any hand sanitizer, airplane is probably one of the dirtiest places on Earth to start doing your skincare."
@merikainonen Stop doing your skincare in the plane?????? If you want to give your skin some hydration on board, drink lots of water instead. #skintok #skincareontheplane #planeskincare #inflightskincare #cosmetologist #cosmetology #skincareviral #trendingskincare ? Elegant and lively violin jazz - Cuisine, food, gourmet, cafe(1310636) - Ponetto
What should you do instead of skincare on a plane?
Meri-Liina encourages to just do it before boarding! Pack in the hydration the night before the flight. Meanwhile, some dermatologists weighed in on the conversation and said that doing skincare on a plane it is a matter of personal preference.
Dr. Brendan Camp, a New York-based licensed dermatologist, said in conversation with Fox News that the extensive skincare routines as seen on TikTok aren't always necessary. Instead, he suggests that travelers focus on the basics: skin hydration and protection. "Higher altitudes expose your skin to higher levels of UV radition, it's important to wear sunscreen and pull the window screen down if sitting next to it," he said. He also recommends to drink lots of water and to moisturize the skin to fight against transepidermal water loss.
