Anyone who has been on a flight would understand how much it affects your skin, even on short flights. 

For starters, the air within the plane is really dry, usually capping at a maximum of around 20 per cent humidity (compared to an average of 83 per cent in Singapore). This not only dehydrates the skin, but it results in symptoms such as the feeling of roughness and tightness and you may get itchy, irritated skin prone to flaking.

That is why we are particularly intrigued by the skincare routines of the cabin crew members. These air stewards and stewardesses are exposed to such desert-like conditions so frequently as part of their job. Just how do they keep their skin looking flawless?

We asked flight attendants, both past and present, about their skincare routines, and what products they swear by to ensure that their skin is always in optimal condition.  

Fiona, 30, flew with SIA for four years 

“Skin dryness was my main issue when I was flying. I also had some dullness or redness due to the odd working hours. 

“My post-flight routine comprised an essence, serums, masks and moisturiser. I would prep my skin with Fresh Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence before using The Ordinary’s Buffet Multi-Technology Peptide Serum or The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. 

(From left) Fresh Black Tea Kombucha Facial Treatment Essence, $65.40. Buy it here.

The Ordinary Multi- Peptide + HA Serum, $28.32. Buy it here. 

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 30ml Oil Control Face Serum, $12. Buy it here.

“Next, I’ll use Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask. But in winter destinations, I’ll use the Dr Jart+ Cryo Rubber With Moisturizing Hyaluronic Acid Moisturising Mask instead.

(From left) Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask, $54.72. Buy it here

Dr.Jart Dermask Cryo Rubber Facial Mask Pack, $26.24. Buy it here

“My moisturiser of choice is Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. For sun protection, I used the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+ PA++++.”

(From left) Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, $48.60. Buy it here

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+PA++++, $25. Buy it here 

Jessica, 30, cabin crew for 7 years

“I have oily skin, but that wasn’t due to flying. Besides that, I didn’t really have any real skincare issues to deal with other than pigmentation. 

“Both my pre- and post-flight skincare routine consisted of cleansing, toner, serum and moisturiser. I would also use sunscreen in the day and a mask at night. Sunscreen is especially important and I make sure to evenly apply it on my face.

“I use mainly products from IDS Skincare, like their C-Plus Serum, Oil-Free Moisturiser and the S2 Non-tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++, which is lightweight and non-greasy. To remove make-up, I use Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water. 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water (duo value pack), $27.80. Buy it here

“To hydrate my skin after a flight, I apply either Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask or Skin Inc Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask.”

(From left) Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask, $20.39. Buy it here 

Skin Inc Pure Deepsea Hydrating Mask, $78. Buy it here

Benji, 30, flew with SIA for one year

“I have combination skin so my skincare routine and the products I use before and after flying varies.

“Before flying, I would like to be a bit more ‘moisturised’ before flying as the cabin air is very dry. So I’d use the Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum and the Concentrated Ginseng Brightening Serum first. Then I will finish with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion and the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++. 

(From left) Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, $85.04. Buy it here 

CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, $28.16. Buy it here Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, $15.35. Buy it here

“After flying, my face will be double-cleansed with Manyo Factory Pure Cleansing Oil and Simple Micellar Facial Wash Gel.

(From left) MANYO FACTORY Pure Cleansing Oil, $24.40. Buy it here

Simple Micellar Facial Wash Gel, $17.05. Buy it here

“I will then tone my face with the Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water Toner before applying Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%, which is a topical retinoid. Finally, my nighttime routine will be completed again with CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion.

Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water Toner, $85. Buy it here

Nurliyana, 30, flew with SIA for 3.5 years

“I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t get breakouts due to flying. I didn’t get dry skin either because I have oily skin that I would blot every four hours.

“I used mainly Derma-Rx skincare products. I particularly love the Comedone Formula, but I also used the Hydrator, Blemish Formula and Max-C. I would also mask my face maybe once or twice a week.”

(From left) Derma-RX Comedone Formula, $93.57. Buy it here

Derma-RX Hydrator, $100.44. Buy it here

Derma-RX Blemish Formula, $96.12. Buy it here

Derma-RX Max-C, $180.36. Buy it here