The Ultimate Guide to In-Flight Skincare: How to Keep Your Skin Glowing at 30,000 Feet
As the Northern Hemisphere transitions into spring and summer, the travel season is officially upon us. Whether you’re escaping to the Caribbean for a romantic getaway, flying interstate for work, visiting family across provinces, embarking on a European summer adventure, or venturing to the antipodes to explore the Pacific, one thing is certain—there’s nothing quite like settling into your airplane seat, movie playlist queued up, and the excitement of landing in a new destination. At Metrin, many of us have family scattered across the globe. Personally, I often fly over 24 hours to visit relatives in Australia, and over the years, I’ve perfected the art of long-haul skincare. While air travel is super exciting, the dry cabin air and recycled airflow are less than kind to your skin.
That’s where we come in. We’ve curated the ultimate in-flight skincare routine to help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and looking radiant—even if you’re battling jet lag.
Why In-Flight Skincare Matters
Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, with humidity levels often dropping below 20%—much lower than the 40-60% typical in most homes. According to Dr. Hadley King, a NYC-based dermatologist, “Low humidity can increase transepidermal water loss, making skin drier and more irritated.”¹ Additionally, UV rays are more intense at cruising altitudes of 30,000+ feet. A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that pilots flying for just one hour at 30,000 feet were exposed to the same amount of UVA radiation as a 20-minute session in a tanning bed. Passengers, especially those seated by a window, are also at risk. While this may sound concerning, don’t worry—follow our skincare guide to keep your skin hydrated, protected, and glowing during your flight.
Skincare Packing Essentials
Surviving a long-haul flight starts with the right packing. Here are our must-have skincare essentials:
- Grace Lily Travel Case: This ultra-functional, see-through organizer stands upright, making it easy to access your items in cramped spaces like airplane bathrooms. The dual zipper design allows for smooth opening, quick item retrieval, and the case adjusts to fit your packing needs by expanding or compressing for a slimmer profile. It fits easily in your backpack, carry-on, or even as your personal item.
- Metrin Skincare System for Her (Travel Size): This TSA-approved, five-step system comes in 74ml bottles, giving you everything you need to cleanse, nourish, protect, and maintain glowing skin while on the go.
- Spray Protected On-the-Go / Mister for Protective Lotion: Hydrate, shield, and refresh your skin with our mini mister, perfect for quick misting every couple of hours without leaving your seat.
- Leak-Proof Travel Caps: Prevent spills and leaks with our travel caps, designed to keep your skincare products secure even in the fluctuating air pressure of the cabin.
- Let Your Face Glow Headband: Made of ultra-soft microfiber, this adjustable, washable headband keeps your hair out of the way during your pre-flight or in-flight skincare routine, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
- Renew Your Face Towel: This soft yet effective towel removes makeup, sunscreen, oil, and dead skin cells effortlessly. It also doubles as a handy towel to dry your face when cleansing on the go.
- Don’t Forget: SPF (yes, even on the plane!), lip balm, eye drops, any prescription medications you may need mid-flight, an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, and a reusable water bottle.
Shop our Travel Essentials!
Will it fit in my bag?
Absolutely! The Grace Lily Travel Case (lP) is designed to fit all your Metrin essentials, along with any personal favorites you can’t travel without. Whether you’re packing it in your backpack, carry-on suitcase, or using it as your personal item, it’s the perfect companion for your travels. With its handle and upright standing feature, it’s easy to store under the seat in front of you or by your feet for extra space.
Pre-Flight Skincare (1–2 Hours Before Boarding)
We recommend arriving at the airport 15 minutes earlier than usual to give yourself time for a quick skincare prep before takeoff. This way, you’ll board the plane feeling refreshed and ready for your journey.
