Traveling is one of the most rewarding experiences ever. It enriches our lives in many different ways: we get to learn about other cultures, meet interesting people from all over the world and see many beautiful places.
One of the very few drawbacks to traveling is that it forces us to simplify our lives for a short period of time. With that said, our skincare routine is not really a priority while traveling, so it’s easy to neglect it. But neglecting your skin can lead to all kinds of issues, so it’s wise to find a comfortable middle ground between not being too negligent with your skincare and being over-the-top with it while traveling.
In this article, you’ll learn everything there is to know about in-flight skincare – which products to bring, how to use them and how to simplify this process in general. So, if you want your skin to look flawless as soon as you get off your next flight, just continue reading.
A Hand Sanitizer Is Your Best Friend
You came here to read all about in-flight skincare, and a hand sanitizer definitely doesn’t belong to that list. So why are we starting off with it?
The first priority when applying any kind of product while you’re thousands of miles off the ground should be sanitizing your hands. And you could technically do this in the airplane toilet, but we have a quicker suggestion for you - grab a hand sanitizer!
Not only will using a hand sanitizer ensure that you won’t be getting sick and ruining your upcoming trip, but it will also protect your face from any bacteria that could lead to acne and congestion. Most of the products on the must-have traveling skincare products list require to be applied on your face topically, which means that you have to use your hands in order to do so.
Applying a drop or two of hand sanitizer should be the first thing you do before continuing on to your on-board pamper routine. There are many hand sanitizers on the market you can choose from, and some of them contain ingredients like essential oils that also have other benefits to them as well. So, if you like multitasking, definitely consider purchasing one of those.
After you’ve applied your hand sanitizer, you can move on to the next step.
Removing Your Makeup Is a Good Idea
We’re not going to tell everyone out there to remove their makeup as soon as they step on the plane, but, generally speaking, it’s a good idea to do so.
Firstly, it gives you a clean slate before you continue using other skincare products such as masks and serums. When you apply products on a clean face, it makes them more effective because they’re able to penetrate deeply into the skin.
Another reason why removing your makeup even before the take-off is a good idea is because it makes your skin less prone to breaking out during the flight. If you want your makeup to stay on during the flight, you can prevent breakouts by using lighter oil-free foundations or BB-creams.
If you use makeup on a regular basis, you’re probably already aware of all the possible ways you can take it off. You could use micellar water, an oil cleansers or makeup removing wipes. When it comes to an in-flight skincare regime, the most convenient option to go for is makeup removing wipes. They’re easy and require only a couple of swipes. Not only that, but makeup wipes hardly take up any space in your carry-on.
As far as which brand of makeup wipes to choose from, there are so many options out there that it can seem pretty overwhelming for some people. Luckily, most brands cater to every skin type.
For instance, if you have oily skin, you can purchase makeup wipes which are designed specifically for people who have oily skin. You can find ones that contain useful ingredients inside, such as chamomile, which will provide you with an additional boost of skin nutrition.
One important thing to keep in mind regarding makeup wipes is that if you have dry or sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to stay away from wipes that contain alcohol in their ingredient list. Alcohol is an extremely drying and irritating substance for some people’s skin, so if you have those skin types, it’s a good idea to stay away from it.
It’s Time for a Mask!
The next step is applying a fun sheet mask for an extra boost of nourishment. If you’re into skincare you know that there are many types of masks out there such as clay masks that require to be washed off. For the purpose of making this process as smooth and easy as it can be, we recommend sticking to sheet/peel-off masks while you’re flying. They’re easy to use, not as messy and you don’t even have to leave your sit to apply one! What’s not to love?
The only thing you are required to have with you is a small mirror. This will allow for precision during the application process, and it will ensure that you don’t touch your eye or lip area with the mask itself. Thankfully, applying sheet masks is a pretty straight-forward process, so, apart from the instructions that come on the packaging of the masks, you don’t need much guidance.
You can pick the kind of mask you choose depending on what you want to get from it. There are some designed to provide you with extra hydration, some to calm down any breakouts you may have and some tackle excess sebum.
