It's a well-documented fact that airline travel dries out your skin. For some, the recycled air and lack of water can cause mild irritation. Others may suffer from severe acne post-flight. As someone with sensitive skin who regularly travels great distances, I've learned how to best care for my skin before, during, and after a flight. It's essential to spend time on your skin when flying long-haul. Here are my tips for healthy skin care on long flights.
Table of Contents
Skin Care Advice
1. Cleanse your face before the flight
While traveling to the Faroe Islands from Kyrgyzstan this year, I stumbled upon a girl diligently following a very complicated-looking skin routine in the Bishkek airport bathroom.
I visited the bathroom twice within half an hour and found her there on both occasions. She meant business. From what I gleaned, her elaborate routine involved applying a face mask, a deep cleanse, and a round of solid moisturizing around her eyes, lips, and the rest of her face.
Although it was time-consuming, I am positive her skin looked a lot healthier than mine after stepping off the plane (and I presume she wasn't traveling for 40-odd hours—hopefully, for her sake).
At the very least, it's good to cleanse your face before the flight and at some point during the flight. I carry a small bottle of cleanser in my carry-on for that purpose.
If you're feeling icky, carry a flannel to towel down. Please don't use wet wipes, as they wreak havoc on the environment.
2. Don't skimp on the water
It's pretty simple stuff, but then why shouldn't the most apparent thing be the one that will help you the most?
Most people find it quite challenging to stay hydrated on a plane. Yet, I implore you to do your darnedest to drink all the water you can. I always pack a water bottle with me for a flight. I empty it before going through security and then fill it up on the other end.
If you can't find a tap (it's happened to me plenty of times, so I sympathize), ask someone at a restaurant to fill it up. If not, wait until you're on the plane, then the airplane staff can help. It's water out of a bottle, but at least you're not using the plastic cup you get when ordering water.
I'm sorry to say it's probably best to lay off the wine, too. Don't do what I used to do and claim that it "helps put (you) to sleep." It's alcohol, and it's dehydrating you.
3. Hydrate with a spraying mist
If my face starts feeling dry and I don't fancy popping moisturizer on, I spray on a hydrating mist. Try making your own rather than shelling out wads of cash for an over-the-counter kind. It's easier than you think—and cheaper, too!
4. Moisturize
You can go the whole kit and caboodle and apply eye serum, face oil, and moisturizer, or rock it with moisturizer alone. Just ensure you get one that won't cause a reaction with your skin. If it's a new bottle, do a quick patch test 24 hours out.
It's a good idea to use a moisturizer with SPF when flying, as you're closer to the sun. Buy the best face moisturizer you can afford. On a plane, it keeps your skin hydrated and protected from intensified rays at high altitudes.
I tend to get super dry lips, so I fly with a goopy lip balm to boot and keep it close on hand.
See also: Travel Insurance - What is the Maximum Trip Length
5. Turn off the air blower
Mmmm, recycled air! The air blowers tend to dry your skin and eyes very dry. Plus, is it just me, or does it get super cold as soon as the plane is up in the air? So, who needs the blower, anyway?
6. Try to bring along some healthy snacks
Airplane food is notoriously bad, so it might be good to pack a few snacks. Nuts are always fun (not peanuts, as a fellow passenger might have a peanut allergy, which could have horrific consequences), and some fruit like an apple wouldn't go astray. If you're continuously in the air for more than 14 hours, do what you can.
7. Lightly exfoliate when you get off the plane
Skin care shouldn't stop when you get off your flights. Once you're home or at your intended destination, give your face a light once-over with a face scrub (please pick one that's microbead-free!) and gently dry. Reapply moisturizer, and you'll be good to go!
