Dr Vincent: Flying will age your skin faster than any other travel - how to prevent it

If you've ever stepped off a flight looking tired, dull or unusually dry, it's not just jet lag, it's dehydration at altitude and it's ageing your skin faster than you realise.
 

According to Australian health and wellness expert Dr Vincent, flying is one of the most aggressive yet overlooked stressors on skin health, with the effects compounding over time for frequent travellers.
 

"Aircraft cabins have humidity levels as low as 10 to 20 per cent, that's drier than most deserts," Dr Vincent said.
 

"In those conditions, the skin loses moisture rapidly, the barrier weakens and inflammation increases. Over time, that accelerates visible ageing."
 

Why flying dehydrates your skin so severely
 

At cruising altitude, recycled cabin air and low humidity strip moisture from the skin at a cellular level. The result is increased transepidermal water loss, reduced skin elasticity, heightened redness and sensitivity and dullness and fine lines that appear more pronounced
 

"Flying doesn't just dry your skin for a few hours," Dr Vincent said.
 

"It temporarily pushes your skin into an accelerated ageing state. Do that regularly, and the effects start to add up."
 

How flying can add years to your skin age
 

When skin is dehydrated, it becomes less resilient and more prone to inflammation, a key driver of premature ageing.
 

"Dehydration stresses skin cells, slows repair and exaggerates fine lines," Dr Vincent said.
 

"That's why frequent flyers often look more tired and aged than they should for their years."
 

Long-haul flights, alcohol consumption in the air and salty airline food can further compound the damage.
 

What travellers can do to protect their skin
 

Dr Vincent says small changes before, during and after a flight can dramatically reduce skin damage.

Drink more water
 

"Hydration starts from within. Drink water consistently before and during your flight," Dr Vincent said.
 

"Try and avoid flavoured water as it may irritate your gut."
 

Avoid alcohol and caffeine
 

Dr Vincent said alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating and amplify moisture loss at altitude.
 

"Try and avoid alcohol and caffeine if you can and if you can't limit your intake," he said.
 

Watch the salt
 

Salty snacks and meals increase fluid loss and worsen dehydration.
 

"At cruising altitude, low cabin pressure and dry air can reduce taste and smell by up to 30 percent, making food taste bland. To compensate, airlines often add extra salt and sometimes sugar so meals still have flavour in the air," he said.
 

The downside? Higher salt intake can worsen dehydration, increase puffiness and leave you feeling tired after flying, especially when combined with already dry cabin air.
 

Dr Vincent said to minimise the impact, drink plenty of water, avoid salty snacks and alcohol and opt for lighter, lower-sodium meals when possible.
 

Moisturise before you fly
 

"Protect your skin prior to flying. Apply a barrier-supporting moisturiser before boarding to slow water loss," he said.
 

Use a facial mist during the flight
 

A lightweight facial spray can rehydrate skin, calm inflammation and support the skin barrier mid-flight.
 

"This isn't about luxury, it's about damage control," Dr Vincent said.
 

The role of facial sprays
 

Dr Vincent said facial mists can be particularly effective when flying, helping to hydrate the skin.
 

"This is why I developed the APSKIN Face Mist, specifically to support skin under environmental stress.
 

"It delivers instant hydration while creating a light but potent antioxidant shield," he said.
 

"It's not heavy, it doesn't disrupt makeup and it helps skin recover while you're in the air."

"People invest in luggage, supplements and comfort for flights but protecting your skin is just as important. Otherwise, flying quietly adds years to your skin age," he said.
 

His advice is simple: hydrate, protect, minimise stress and treat flying as an environmental challenge, not just a commute.
 

When it comes to ageing, what happens at 30,000 feet doesn't stay there.
 

About Dr Vincent
 

Dr Vincent is Australia's leading health and wellness expert, clinical nutritionist, food scientist and antioxidant researcher. He is the founder of Renovatio, one of the country's fastest-growing health and wellness brands, known for its powerful antioxidant formulations derived from Australian apples.
 

Products include supplements, skin care and pantry goods. With a PhD in food science and extensive experience in clinical nutrition, Dr Vincent is a passionate advocate for accessible, science- backed wellbeing. Through Renovatio, he is dedicated to helping people live longer, healthier and more vibrant lives by harnessing the power of nature and evidence-based innovation. He launched his skin care products in the US this year under the brand, Vincent. www.VincentPlus.com
 
About Renovatio
 

Renovatio Bioscience was founded by Dr Vincent in 2016 following his breakthrough discovery while undertaking antioxidant research at the University of Newcastle. He developed a laboratory technique to extract the world's most potent antioxidants 'activated phenolics' from Australian apples and other produce using only water. His innovative work solved an issue, which had been perplexing scientists all over the world for nearly 80 years.
 

Dr Vincent patented and translated his innovative work into a range of 'turbo charged' health and wellness products including supplements, skin care and pantry products to help people access the world's most potent antioxidants in an 'easy to consume' form. Visit: www.renovatio.com.au