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Skin surface hydration decreases rapidly during long distance flights
Sabine Guéhenneux1, Sophie Gardinier, Frederique Morizot
1CE.R.I.E.S., Neuilly sur Seine, France. erwin.tschachler@meduniwien.ac.at
Summary
Long flights rapidly dehydrate skin, causing tightness and itchiness. This study shows aircraft cabin humidity drops significantly, leading to a measurable decrease in skin surface hydration.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Dry skin, characterized by tightness and itchiness, results from stratum corneum dehydration.
- Airline travelers frequently report these symptoms, suggesting a link to the flight environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in skin surface hydration during long-distance flights.
- To correlate aircraft cabin conditions with skin hydration levels.
Main Methods:
- Studied healthy Caucasian and Japanese women (aged 29-39) on long-haul flights.
- Monitored cabin temperature and relative humidity.
- Measured skin capacitance on the face and forearms before and during flights, with participants abstaining from skincare products.
Main Results:
- Aircraft cabin relative humidity decreased below 10% post-takeoff and remained low.
- Skin capacitance showed a rapid decline on both face and forearms.
- Cheek skin capacitance decreased by up to 37%.
Conclusions:
- The aircraft cabin environment causes a rapid reduction in stratum corneum hydration.
- This dehydration likely explains the discomfort experienced by long-distance air travelers.
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