There’s something magical about travel. The adventure of new places, a change of pace, and hopefully extra time for you! But for your skin? Flying can be… quite draining.

The recycled air, low humidity and cabin pressure on flights can leave skin feeling dry, tight, and unsettled – especially if you’re already navigating hormonal shifts or have dry, sensitive skin. But with a little care (and the right products), your skin doesn’t need to suffer at 35,000 feet.

Here’s how to keep your skin feeling nourished and calm from take-off to touchdown.

What happens to our skin when we fly?

Aeroplane cabins are notoriously dry, with humidity levels often below 20% (compared to around 40–60% in most indoor environments). This lack of moisture pulls water from your skin, leaving it dehydrated, tight and more prone to sensitivity. On top of that, the lower air pressure slows down circulation, which can make skin look dull or puffy.

If you're already experiencing dryness, sensitivity or hormonal changes, these effects can feel even more noticeable. That’s why giving your skin a little extra support before and during your flight can make all the difference.

1. Go makeup-free

If you’re tempted to apply a full face of makeup before a flight, don’t.  Foundation, powder and concealer can all contribute to dryness and congestion in the dehydrating cabin air.  If having make-up on makes you feel good, then opt for lighter, hydrating foundations or tinted moisturiser. 

If you can, fly fresh-faced and let your skincare do the hard work.  Before you leave home, add a few drops of Restore Radiance Booster over your moisturiser to lock in hydration and give skin a healthy, rested glow without makeup.

Even if you're on a plane, sunscreen still matters. UVA rays (the ones that age your skin) can be stronger at high altitudes and can penetrate plane windows, so if you’re sitting by the window or flying during daylight, apply a lightweight broad-spectrum SPF.

2. Hydrate before you fly (and during)

Start hydrating before you board. That means drinking plenty of water and using a hydrating serum, like Replenish Hydrating Serum, before you leave the house. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and ectoin – both brilliant for drawing moisture into the skin and keeping it there.

Top tip: pop a mini (10ml) Replenish in your hand luggage and reapply mid-flight especially if you’re on a long haul journey.  The full-sized Replenish is 50ml, so well within the cabin bag limit if you're on a mini break. 

3. Lock in the goodness

Layering a moisturiser over your serum helps seal in hydration. Revive Multi-Action Face Cream is ideal for this – it’s rich but lightweight, perfect for dry or sensitive skin, and packed with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin A rich cacay oil.

It acts like a comfort blanket for your skin when the air gets dry and stale.

4. Don’t forget your cleanser

If you're flying overnight or just want to freshen up, a gentle cleanse can make all the difference. Reset Cleansing Balm removes the day without stripping your skin and feels like a little moment of calm, even in a tiny aeroplane loo.

Massage it in, take a few deep breaths, and wipe away with a warm, damp cloth or reusable cotton pad.

5. Keep it simple

You don’t need a 10-step routine in your luggage. Stick to a few hardworking essentials: a nourishing cleanser, a hydrating serum, a soothing moisturiser or oil, a lip balm and a facial sunscreen. Skin gets stressed enough during travel – you don’t need to overload it.  

6. Listen to your skin

Travel can throw your routine out of sync – and that includes your skin. Be gentle with it. If it’s feeling tight, flaky or more reactive than usual, it’s not failing you – it’s communicating. Keep your routine pared back and focus on comfort, not perfection.

Need travel-sized skincare you can trust?

Try The Mini Experience – a collection of travel-friendly versions of your Pamoja favourites. Perfect for your next getaway - simplified skincare that's effective, gentle and feels like a treat for your skin and senses.

Wherever you’re heading, take a moment to care for yourself too. Your skin will thank you.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Love, Sarah  

Shop my nourishing skincare.

Are you new to Pamoja?

Hi, I'm Sarah Taylor, a 51 year old perimenopausal woman, trained skincare formulator and founder of Pamoja.

Pamoja is a high-performing natural skincare brand designed to help you nourish your skin and nurture yourself because I believe you deserve more kindness in your daily routine.

Now, with over 560+ five-star reviews. As seen in Vogue, Stylist, Woman's Health, Health and Wellbeing Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, Top Sante and more.

✨ If you enjoyed this, why not subscribe for access to 10% off your first order plus 'A Daily Dose of Kindness - 30 ways to Practice Self-care'.  Sign up here.

Copyright: Sarah Taylor 1 June 2025.

You may also like:

Blog: Is it too late to start a skincare routine at 40?

Video: DIY facial massage to relax and unwind
 
Blog: Hydration Hacks You haven't Heard Of (Yet!)