Which plane seats are best for your skin?

As Cork holidaymakers continue to pack their bags and take to the skies for sunnier climes this August, beauty experts have warned that your airplane seat selection could be doing more damage to your complexion than you think.

According to new insights from beauty platform Fresha, cabin humidity drops below 20% at cruising altitude, making airplane air drier than some deserts. Combined with recycled airflow and intensified UV rays, your location onboard could leave your skin tight, dehydrated, and irritated before you even touch down.

The seat spectrum

"Most people spend time choosing the right moisturiser before a flight, but very few think about where they're sitting," said Danielle Louise, beauty expert on the Fresha app.

If you love a window view for take-off, your skin barrier might disagree. Window seats have been named the worst choice for skin health due to increased UV radiation, which easily penetrates aircraft glass. Paired with cold cabin walls, these seats rapidly strip away essential moisture.

Conversely, aisle seats in the middle of the cabin offer the best protection. These mid-cabin spots benefit from stable airflow and fewer temperature shifts, whilst allowing easy movement to keep circulation moving. Seats directly over the wings also fare well, experiencing minimal humidity fluctuations, whereas the first and last five rows suffer from the worst pressure and temperature swings, according to Fresha.

Ms Louise stresses that pre-flight prep is crucial.

She said: “People often blame jet lag for dull skin, but dehydration is the main culprit.

Preparing your skin before boarding is far more effective than trying to fix damage after landing.”

To keep your holiday glow intact, Fresha advises the following:

Pause active ingredients: Avoid retinols and exfoliating acids for 24 hours prior to travel to prevent barrier damage.

Never skip SPF: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before boarding, as high-altitude UV rays remain a threat.

Slather on a barrier cream: Apply a rich moisturiser before stepping onto the plane rather than waiting for mid-flight dryness.

Hydrate early: Drink plenty of water before take-off instead of waiting for the trolley service.