Long flights are a challenge for skin, with dry, recycled air being a well-known culprit. However, a top dermatologist points out another factor that can lead to a post-flight breakout: wearing earbuds for the entire duration of your journey.
The airplane environment exacerbates the problem. A skin specialist explains that the low humidity on a plane can dehydrate your skin, causing it to produce more oil to compensate. When you wear earbuds, you’re trapping this excess oil, along with any bacteria, directly in your ear canal. This creates a potent recipe for clogged pores and inflammation.
The duration of a flight is a key issue. Wearing earbuds for a 6, 8, or 12-hour flight creates a prolonged period of intense occlusion that you would rarely experience on the ground. The dermatologist warns that this sustained pressure and lack of airflow can easily trigger a significant acne mechanica flare-up, leaving you with pimples upon arrival.
To arrive with clear skin, a flight-specific strategy is needed. The expert suggests alternating between earbuds and the airline’s disposable over-ear headphones. It’s also crucial to take your earbuds out for at least 15 minutes every two hours to let your skin normalize. Before you put them in, wipe them with a sanitizing wipe to remove any germs from the airport.
If you land and discover a breakout, be gentle. Your skin is already stressed from the flight. Cleanse the area with a mild wash and apply a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturizer. A gentle spot treatment can be used on individual pimples. If the problem is severe, consider a teledermatology consultation for advice on the go.