Airplane Acne Is Real—Here’s How Dermatologists Say To Treat It
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Taking a flight is usually something to look forward to, because it likely means you're going on vacation or attending a fun event or celebration.
However, one thing that I personally don't look forward to is the way my skin feels after the flight.
No matter how quick the flight is, my skin feels tight and dehydrated afterward, and although I don't have acne-prone skin, I never fail to discover a few new pimples when I look in the hotel mirror.
If that experience sounds familiar, you've probably also wondered whether there's any way to prevent pimples when you fly. Well, you've come to the right place.
I spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce at Westlake Dermatology to find out how you can prevent breakouts.
Why do I get breakouts when I fly?According to Dr. Bruce, flying can throw your skin way off balance.
She notes that stress, changes to your usual routine, snacking on processed foods, and the dry cabin air (which can trigger your skin to produce excess oil) all play a role in contributing to breakouts.
“It’s the perfect storm for breakouts—especially if your skin is already prone to them,” says Dr. Bruce.
So, how do you fight these factors? It all starts with pre-flight skin prep.
“Start with a gentle cleanse the morning of your flight and apply a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen,” advises Dr. Bruce.
Skip the heavy makeup and try to resist touching your face (easier said than done, I know) to prevent the spread of acne-causing bacteria.
Our expert advises that mid-flight, a hydrating mist can help refresh and hydrate yourskin. Just don't get any on your seatmate.
How to treat post-flight breakouts“After landing, use a gentle salicylic acid pad or cleanser, followed by a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid to keep things calm and balanced,” Dr. Bruce tells E!.
If you see acne starting to arise, she says to avoid piling on a harsh acne treatments. Instead, stick to your regular skincare routine. That includes using face wash, using a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer at night, and never skipping sunscreen during the day.
“A mild exfoliating product (think salicylic acid or lactic acid) a few times a week can help speed up recovery,” says Dr. Bruce. So be sure to pack one of our options below.
And just like that, airplane acne will vanish!
This is your dermatologist-approved guide on preventing breakouts when you fly, featuring products from The Outset, YSEBeauty, Moira Cosmetics, and more.
Looking for a cleanser that won't disrupt your skin barrier? This gentle face wash is the answer.
Made in South Korea, this cleanser contains pre and probiotics for a thorough cleanse that wont' strip your skin.
It's free of fragrance and oil and is non-comedogenic, which means it's ideal for sensitive- or acne-prone skin.
Mid-flight, use this face mist for a refreshing boost of hydration.
It contains aloe vera and rose water to hydrate dry skin and soothe inflammation.
Mid-flight, use this face mist for a refreshing boost of hydration.
It contains aloe vera and rose water to hydrate dry skin and soothe inflammation.
A spritz of this face mist will go along way in giving your skin a quick boost of hydration.
Formulated with vitamin B5, antioxidants, and vitamin E, this fast-absorbing formula will help balance your skin's microbiome.
Featuring a lightweight gel texture, this serum contains niacinamide to combat shine and minimize the appearance of pores as well as salicylic acid to reduce and prevent blemishes.
It also contains sodium hyaluronate to deliver an extra boost of hydration.
This serum is designed to stop acne in tracks.
The formula contains 2% salicylic acid and willow bark extract, both of which help unclog pores and prevent breakouts.
Achieve plump skin and a stronger barrier thanks to this hyaluronic acid serum.
Ideal for boosting hydration post-flight, it will leave skin feeling moisturized and rejuvenated.
To smooth, hydrate, and restore skin, add this lightweight oil to your post-flight skincare routine.
Made with açai and avocado oil, it absorbs quickly, which makes it a great option to apply beneath makeup.
This ultra-rich moisturizer is key to treating dehydrated skin overnight.
It's made with licorice root extract to brighten dark spots, squalane to hydrate and soothe, and microalgae to rebalance the skin's microbiome.
This lightweight water-based cream is exactly what your skin needs post-flight.
With ingredients including hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides, it replenishes moisture without clogging pores.
If there's one piece of skincare you should always travel with, it's sunscreen, especially if you're using products with active ingredients.
This one boasts SPF 50 and comes in a handy stick form that makes reapplying a breeze.
Calling a sensitive skin girlies! This gentle exfoliator is for you.
Containing caffeine, white tea, and a non-abrasive mineral particles, it smooths and brightens your complexion, making it the easiest way to wake up dull, dry skin.
Exfoliating pads like these are an easy way to speed up post-flight skin recovery, according to Dr. Bruce.
They're made with glycolic acid and PHAs to retexturize skin and leave it soft and smooth.
Instead of picking at your pimples, apply some of this spot treatment instead.
Made with acne fighting salicylic acid and soothing aloe vera, this treatment will zap blemishes and help prevent scarring.
Where would we be without pimple patches? These, which are made with tea tree oil and salicylic acid, not only help shrink pimples but also keep you from picking at them.
At just $6, you can stock up on these without hurting your wallet.
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