- Cleanse (Single Cleanse Only)
While double cleansing offers many benefits in a regular routine, flying is one situation where we recommend skipping it. The dry cabin air already strips your skin of moisture, so a single, gentle cleanse is all you need. Choose either the Deep Cleanser or the Lathering Cleanser for a smooth, refreshed base. Arriving early also allows you to cleanse in the more spacious airport bathroom before heading to the cramped airplane restroom with its less-than-ideal water. - The Perfect Trifecta
Next, layer on our ideal skincare trifecta: apply the Vita Conditioner for Her, Protective Lotion, and the Enriched Vita Conditioner. This combination locks in vital nutrients and deeply nourishes your skin, keeping it hydrated and protected throughout your flight. - SPF
Finish off by applying your choice of SPF. Even inside the cabin, UV rays can penetrate through windows, so this step is essential to protect your skin from harmful exposure.
Pro Tip: Use the airport restroom for your skincare routine—it’s roomier than the airplane’s tiny washroom, allowing you to feel more comfortable and get your prep done with ease.
In-Flight Skincare Routine (Repeat Every 2–3 Hours
Once you’ve settled into your seat, it’s time to relax and give your skin some love. Since your face is already cleansed, there’s no need to repeat this step during the flight—so you can focus on nourishing and hydrating from the comfort of your seat. We recommend repeating this routine every 2-3 hours to keep your skin barrier strong and your complexion glowing throughout your journey. Here’s how:
- 1. Mist, Mist, Mist
Keep your Spray Protected mini mister handy for a quick refresher every few hours. This instant boost, enriched with organic aloe vera and allantoin, helps firm, tone, and protect your skin while combating excess bacteria. It locks in moisture and nutrients, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. - 2. Moisturize & Nourish
After misting, apply a layer of Vita Conditioner or Enriched Vita Conditioner to nourish and protect your skin. If you’re planning to sleep, use a thicker layer around your eyes and cheeks for a DIY sleep mask that will keep your skin hydrated through the night. - 3. Hands, Too!
The dry cabin air doesn’t just affect your face—it also dries out your hands. Apply the same moisturizer to your hands to keep them soft and hydrated. - 4. Reapply SPF (if you’re by the window)
Sunlight at cruising altitude is up to two times more powerful than at sea level. If you’re seated by a window, reapply SPF regularly to protect your skin from harmful UV exposure.
Pro Tip: Stay hydrated with water! Airplane cabins are notorious for their dry air, which can dehydrate both your skin and body. Drinking plenty of water during your flight is key to maintaining hydration levels and supporting your skin’s natural moisture balance. The more hydrated you are internally, the better your skin will retain moisture, helping you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.
After You Land
Once you have access to a proper sink, it’s time to complete your full Metrin skincare routine to reset your skin after the long flight. This is the perfect opportunity to refresh and give your skin the attention it deserves. If you have Metrin’s Reactivating Serum on hand, this product is excellent for reducing puffiness and revitalizing tired skin. Its unique formula is designed to stimulate circulation and promote a more refreshed, youthful appearance after long hours of travel.
Pro Tip: A splash of cold water is a great way to help depuff and revitalize your skin after a long-haul snooze. The cool temperature helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and leaving your skin feeling energized and awake.
By following your routine and incorporating these simple steps, you’ll feel refreshed and your skin will be back to its radiant self in no time. Long-haul flight who? You’ll feel fabulous and glowing.
Travel Tips Recap
- Hydrate (inside and out!) – Drink water and mist your skin regularly.
- Stick to TSA-approved sizes – Avoid the heartbreak of seeing your favorite full-size products tossed at security. Travel-size is the way to go!
- Keep your essentials within reach – Your Grace Lily Travel Case can fit in your seat pocked or underneath your seat
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine – They dehydrate your skin further.
- Be kind to your skin – Don’t skip your post-flight skincare reset.
There’s a reason flight attendants often seem to glow despite thousands of hours in the air—it’s all about consistent skincare and hydration. With Metrin’s travel-friendly tools and curated skincare system, you can ensure your skin stays radiant and healthy, even at 30,000 feet!
References
- King, H. (Dermatologist) via Teen Vogue – How to Take Care of Your Skin Before, During, and After Flying
- JAMA Dermatology UVA Radiation Study – Pilot UVA Exposure Equivalent to Tanning Bed
