Woman Shares Disgusting Reason She Avoids Using Face Masks On Planes

Naperville, Illinois — What might look like a trendy self-care ritual at 30,000 feet could actually be one of the worst things you can do for your skin. Reality TV personality Mae Hunter, known from Stranded On Honeymoon Island, has gone viral for exposing the gross truth behind in-flight skincare routines, especially when it comes to using sheet masks on airplanes.

Hunter’s viral video began as a quick “rant,” but it’s now changing minds across the internet. “In-flight sheet masks? Cute for the [Insta]gram but terrible for your skin,” she said, explaining that the idea of pampering yourself on a plane might look good online but can lead to breakouts, irritation, and bacteria exposure.

The Shocking Hygiene Problem In The Sky

Mae started her rant with a jaw-dropping fact: airplane tray tables and seat pockets can contain more fecal matter than toilet flush buttons. She explained that she has a “cross-contamination fear” and wipes down everything before sitting, but even then, she would “never dream” of touching her face mid-flight.

“Your pores are open, they’re more vulnerable, your hands are dirty, and you’re just recycling everyone’s coughs,” she said, squirming at the thought. In her caption, she added: “Planes = Bacteria Buffets. Tray tables, seats, vents — all crawling with germs. Touching your face mid-flight? Big mistake.”

Even if travelers wash their hands in the restroom, she reminded viewers that they still touch door buttons, seatbelts, and armrests on the way back — all of which carry bacteria ready to transfer to your skin.

Why Face Masks Don’t Work On Planes

Another major issue, Hunter said, is the extremely dry cabin air. With humidity levels between 10% and 20%, the environment strips away moisture from your skin and any product you apply.

“You’re using a sheet mask because you want hydration, but because the air on a plane is so dry, it’s sucking the moisture out of the product anyway,” she explained. “So you’re wasting it — and worse, it’s sucking the moisture from your own skin. You’ll literally land drier than when you took off.”

In her now-famous caption, she joked: “Congrats, you’ve just done reverse skincare.”

Recycled Air And Chemical Reactions

Mae also warned about the recycled air system on planes, which constantly circulates dust, bacteria, and microscopic fibers. “Your sticky mask traps everything in,” she said. “You’re not hydrating — you’re marinating in plane air.”

She went on to explain that high altitude already stresses your skin barrier, and mixing that with active ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide from a face mask can cause redness, irritation, or breakouts. “It’s basically a chemical cocktail your skin didn’t ask for,” she said.

What Travelers Should Do Instead

For those still looking to care for their skin while flying, Hunter offered a few practical skincare alternatives. She suggests applying a thick barrier cream before takeoff, using a hydrating mist throughout the flight, and drinking plenty of water. “Wait until you’re showered and settled at your hotel for that sheet-mask moment — your skin (and the people in row 17) will thank you,” she said.

Her candid, humorous advice has resonated with thousands of travelers who admitted they never considered how unsanitary airplane surfaces could be. Hunter’s viral post serves as a timely reminder that sometimes skincare trends are best left on the ground.

For more lifestyle stories, travel advice, and cultural trends that matter to Illinois readers, visit NapervilleLocal.com for the latest updates and community insights.