While there is nothing more relaxing than living the jet-setting lifestyle, there is also nothing that causes as much stress to your skin as flying. Whether it's the dryness caused by the lack of humidity in the cabin, the puffiness from low air pressure slowing the lymphatic drainage, or even breakouts caused by the recycled air, airplanes take a toll on your skin. With that being said, this is something you can prepare for. Not only can you give your skin a little TLC before and after the flight, but carrying a few products with you and establishing a simple in-flight routine can help protect your skin in that environment. We’ve broken down the important steps for your travel day routine, along with some key products you’ll want in your carry-on next time you’re flying.
While some of us like to travel with a bare face, for those of us that have a little extra glam for the journey, your skin needs to breathe so start by taking off any makeup. Even if you don’t have any makeup on, you want to start with a clean surface before you start layering on products. Micellar wipes are a great way to do this on the fly. Micellar water isn’t just a makeup remover but is often used to cleanse the skin in a non-abrasive manner that doesn’t damage your natural skin barrier. We’d recommend using wipes, like the Burt’s Bees one with rose water which calms down inflammation, or if you’d prefer a fragrance free alternative, the one from Clinique is a great option to cleanse on the go.
This is the first layer of hydration on your skin and the lightest. This could either be a mist or a serum or even both. Just make sure it's light enough to seep into your skin without feeling too rich on the surface. When you layer on products, it's important to start from lightest to thickest, so each layer locks the previous one in. If you’re doing both, start with a mist so your face feels light and refreshed, then layer the serum on top of that. Our favorites include Caudalíe’s Grape Water Mist, which is full of antioxidants and reduces redness. And for that extra layer moisture you can top it off with The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid serum for that hydrated plump look.
Once you’ve built up light layers of hydration that soak into your skin, lock it in with a thicker moisturizer. These are the thicker creams that are often oil based and give you more visible hydration in your skin. Putting this on after you’ve built up those lighter layers is going to ensure that they’re sealed in and will give your skin that extra hydration for the duration of the flight. The Kiehl’s moisturizer is a personal favorite, especially in the winter when it gets more dry. This is perfect if you’re in a dryer environment, like a plane, and need a thicker moisturizer. But if you’re someone who is prone to oily skin and wants to avoid a thick cream, Aveeno’s Oat Gel Moisturizer is a great alternative that is more lightweight but still hydrating.
This step really only applies if you’re flying during the day. When you’re at a higher elevation, the sun is more intense and airplane windows aren’t built to block UVA rays. Even if you never leave the house without SPF on, you’ll still want to carry extra when you’re flying to reapply every two hours on the flight. The cult classic Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is a great universal sunscreen for different skin tones and types. But if you’d prefer an alternative that isn’t a cream or liquid product, their SPF powder is both dermatologist recommended and easy to apply with the brush applicator.
As much as our skin health comes from the products we apply externally, it’s also important to nourish our skin from the inside. Hydration is key, so make sure you drink plenty of water before and during the flight to make sure you’re hydrated from within. This also means limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake, as they notoriously dehydrate your body. When it comes to your flight snacks and meals, avoid things that are too salty as they could lead to more puffiness in the face because of how salt retains the moisture.
This routine breaks down the simple steps you can take, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a few of your own. If you’re someone prone to puffy eyes, pack your favorite eye masks. If you want some extra hydration and want to de-puff yourself on a plane, grab your favorite sheet mask along with a face roller and let them work their magic while you watch “The Devil Wears Prada” for the billionth time on the plane. Always take into account what your skin needs, what kind of environment you’re flying from and where you’re flying to when you build out your routine. But most importantly — always listen to your skin.
