In-flight skincare takes off at LLA
As #planeskincare reaches almost 140m TikTok views¹, London Luton Airport (LLA) is launching ‘Glow Up Gate’ to offer free pre-flight facials to prep passengers' faces ahead of their travels.
Open to passengers on 3rd and 4th September, the service lands as new research commissioned by the airport² reveals that 80% of flyers now think about the impact of flying on their skin.
As research suggests that nearly half of Gen Z now adjust their skincare routine when they travel, and more than half admitting they’re not sure what their skin needs when they fly, LLA has teamed up with dermatologist and skincare expert Dr Nora Jaafar to pull together the ultimate plane skincare routine, and to educate passengers on the science behind our skin when we travel.
Just 20% of passengers are aware that cabin air can be drier than a desert³, and only 12% realise that UV exposure is stronger at altitude, while three quarters were unaware that skin loses significant water during a flight.
Clare Armstrong, Head of Guest Experience at London Luton Airport, said: “At London Luton Airport, we know in-flight skincare is becoming just as important as other in-flight essentials - that’s why we wanted to help our passengers to take a moment for themselves and prep their skin before taking off on their end of summer getaways. Bringing these surprise moments of joy and delight can really help us deliver the simple and friendly passenger experience to set the tone for our passengers’ entire trip."
The Glow Up Gate forms part of the wider LLA Summer Resort - a series of fun, interactive experiences and moments of surprise and delight, designed to help passengers relax, unwind and start their holiday before they even board the plane.
Dr Nora Jaafar, skincare expert, said: “Flying is tough on our skin. Low cabin humidity, makeup and disrupted routines can leave skin dry, dull or congested by the time we land. In-flight skincare might be having a viral moment, but it is more than a fad. Cabin conditions create real changes in the skin, which is why ‘flight face’ has struck such a chord - and why this trend is likely to stay. The key is to start before boarding and keep it simple in the air. A few skin-type-specific steps, using products already in your routine, can make a real difference.”
Dr Nora's five tips to avoid 'flight face' when travelling:
1. Prepare your skin before boarding
Tip: Do the majority of your skincare before boarding, rather than attempting an elaborate routine in your seat.
Dr Nora says: “The biggest mistake is waiting until you’re already at 40,000 feet to think about your skin, as flying can leave it feeling dehydrated and tight. Your pre-flight routine is where you should be doing most of the work.”
2. Keep your hands clean before touching your face
Tip: Avoid touching your face after handling high-contact surfaces such as tray tables, seatbelts, screens and armrests. Sanitise your hands before applying or topping up any skincare.
Dr Nora says: “You can have the perfect in-flight skincare routine, but it means very little if you apply it with hands that have just touched your tray table, seatbelt, and screen. Sanitise first, skincare second.”
3. Don’t skip hydration if you have oily skin
Tip: Don’t skip hydration just because you have oily or blemish-prone skin. Choose lightweight hydration that won’t clog your pores instead.
Dr Nora says: “You can have oily skin and still be dehydrated, particularly in a low-humidity cabin environment, which can be drier than a desert. Choose lightweight hydration rather than skipping moisturiser altogether.”
4. Keep your in-flight skincare routine simple
Tip: Once on board, focus on a few simple steps: use a facial mist as needed, top up SPF when appropriate and protect particularly dry areas with a lip balm or repair ointment.
Dr Nora says: “You don’t need a complicated skincare routine at 40,000 feet. Focus on maintaining hydration and protecting areas that become dry - save stronger active ingredients, cleansing and exfoliation for another time.”
5. Maintain your SPF throughout your travel day
Tip: Make SPF50 the final step of your pre-flight routine and top it up when appropriate during daytime travel, to combat the extra UV exposure our skin is subject to at high altitudes.
Dr Nora says: “SPF should remain part of your routine on a travel day. Apply SPF50 before boarding and top it up when appropriate, which covers you on board from sunlight coming through the window as well as at your end destination if you’re heading straight into the sun.”