Terrible things that can happen to your skin on an airplane

Traveling thousands of miles around the globe to explore new cities and cultures is an exciting adventure. You know what's not so exciting? Just like an airplane can pierce your skin, whether you're comfortable in first class or sitting shoulder to shoulder with a stranger in economy class. Want to know exactly what can happen to your skin at 30,000 feet? Keep scrolling!

1. Your skin can become very, very dry. 

Fact: Dry recycled air in the cabin and leather do not play a good role. The low levels of humidity — about 20 percent — in airplanes are less than half the level that the skin feels comfortable (and probably used to). As a result, the lack of moisture and moisture in the air can suck the life out of the skin. Result? Dry skin, thirsty and dehydrated.

What to do: To counteract dryness and potentially negative side effects on your skin, pack a moisturizer or serum in your carry-on—make sure it's TSA-approved! Once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude, apply a generous amount to clean skin. Look for a lightweight formula that is non-comedogenic and non-sticky. Hyaluronic acid - a powerful humectant that holds up to 1000 times its weight in water - is particularly effective and can be found in SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. Also, stay hydrated with plenty of water.

2. Your lips may become chapped.

Your lips are not immune from drying out in the cockpit. In fact, since lips don't contain sebaceous glands, they are probably the first place you'll notice dryness. We don't know about you, but sitting for hours on a plane with chapped lips - and, mind you, without a solution - sounds like cruel torture. No, thanks. 

What to do: Throw your favorite lip balm, ointment, emollient, or jelly into your purse and keep it in your sight. Choose one that's formulated with nourishing oils and vitamins, like Kiehl's No. 1 Lip Balm, to keep your lips hydrated throughout your flight. 

3. An oily film may form on the surface of the skin. 

Have you ever noticed that during a flight, an oily layer appears on the surface of your skin, especially in the T-zone? It ruins makeup and makes the complexion shiny... and not in a good way. Believe it or not, the reason this happens is due to dry air conditions. When the skin becomes dry, it may try to compensate for the lack of moisture by activating the sebaceous glands. The result is an increase in oil production that shows up on your skin. This is a bad idea for a number of other reasons (hello, rashes!). 

What to do: Keep your skin hydrated so it doesn't counteract the super-dry air with a lot of sebum. If you're nervous about excess shine (or have oily skin to begin with), keep NYX Professional Makeup Blotting Paper on hand to soak up oil and keep your skin oil-free.

4. Intense UV rays can age your skin 

Everyone fights for a window seat, but there's a good reason to skip it the next time you fly, especially if you don't use SPF. You are closer to the sun in the air, which may seem harmless to you, until you realize that ultraviolet rays, which are more intense at higher altitudes, can enter through windows.

What to do: Never skip applying SPF 30 or higher on board. Apply it before landing and reapply during the flight if it is long-range. For added protection, it's a good idea to keep your window shades closed.

6. Your face may look more puffy.

Does your face look puffy after flying? Sitting in a seat for an extended period of time and chewing on salty foods and snacks in flight can do this to you.

What to do: To prevent water retention and bloating, limit your sodium intake and drink plenty of water. During the flight, try moving around a bit if the seat belt symbol is off. Any additional mobility could be helpful in this scenario.

7. Stress can aggravate any pre-existing skin problems. 

Flying can be stressful, especially if you don't do it very often. Most people can experience anxiety and this stress can take a toll on the appearance of your skin. If you're sleep deprived due to an upcoming flight, your skin may look duller than usual. Plus, stress can exacerbate any skin problem you already have. 

What to do: Coping with stress is easier said than done, but try to eliminate factors that can trigger stress. Talk to your doctor about a plan of action. If the flight is unavoidable, remember to breathe and relax on board. Listen to music or watch a movie to clear your mind, or even try some soothing aromatherapy... who knows, maybe that will help!