In recent years, elaborate multi-step skincare routines have become more common on airplanes. Stroll down the aisle and you’re pretty much guaranteed to find at least one or two people donning a sheet mask or under-eye patches—or both. While you may not wish to devote your entire plane ride to perfecting your skincare regimen, a few steps could make all the difference when it comes to keeping skin hydrated while en route to your destination. According to Dr. Kellie Reed, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, “airplane cabins notoriously have low humidity,” she says. “Dry air pulls moisture from our skin, which is why moisturizing is essential when traveling.”
Additionally, being at such a high altitude means being closer to the sun and UV rays, which can increase the risk of UV damage, explains New York City–based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. Although Dr. Green is quick to note that “skincare in-flight can be incredibly effective, especially if you are on a long flight,” she and Dr. Reed stress the importance of establishing a solid skincare routine before flying. With that in mind, Dr. Green recommends “prepping the skin with non-drying products, including gentle cleansers, hydrating serums, and thicker moisturizers.” She also advises against the use of exfoliating products—for example, anything with salicylic or glycolic acids—to help further prevent your skin from drying out on the plane.
With all this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the low humidity and dry air can cause post-flight acne. However, there are several steps you can take to mitigate your risk of breakouts. “To reduce post-flight acne, avoid heavy makeup on flights and touching your face, cleanse skin after [your] flight, and moisturize,” says Dr. Reed.
Fortunately, you don’t need many products to keep your skin healthy and hydrated throughout the plane ride. Ahead, I’ve compiled a tried-and-true, short and sweet in-flight skincare routine that you won’t be embarrassed to do at 30,000 feet.
Pre-flight SPF
You’ve heard it time and time (and time) again: SPF is the most important step in one’s skincare routine—and you don’t want to skip it while in the air. What’s more, even before you step foot on the plane, applying sunscreen is key. “Higher altitudes come with closer proximity to the sun, and wearing sunscreen will protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier from damage,” says Dr. Green. She recommends choosing a sunscreen with at least SPF 50 and reapplying every two hours on long-haul flights.
With this in mind, I always keep the ultra-compact Supergoop Glow Stick in my carry-on. I especially love its easy-to-use, mess-free stick formulation, so I don’t have to worry about accidental spills in my allotted personal item, pocket, or suitcase. I also love that it glides on smooth and clear (read: no white cast or residue). Its glowy finish means it doubles as a face and body highlighter, offering a subtle sheen for a lit-from-within glow. It’s formulated with ingredients including sunflower and meadowfoam seed oils to lock in moisture, along with free radical-fighting vitamin E.
A weightless toner
While not a requisite, toners offer a slew of benefits since they provide a hefty dose of hydration. My favorite is the Tower 28 Beauty SOS Daily Rescue facial spray, which is formulated with sensitive-skinned folks (like yours truly) in mind. Not only is it free of alcohol and fragrances, both of which are skin irritants, it also features skin-soothing hypochlorous acid, known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. I especially love how weightless and refreshing it feels on the skin, offering a much-needed boost of energy prior to landing so I can hit the ground running.
A moisturizing mask
According to Dr. Green, sheet masks are “designed to deliver a high concentration of active ingredients that are key to targeting a specific skin concern,” which, in this case, is dehydration. Both she and I are fans of the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Mask. Per the pro, it’s spiked with nourishing ingredients such as “ceramides to strengthen and repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier, panthenol to reduce moisture loss, and glycerin to attract moisture from the environment to the skin.” I’m no dermatologist, but I can attest to how hydrating the mask is—and how soft it makes the skin feel post-application. While the brand says to remove the mask after 15 to 20 minutes, I tend to leave it on a little longer (closer to 30 minutes) to further lock in the benefits. Next, you’ll want to follow up with a good moisturizer. For plane rides, I prefer solid stick formulations, as you could probably guess from my toner pick. This moisturizing tube from Ethique is a personal favorite thanks to its non-greasy feel and compact size. Its fast-absorbing formula is spiked with calming niacinamide and moisturizing jojoba oil.
Don’t love sheet masks? No problem. The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is another one of our top picks. It’s earned my stamp of approval for its versatility—it doubles as a moisturizer, so there’s no need to pack an extra product—and effortless application, as you don’t have to rinse it off. It comes highly recommended by Dr. Reed, too, who says this: “It hydrates and calms skin with niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.” I have sensitive skin, so I always look for products with nonirritating ingredients, and this one fits the bill with its fragrance-free formulation. Bonus: It’s enriched with shea butter for an extra dose of conditioning. And for a little something extra, consider throwing on a pair of under-eye patches. I’m partial to the aptly named Baggage Claim patches from Wander Beauty, which feature an elastic middle layer to prevent them from slipping and sliding, as well as a nourishing formula featuring hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe.
A hydrating lip mask
My lips almost always dry out on planes due to the low humidity levels—and I know I’m not the only one who experiences it. In an attempt to combat this, I always travel with my all-time favorite lip mask: the Smooth & Supple Lip Mask Melt from Dermelect. At home, I use the potted version, which comes with a cooling metal spoon applicator; however, while on the go, I prefer the travel-friendly tube for ease of use. The rich, creamy texture feels incredible on the lips, forming a barrier to soften and hydrate. Its botanical-infused formula features moisturizing powerhouses like castor, jojoba, and evening primrose oils. Plus, it features a surprisingly nonsticky finish with serious staying power—it truly doesn’t budge even after noshing on my favorite plane snacks and chugging copious amounts of water and coffee.
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