Dermatologist Shares Tips To Manage Dullness, Breakouts On Long Travel Days In The Air
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Put on a hyaluronic acid serum (it pulls in moisture) then a cream with ceramides (they seal it in) to fight super-dry plane air
Before you travel, these tips can keep your skin hydrated and supple
Long trips by plane, car, or train can have a damaging effect on your skin. A combination of environmental and psychological factors, like dry air in plane cabins, stress and poor sleep, can make the skin look dull from lack of water and cause pimples from dirt-clogged pores and germs. But by embracing a few mindful measures, you can shield your skin effectively.
We speak to Dr Sunita Naik, dermatologist at Kaya Clinic, Mumbai, to understand what steps can be taken before and during travels to keep our skin looking its best when we reach our destination.
Here are some pre-travel tips to remember
Give your skin a water boost the day before; for example, put on a hyaluronic acid serum (it pulls in moisture) and then a cream with ceramides, which will seal the moisture in and fight the super-dry plane air, which is often just 10-20% humid. Gently scrub pores with a salicylic acid wipe to stop travel dirt from causing breakouts. Ditch thick makeup and use tinted mineral sunscreen for a bit of cover instead.
These are the must-haves while travelling
- Face mist
- Oil-blotting papers
- Pimple patches.
Mist your face with rosewater or spring water every couple of hours to perk up dull skin without leaving it feeling oily after. Dab any shiny spots on your forehead and nose to keep dirt from sticking. If a zit pops up, slap on a tea tree wipe or hydrocolloid patch, which will suck out the gunk and calm swelling after a few hours.
It is also important to keep yourself hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day. You can also add extra vitamins and minerals with electrolytes when on flights. Chew gum without sugar to stop dry mouth-breathing. Skip milky or sugary snacks on the plane, as that will make your skin oilier.
Tips for a quick fix during layovers
If you have a long travel day that has been broken up with stopovers, this is the time to do a few steps that will leave you feeling refreshed. First, wipe your face with micellar water to remove all the dirt and oil residue. Pat on a light gel moisturiser with niacinamide, as it will brighten your tired-looking skin and soothe any red spots. Rub the cream in circles and upwards for half a minute to get the blood flowing in your skin, which will also chase away that pale, worn look.
Bounce Back When You Land
When you land at your destination, if taking a cleansing shower immediately is not an option, it is vital to cleanse your face. Use an oil cleanser first to melt grime, then a bubbly one to ensure that the skin is cleansed properly. Pop on an aloe or centella sheet mask for 10 minutes to cool down any inflammation or spots. At night, use retinoid or bakuchiol to help skin renew faster and zap pimples quicker.
The aforementioned practices will not only shield your skin but also improve its quality. It slips under your eye mask and uses gentle red/blue lights to calm inflammation while you sleep.
January 14, 2026, 15:05 IST