So, if you want your skin to look flawless and dewy after the plane hits the ground, we strongly encourage you to pick up a sheet mask (or two). Not only will your skin thank you for it, but you’ll also have so much fun in the process that time will fly by, literally.
Face Mists Are a Perfect Way to Refresh
Face mists are the perfect addition to your in-flight skincare routine because they’re so easy and quick to use, not to mention convenient. Most face mists come in travel-size packaging already, so you don’t have to worry about saving up space from your luggage.
This handy product has many different benefits associated with it. For starters, it helps your skin seal in moisture, which is crucial when you’re exposed to dry cabin air. It’s a great way to refresh your skin and it can even help you wake up. You can use it on a bare face, or on top of your makeup as a quick fixing product.
Moisturizing Is a Must!
The product that usually follows a face mask is a hydrating moisturizer. You don’t have to go out and buy a new moisturizer specifically for flying. However, if you do have the option to do so, it’s recommended that you buy the travel-size option of your favorite moisturizer, so that you can save up some space.
Moisturizing your skin is incredibly important. It provides you with the necessary hydration that’s crucial for healthy skin in the long run, which is especially important if you have dry skin. On top of that, it also protects your skin and improves its texture. Moisturizing with the right product will also ensure that your outer layer of skin is protected from any harmful environmental stressors that can be damaging to the skin.
As far as ingredients are concerned, picking up a product that contains hyaluronic acid is recommended for longer flights. The air in airplanes is very low in humidity, so you need ingredients that are super moisturizing and which will keep your skin hydrated for hours on end. To battle the dry air, choose a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid inside and reapply it throughout the whole flight.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that you should also moisturize other parts of your body, not just your face. The dry air won’t spare your hands and legs, so purchasing a travel-size lotion is a good option.
Try a Face Oil
If you’re using face oil as a part of your day-to-day skincare routine, there’s no reason why you should avoid it when it comes to your in-flight skincare routine.
If you’re new to using face oils, the most important thing to remember is that the oil you choose must score low on the non-comedogenic scale, meaning it’s not likely to break you out. There are plenty of oils to choose from, such as rosehip oil, grapeseed oil and jojoba oil.
It’s a common misconception that face oils make your skin oilier. That couldn’t be further from the truth, assuming that you choose the right oil. When picking up a face oil for the first time, make sure you choose an oil that is meant for your specific skin type.
Face oils can be very handy while you’re flying, especially if you’re on a long-haul flight. The application process is pretty straight-forward, just add a few drops on the palms of your hands and distribute it equally on your face. Make sure the oil is fully absorbed before moving on to your next step in your in-flight skincare routine.
Don’t Forget Your Eyes
One of the many things which we neglect during flights is a quality eye-cream. As we’ve mentioned before, low humidity can also affect the delicate area under your eyes. To avoid this, you need a hydrating eye cream to carry on with you on the flight.
The area under your eyes is very fragile, so you need to be wary of what products you use on it, as well as how you actually apply them. Keep the products gentle, with as many natural ingredients as possible. Applying eye cream is pretty straight forward, but if you want that extra protection against germs on board, just use a Q tip to apply the eye cream. If you do choose to use your fingers instead, make sure you’re using a hand sanitizer beforehand.
When you’re traveling, chances are, you are tired, dehydrated or stressed, and not seldom all three at once. When this happens, we tend to struggle with puffy eyes and dark circles. If this is you, then you might want to bring some kind of under-eye treatment on your flight. Under-eye masks and roll-ons are a good option if you want to target these specific side-effects. And the best part is – they are very lightweight and won’t take up much space in your carry-on.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Ideally, you should apply SPF as soon as you’re headed to the airport. When it comes to SPF, all of us know the golden rule – it should be reapplied every 20 to 30 minutes. Therefore, it’s important to pack it in your carry-on and keep reapplying it throughout the flight. When you’re thousands of miles in the air, you’re closer to the sun than ever before. Even if it’s a cloudy day, the sun can still penetrate through the clouds. Especially if you have the window seat, being exposed to the sun without protection can lead to serious damage to the skin.
