Flying can take a toll on your skin. The dry, recirculated air inside airplane cabins, combined with the low humidity at high altitudes, can quickly strip your skin of moisture, leaving it feeling tight, dry, and dehydrated. To maintain hydrated skin during a flight, it’s essential to have a solid travel skincare routine in place. With a few simple flight skincare tips, you can prevent dryness, keep your skin looking radiant, and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. Here’s how to keep your skin hydrated and healthy during air travel.
1. Start with a Hydrating Skincare Routine Pre-Flight
Before boarding your flight, prepare your skin with a hydrating skincare routine to ensure it has enough moisture to withstand the drying effects of air travel. Cleanse your face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any impurities while maintaining your skin’s natural moisture balance. Avoid harsh cleansers that strip your skin of its oils.
Follow up with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps lock it in. After applying the serum, seal in the hydration with a rich moisturizer or facial oil to create a protective barrier on your skin.
2. Use a Hydrating Mist
During the flight, keep your skin refreshed by using a hydrating mist. A facial mist can instantly provide your skin with moisture, helping to combat the dryness caused by the low humidity in the cabin. Choose a mist that contains ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, or hyaluronic acid for an added boost of hydration.
Simply spritz your face with the mist every few hours to keep your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Not only does this help keep your skin hydrated, but it also provides a soothing, cooling effect that can help you feel more comfortable during long flights.
3. Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
Staying hydrated during flights isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s also about keeping your body well-hydrated from the inside. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight to maintain your skin’s moisture levels. Airplane cabins are notorious for causing dehydration, so try to avoid diuretics like coffee or alcohol, which can contribute to further dehydration.
Aim to drink at least 8 ounces of water for every hour you spend in the air. Bringing a reusable water bottle and refilling it at the airport is a good way to ensure you’re getting enough fluids during your flight.
4. Apply a Sheet Mask Mid-Flight
If you’re on a long-haul flight, consider applying a hydrating sheet mask during the journey. Sheet masks are convenient and mess-free, and they provide an intense dose of moisture to parched skin. Look for masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or cucumber extract to deeply hydrate and soothe your skin.
A sheet mask can be a quick, relaxing treat while in the air, and it helps restore moisture to your skin, leaving it plump and glowing by the time you land.
5. Opt for a Rich Hand and Body Cream
Your face isn’t the only part of your body that suffers from dryness during a flight. Hands, elbows, and other areas of the body can also become dry and irritated due to the lack of moisture in the cabin air. To keep your skin soft and hydrated, bring a rich hand cream or body lotion with you.
Choose a product with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or ceramides to lock in moisture and prevent your skin from becoming dry and flaky. Apply the cream as needed during the flight to maintain smooth, hydrated skin.
6. Use Lip Balm to Prevent Chapped Lips
The skin on your lips is particularly sensitive to dry air, and it’s common for lips to become chapped during flights. To prevent this, apply a hydrating lip balm throughout the flight. Look for balms that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil to keep your lips soft and supple.
Reapply your lip balm frequently, especially after drinking or eating, to prevent your lips from becoming dry or cracked.
7. Avoid Heavy Makeup
During flights, it’s best to skip the heavy makeup and opt for a more minimal, breathable look. Makeup, especially foundation and powder, can clog your pores and exacerbate dryness in the dry cabin air. Instead, focus on keeping your skin hydrated and clean by using a tinted moisturizer or going makeup-free.
If you need to wear makeup, consider applying it just before landing rather than during the flight. This way, your skin has time to breathe and absorb the moisture from your skincare products.
8. Moisturize Again After the Flight
Once you’ve landed, it’s important to rehydrate your skin to restore any lost moisture. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any buildup of dirt or oil from the flight, and reapply your hydrating serum and moisturizer.
If you’ve been flying for several hours, consider using a nourishing overnight mask or a rich moisturizer to help repair your skin and ensure it stays soft and hydrated.
Keeping your skin hydrated during flights is essential for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion while traveling. By following a few simple flight skincare tips, such as hydrating your skin pre-flight, using a facial mist, drinking plenty of water, and applying rich moisturizers, you can prevent dryness and arrive at your destination with radiant skin. With a thoughtful skincare routine, you can enjoy comfortable, hydrated skin no matter how long your flight lasts.
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