Airplane skincare recommendations from SHY Aviation Partner, Alice Henshaw, Founder of SKIN|CYCLES and Harley Street Injectables
Air travel may be glamorous, especially when benefitting from the convenience and luxury of flying by private jet charter with SHY Aviation. However, even aboard the world’s most luxurious private jets, flying can still take its toll on your skin. The combination of low humidity, recycled cabin air, and prolonged sitting can leave your complexion dry, irritated, and far from radiant by the time you land. Add heightened exposure to UV rays at high altitudes, and it’s clear that flying can leave skin looking far from its best. Fortunately, a strategic in-flight skincare routine can help you maintain your glow at 30,000 feet.
In-flight skincare with SKIN|CYCLES
Our top priority is always the complete wellness of our clients. So, SHY Aviation is thrilled to partner with Alice Henshaw and her exceptional skincare brand SKIN|CYCLES, so that we can share her expert advice on combating in-flight skin woes.
Alice, Founder and Medical Director of Harley Street Injectables is a leading figure in the global medical aesthetics industry celebrated for her expertise in advanced cosmetic procedures, commitment to personalized care, and airplane skincare.
After a successful career as a cardiac nurse, Alice founded Harley Street Injectables in 2014, earning multiple awards and accolades for her innovative approaches to skincare. Her latest venture, SKIN|CYCLES, brings clinic-level anti-aging results into the home and the skies through carefully curated cosmeceutical products.
Below, Alice outlines her top tips and must-have products for glowing skin in-flight.

How Does Flying Affect Your Skin?
1. Dehydration
The cabin’s humidity levels hover around 10-20%, far below the ideal 40-60% for your skin. This environment strips moisture from your skin, leaving it dull, flaky, and prone to fine lines.
In-flight skincare – treat with Bio-Cellulose Mask: The Bio-Cellulose Mask replenishes your skin’s natural moisture barrier with advanced hydration technology. Its bio-cellulose material ensures deep penetration of active ingredients for instant and effective hydration.
Key Benefits:
- Active transportation technology to deliver liposome particles engineered for instant skin-cell penetration with anti-aging benefits
- Soothes redness and calms irritation caused by dry cabin air.
Pro Tip: Use the Bio-Cellulose Mask mid-flight or immediately after landing to restore moisture and plumpness.
2. Puffiness and Dark Circles
Long periods of sitting and disrupted sleep often lead to fluid retention and dullness, particularly around the eyes.
In-flight skincare – treat with Matrix Eye Mask: The Matrix Eye Mask is specifically designed to combat in-flight fatigue, de-puffing, brightening, and smoothing the delicate under-eye area.
Key Benefits:
- Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 reduces fluid retention and puffiness.
- Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, combats oxidative stress and glycation to preserve firmness.
- Cooling hydrogel instantly soothes and refreshes.
Pro Tip: Apply the Matrix Eye Mask as soon as the seatbelt sign goes off to look refreshed and radiant upon landing.
3. Oxidative Stress
At high altitudes, UV exposure increases, accelerating skin aging and oxidative damage. Plane windows block UVB rays but allow UVA rays to penetrate, making sunscreen a must.
In-flight skincare – treat with DNA Defence Sunscreen SPF 100: This lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, making it ideal for in-flight use.
Key Benefits:
- Protects against UVA, UVB, and high-energy visible light.
- Ultra-lightweight and non-comedogenic, perfect for layering.
Pro Tip: Reapply with the Lumina Mist SPF 50 Spray throughout the flight to ensure continuous protection and a refreshed glow.
4. Breakouts and Congestion
Environmental changes and disrupted routines can lead to clogged pores and blemishes.
In-flight skincare – treat with Alpha Radiance Spray: This on-the-go mist combines hydration with brightening power to refresh and revitalize tired, dull skin.
Key Benefits:
- Niacinamide and Vitamin C brighten skin tone and reduce redness.
- The lightweight formula hydrates without disrupting makeup.
Pro Tip: Spritz every few hours to keep your skin dewy, clear, and refreshed throughout the flight.
5. Dry, Chapped Lips
Dry cabin air wreaks havoc on your lips, leaving them cracked, flaky, and uncomfortable.
In-flight skincare – treat with Lasting Lips Balm: The Lasting Lips Balm delivers long-lasting hydration while creating a barrier to lock in moisture.
Key Benefits:
- Enriched with hydrating oils and butter to nourish and repair.
- Long-lasting formula for all-day softness and protection.
Pro Tip: Apply a generous layer before take-off and reapply as needed during the flight.
SKIN|CYCLES: The Ultimate Airplane Skincare Travel Companion
At SKIN|CYCLES, our products work with your lifestyle—whether you’re crossing time zones or tackling daily challenges. Each formulation is built to protect, repair, and enhance your skin, ensuring you look and feel your best wherever you go.
In-Flight Skincare Essentials Checklist:
- Bio-Cellulose Mask – For intense hydration and repair.
- Matrix Eye Mask – To de-puff, smooth, and brighten.
- DNA Defence Sunscreen SPF 100 – For high-altitude UV protection.
- Alpha Radiance Spray – For hydration, glow, and brightening.
- Lasting Lips Balm – For soft, nourished lips.
- Lumina Mist SPF 50 – For easy sunscreen reapplication mid-flight.
Effortless in-flight skincare with SHY Aviation and SKIN|CYCLES
The next time you pack your carry-on, remember that a well-prepared airplane skincare routine can make all the difference when you step off the plane. With SKIN|CYCLES, you’ll land with hydrated, glowing skin—proof that true luxury is caring for yourself at 30,000 feet.
To ensure all SHY Aviation clients arrive at their destination rested and ready to maximize their stay, they can request that SKIN|CYCLES products be waiting for them onboard their private jet.