Pre and Post Flight Skincare Routine

Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but let’s be honest—long-haul flights can be brutal on your skin. The cabin environment is anything but skin-friendly, with low humidity, recycled air, and the general stress of travel working together to leave your skin looking and feeling dehydrated, dull, and irritated. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, keeping your skin in check during and after your flight is essential.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my tried-and-true before, during and post-flight skincare routine to help you maintain that glow, even at 35,000 feet.

Understanding the In-Flight Skin Struggles

Before going into the routine, it’s important to understand why your skin suffers so much during flights. Airplane cabins typically have a humidity level of around 10-20%, which is significantly lower than what your skin is used to. This lack of moisture can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dehydration, increased sensitivity, and a dull complexion. Combine that with the stress of travel, disrupted sleep patterns, and exposure to various germs, and it’s no wonder your skin feels worse for wear by the time you land.

Pre-Flight Skincare Routine: The Foundation

Prepping your skin before you even step on the plane is crucial for maintaining its health during the flight.

1. Cleanse Thoroughly: Start with a gentle yet effective cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or makeup. This ensures your skin is a clean slate, ready to absorb the nourishing ingredients you’ll apply next. I always opt for a non-stripping, hydrating cleanser to avoid any irritation.
2. Exfoliate Gently: If your skin can handle it, consider a mild exfoliation. This step helps remove dead skin cells, allowing for better absorption of moisturizers and serums. However, avoid harsh scrubs—opt for something gentle like a lactic acid or mandelic acid.
3. Layer on the Hydration: After cleansing, it’s all about hydration. Apply a hydrating toner or essence to prep your skin for the next steps. Follow up with a hydrating serum packed with hyaluronic acid or glycerin to draw moisture into the skin.
4. Seal with a Rich Moisturizer: Lock in all that hydration with a rich, nourishing moisturizer. Choose something with occlusive ingredients like ceramides or shea butter to help form a barrier against the dry cabin air.
5. Don’t Forget the Eye Cream: The delicate skin around your eyes can easily become puffy or dark due to lack of sleep or dehydration. Apply an eye cream with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or caffeine to keep your eyes looking fresh.
6. SPF Is a Must: Even if you’re flying at night, never skip sunscreen. UV rays can penetrate airplane windows, so apply a broad-spectrum SPF to protect your skin.

Keep Your Skincare Simple When Packing

Yep, as mentioned before, keep your skincare really simple and basic. You don’t have to pack all your skincare products, just the ones you’ll need. Stick to the products you normally use at home rather than relying on skincare products in a hotel or on a flight. This will prevent skincare issues.

So, just stick to the products and routines you normally follow. Additionally, cut down on the products you pack. Focus on packing your cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen; these items should be enough to get you through the long-haul flight. If you use a lot of toners, serums, or essences, ask yourself if you truly need them. If not, you should skip them. Unless you are on topical prescriptions that are essential, then take them with you.

If your acne flares up easily, you might want to bring along your acne spot treatment.

Get Reusable Skincare Containers

It is best to transfer your skincare products into small, reusable containers so you don’t have to travel with large bottles. If you wear contact lenses, you may also need to use small contact lens cases. If you do not wear contact lenses, you can still clean out these cases and use them to store your skincare products.

In-Flight Skincare: Maintaining the Glow

Once you’re on the plane, it’s time to keep your skin happy and hydrated.

1. Skip the Makeup: If possible, skip the makeup during the flight. Foundation and powder can dry out your skin even more. If you can’t go completely bare, opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream that provides hydration.
2. Hydrating Mist for Quick Refresh: A hydrating facial mist is your best friend on a flight. Spritz it on throughout the journey to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated. Look for mists with ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.
3. Apply a Nourishing Face Mask: Mid-flight is the perfect time to indulge in a hydrating sheet mask or a sleep mask. Not only does it help pass the time, but it also gives your skin a serious hydration boost. Opt for masks with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or squalane.
4. Reapply Moisturizer: Don’t hesitate to reapply your moisturizer during the flight, especially if you feel your skin getting tight or dry. A lightweight, hydrating cream or gel is ideal for layering.
5. Lip Care: Don’t forget your lips! They tend to get chapped easily in dry environments. Apply a thick, nourishing lip balm regularly to keep them soft and hydrated.
6. Stay Hydrated from the Inside: It’s not just about what you put on your skin—staying hydrated internally is just as important. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight and avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can dehydrate you.

Practice Good Hygiene

It’s a good idea to practice good hand hygiene when traveling to reduce the risk of infections like the cold or flu. Airports and airplanes are full of germs that can make you sick, so don’t forget your hand sanitizers. Before using hand sanitizer, make sure you wash your hands first. You need to be on top of your game by practicing good hand hygiene.

Post-Flight Skincare Routine: Recovery Mode

Once you’ve landed, your skin will need some extra tender loving care to recover from the flight.

1. Cleanse and Rehydrate: As soon as you can, cleanse your skin to remove any impurities or excess oil. Follow up with a hydrating toner, serum, and moisturizer to replenish the moisture your skin lost during the flight.
2. Soothe Any Irritation: If your skin is feeling sensitive or irritated, use calming ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or niacinamide to soothe and restore balance.
3. Eye Care: If your eyes are looking puffy or tired, apply a cooling eye gel or patches to reduce inflammation and dark circles.
4. Consider an Overnight Mask: After your evening skincare routine, apply an overnight hydrating mask to give your skin a deep moisture boost while you sleep.

Take Your Humidifier And Mosquito Repellant

Hotel rooms can become very dry once you reach your destination. Whether it’s because the heater is on or the air is naturally dry, consider bringing your humidifier.

Don’t forget your mosquito repellent if you are traveling to tropical areas. Alternatively, bring hydrocortisone cream to help reduce any itching in case you get a bug bite.

Final Thoughts: Skincare On-the-Go

Traveling doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your skincare routine. With a little preparation and the right products, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best, no matter how long your flight is. Remember, the key is hydration, hydration, hydration! Keep your skin nourished, and you’ll arrive at your destination looking refreshed and radiant.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just taking the occasional trip, this in-flight skincare routine will help you maintain that glow, even after hours in the air. Safe travels and happy glowing!