At 35,000 Feet, Self-Care Becomes Essential

By Justin Sarabia
Featuring insights from flight attendant Francesca Hutton

For most travelers, a flight is temporary. For Fran, it’s a way of life.

Between long duty days, multiple flights, changing time zones, and dry cabin air, taking care of herself has become part of the job. Through intentional clean beauty and wellness habits, she’s found simple ways to stay refreshed no matter where she lands.

In our conversation with Fran, we uncover the simple yet intentional habits that make all the difference while traveling.

THE SCIENCE

What's Actually Happening to Your Skin Up There

Before we get into routines, it helps to understand why flying is so hard on skin in the first place. Fran has felt it firsthand.

"What's actually happening to your skin at altitude — is it really that different from being on the ground?"

At altitude, your skin is exposed to a very different environment, even though the cabin is pressurized. The low humidity in the cabin causes dryness, tightness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. And unfortunately, over time, altitude can accelerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Why Cabin Air Is So Brutal

“Aircraft cabins typically maintain humidity levels of just 10–20%, creating an exceptionally dry environment that can dehydrate the skin and mucous membranes. The combination of low humidity, prolonged travel, and increased UVA exposure—especially when seated by the window—makes hydration and sun protection essential for frequent flyers.”
— CDC Yellow Book – Air Travel

THE ROUTINE

Fran's Flight Ritual, Step by Step

What makes Fran's approach interesting is that her clean beauty routine isn't just about products — it starts the night before and doesn't end until she's checked into the hotel.

“Walk us through your pre-flight routine. What do you typically do before reporting for duty?”

I always check my schedule for any last-minute changes or delays, pack and organize my luggage, and prepare my meals. Staying hydrated is a priority, and I set multiple alarms since our report times can be very early. I also make sure my uniform is clean and pressed, check the weather so I can pack accordingly, and most importantly, get enough sleep before reporting for duty.

“What about on the day of your flight?”

I wake up early to get ready, check my schedule and the weather one more time, make sure my meals are packed, and eat a hearty breakfast. Before heading out, I double-check all my essentials—my passport, crew badge, and luggage. My hair and uniform also need to meet company standards, so I always give myself enough time to get ready without rushing.

"Once you're actually in the air — what are you focused on beauty-wise?"

After takeoff we remain seated until the captain gives the all-clear, then we prep the cabin for service and keep checking on passengers. Safety always comes first — monitoring for medical emergencies, responding to turbulence, enforcing regulations. But personally? I'm always making sure my lips are hydrated. The dry cabin air hits them first. I keep eye drops and under-eye concealer on me at all times.

"Red-eyes — do you do anything differently for overnight flights?"

When I'm working a red-eye, I nap during the day beforehand, drink a good amount of caffeine to stay alert overnight, and stay very hydrated. Hydration really is everything for night flights.

"The moment you land?"

We deplane passengers, take the crew shuttle to the hotel, unpack, eat, work out. If time permits I'll do some sightseeing. But no matter what — I always do my clean beauty routine before I go to sleep. That's non-negotiable.

OFF THE CLOCK

When Fran finally got time off, she didn't slow down — she island-hopped her way through one of the Philippines' most beautiful provinces.

Bohol, Philippines

PANGLAO ISLAND · PERSONAL TRIP

"You just got back from Bohol. Tell us everything."

In Bohol, I relaxed on Alona beach and went island hopping and the Virgin island sandbar. I also went snorkeling! So fun and relaxing!

"Why Bohol? You fly over Southeast Asia for work — what made you stop there for yourself?"

I do not fly to Southwest Asia for work, unfortunately. I work mostly domestic flights. I went to Bohol to visit friends!

"You stayed at Henann Resort in Panglao — what was that like?"

The resort was beautiful and amazing. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. 10/10 recommend!

"What did your skin look like by the end of the trip?"

My skin was very dry and sunburnt at the end of the trip. I did my clean beauty routine every night so my face did not break out.

"Did you change your clean beauty routine at all while you were there?"

My clean beauty routine stayed the same I just added extra sunscreen in my routine!

TAKEAWAYS

What You Can Borrow from Fran's Approach

You don't have to be a flight attendant to steal Fran's philosophy. Her approach is less about specific products and more about consistency, preparation, and knowing what your skin needs in different environments.

Fran's Flight-Tested Clean Beauty Principles

• Hydrate before you board. Start drinking water before you even get to the gate. Your skin will be playing catch-up the entire flight otherwise.
• Lips first, always. A good lip balm is the most underrated travel clean beauty product. Keep it in your pocket, not your bag.
• Eye drops are a clean beauty essential too. Dry eyes make everything look worse — and feel worse. Don't neglect them.
• Sleep is your overnight treatment. Fran doesn't skip sleep before early flights. Rest is the most powerful anti-aging tool there is.
• A nightly routine is non-negotiable — even on vacation. She never skipped it in Bohol, and her skin stayed clear despite the heat, humidity, and sun.
• Add sunscreen before you add anything else when you're somewhere sunny. Her Bohol adjustment was that simple.

“The routine really held up — I just made sure to layer on extra sunscreen.”
— Fran on adapting her clean beauty routine from sky to sea