London Luton Airport (LLA) is launching free pre-flight facials after new research1 found eight in 10 flyers now think about the impact flying has on their skin, as viral ‘flight face’ content turns skincare into a new travel essential.
Timed to coincide with the end of the summer holiday period, amid the growing popularity of September breaks among Gen Z 2, Glow Up Gate will be open to passengers on 3rd and 4th September. Beauty therapists will deliver free, express facial treatments to help passengers prepare their skin for take-off, whilst equipping them with product to apply in the air for the onward journey3.
It comes as ‘#planeskincare’ racks up almost 140m views on TikTok4, with two in five (40%) adults inspired to apply skincare mid-air after viewing in-flight skincare routines online – a figure that jumps to three quarters (73%) among Gen Z.
The new research, commissioned by LLA, shows the trend is moving beyond inspiration and into action. Nearly half of Gen Z (47%) now adjust their skincare routine when they travel, compared to three in 10 flyers more broadly. Almost one in five (18%) have been tempted to try something new on their next trip after seeing others share their plane skincare hacks.
Travel skincare has become so important it’s now competing with holiday wardrobe staples. More than a third of Gen Z say they’d leave extra outfits or shoes behind to protect their routine, a sentiment shared by a quarter of passengers overall.
Despite the clear shift towards skincare in the air, more than half of passengers admit they don’t know what their skin needs when they fly. Just 20% are aware that cabin air can be drier than a desert5, only 12% realise that UV exposure is stronger at altitude and only a quarter correctly identified that skin loses significant water during a flight.
In addition to the in-airport experience, LLA has teamed up with dermatologist and social media skincare star Dr Nora to educate passengers on the science behind our skin when we travel, ensuring those already embracing the trend are doing so effectively, and those yet to get on board are inspired to upgrade their routine.
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.”
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.
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, with a range of skincare products also available in the terminal at Aelia, Boots and Rituals.
“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’ travels.”
Dr Nora’s five tips to avoid ‘flight face’ when travelling:
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
