It’s no secret that air travel can be hard on skin. With low humidity levels and high altitudes, the cabin offers an environment largely devoid of moisture.
“Air travel can be particularly challenging, as the abrupt change in air pressure and humidity promotes dryness,” says Leah Klasovsky, Holistic Aesthetician and Founder of Leahlani Skincare. “Travel days can lead to stress-induced breakouts and inflammation.”
Passengers new to the world of skincare can feel overwhelmed with a myriad of products for different skin types. So how can we identify what our skin needs?
Colour match
Leahlani strives for a “natural balance” featuring fresh Hawaiian nectars, botanicals and tropical oils. Adapted for inflight purposes by inflight products supplier Linstol, each product in the line is designed for all skin tones, types and concerns.
“Different skin types and tones can have varying needs based on factors ranging from genetics to environmental exposure,” notes Klasovsky. “Melanin-rich skin might be more prone to hyperpigmentation, while lighter skin may be more sensitive to sun exposure.”
Beauty e-commerce platform Thirteen Lune echoes the importance of diversity, with 90% of its products from BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) founders.
“We all have the same fundamental needs for healthy and radiant skin. However, airlines could offer products to support different ages,” says Co-Founder Nyakio Grieco. “Passengers with younger skin need cleansing and nourishment, while those with mature skin would be suited to performance-driven products for anti-aging, containing targeted formulas to firm and revitalise. Post-shaving balms and skin-soothing products would work for men, too.”
To bring its skincare ethos to the skies, Thirteen Lune has collaborated with American Airlines on limited-edition amenity kits. Passengers can find hand-picked skincare essentials from brands such as Relevant: Your Skin Seen and a mini range developed by celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. Created by Formia, the amenity kits are sustainably sourced and will be available on rotation throughout the year.
Type on paper
“We know that everybody has melanin. Some have more and some have less,” says Grieco. “We’re also mindful of the different levels of safe acids and actives that we use. Our skincare solutions must be gentle and effective for everyone.”
The best way to cater to different skin types is to provide a calming experience that alleviates the common issues caused by environmental stressors, emphasises Klasovsky. Products must be free from harsh skin irritants to avoid damaging skin barriers.
Leahlani names its Bless Beauty Balm and Toning Mists as inflight must-haves. Bless Balm can be used on the face and under the eyes, as well as on lips, cuticles and hands. It creates a protective barrier to shield skin from the drying effects of travel. The Toning Mists can also be used throughout the day to inject a burst of moisture. Hydration and nourishment are key pillars for the brand.
Fragrances in skincare products should also be considered, adds Marisa Pitsch, Chief Marketing Officer at Formia. “Scents can vary by region. In Asia the preference leans towards lighter, fresher and more invigorating aromas, while the Middle East favours warmer and heavier notes.”
Strike a balance
Bryony Koziol, Design Manager at Plane Talking Products, proposes the introduction of a choice-based amenity system.
“Passengers would be able to pick from a range of products tailored to various skin types right before or during their flight,” she says. “This ‘pre order’ approach offers skincare that is relevant and personalised, and helps reduce waste, as fewer unwanted items are handed out.”
And with 42% of consumers interested in personalising cosmetics (according to research by IFOP), it’s no surprise that customised skincare is gaining traction.
“The wider picture is that everyone has different skincare needs and it goes beyond ethnicity,” comments Koziol. “Skincare isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
“While ethnic background can influence some skin characteristics, such as melanin levels or susceptibility to certain conditions, the key is recognising that each individual passenger has specific needs.”