A great option if you prefer wearing makeup on your flights is tinted SPF. It will provide the amount of coverage you desire, and, at the same time, it will protect your skin form harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Blotting Sheets Can Be a Life-Saver
If you have oily skin, then you’re probably used to the feeling of having to put a powder on every couple of hours because your face is shiny. Thanks to blotting paper, you don’t have to add layers upon layers of makeup in order to look perfectly matte!
Blotting sheets are one of the easiest products to carry. All you need to do to get rid of excess shine is press a piece of paper gently on your skin. It will absorb all the excess oil and leave your skin looking shine-free.
Choose a Deliciously Hydrating Lip Balm
Cabin air contains around 20% humidity, which is much lower than the amount of humidity to which we’re accustomed to. The dry air can lead to cracked lips, which is definitely not an appealing scenario. The best way to avoid this outcome is to choose a hydrating lip balm that will provide the moisture, tint and delicious taste that you need.
There are no rules when it comes to selecting a lip balm, but we do recommend sticking to chopstick on your flights so that you don’t have to use your fingers to apply it on your lips. Opting for a tinted lip balm will give your face a fresh and youthful look. No matter how tired you might feel, it’s bound to improve your complexion and overall appearance.
Keep Hydrated
Real hydration comes from within. No matter how much moisturizer, lip balm and eye cream you apply, if you’re not hydrated inside out, it won’t help as much. Drinking plenty of water is a real issue when traveling, but with some effort on your part, you can say goodbye to all the side-effects of not drinking adequate amounts of water.
Adequately hydrating your body is important for overall health. When you don’t get enough water, your skin starts to look dry, flakey and it starts to feel uncomfortable. Water acts as a natural detoxifier and it makes your skin flush out any toxins that may bring harm. Not only that, but water also carries vital nutrients to each and every cell. Water also helps your skin retain moisture, which increases the skin’s elasticity and thus acting as a natural anti-aging ingredient.
Hopefully, this long list of benefits will inspire you to be more conscious of keeping hydrated on your next flight.
Try to Get Some Rest
Sleeping mid-flight might be a breeze for some people, but others struggle with it for various reasons. These reasons include too much noise, anxiety or brightness. If you can, try to get some sleep on your flight. This will help you keep your skin fresh and your mood uplifted.
If you have trouble falling asleep, here are a couple of things you might want to try out. One of the easiest ways to shut the world off is by using noise-cancelling headphones, which is especially handy if you’re traveling alone. You can simply put them on and see time fly by while you’re in the air. Apart from making traveling alone more fun, noise-canceling headphones, as the name suggests, will block out all the noise from outside and help you fall asleep faster.
Similarly, using a sleep mask is proven to help you block out what’s going on around you and improve the quality of sleep, since you won’t be frequently disturbed by passengers, flight attendants or any sunbeams that creep up from the windows. Just make sure that the sleep mask you’re using doesn’t sit too tightly on your face and you’ll be good to go.
Pay Attention to What You Eat
The food you eat is directly connected to how good your skin looks. When ordering an in-flight meal, try your best to pick one that contains fresh fruits and vegetables that are packed with antioxidants. This won’t be only beneficial for your skin, but it will also help you feel less bloated and more energized during your holiday.
If you can, minimize the consumption of alcohol and excess amounts of caffeine. Avoiding heavy, greasy and spicy meals during your flight is also preferable. These might disturb your sleeping patterns, so it’s best to avoid them if you can.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this ultimate in-flight guide has helped you choose which products to bring on your next flight and how to use them. By paying extra attention to the skincare routine while you’re on board, you won’t only be successfully combating the dry cabin air, but it will also make your experience more fun.
By the time you land, your skin will look refreshed, hydrated and glowy, so you’ll have trouble convincing people that you were stuck in a metal tube up in the sky for hours on end.
Will you be trying out this in-flight skincare routine any time soon? If so, which part are you most looking forward to?
This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances, and its goal is to offer a general view of the subject. In case you are suffering from a severe case of acne, you should consult with a dermatologist or a certified medical professional.
