Long flights don’t just leave you tired – they can seriously dry out your skin, too. Between low cabin humidity, recycled air, and lack of sleep, it’s no surprise your face can feel tight, dull, and dehydrated after landing. The good news? With a few smart skincare moves before, during, and after your flight, you can step off the plane looking fresh and hydrated instead of fatigued.
#1 Drink tons of water
Start hydrating from the inside out. Make sure you pick up a big bottle of super hydrators like high mineral spring water or coconut water before you board. It’s also not a bad idea to bring your own reusable water for easy refills on the plane. How much water you should drink? According to the Aerospace Medical Association, you should drink about eight ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air.
#2 Apply a mask
A face mask is your best skin-saving travel secret that can keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated on those long flights. Don’t forget to bring 1 to 2 flight-friendly hydrating sheet masks in your carry-on baggage. Of course, you may look a little strange rocking these masks on a plane. If you’re too timid to wear a full-face mask, use a sleeping mask that feels like a night cream and doesn’t require rinsing at all.
#3 Layer skincare products
Layer products to nourish your dry skin and prevent it from becoming parched in the dry cabin air. Cleanse your face and remove all the makeup once as soon as you board, then slather on a heavy moisturizing lotion. Top it off with a thin layer of beauty oil. Simply add another thin layer every three hours to keep your skin deeply hydrated if you are travelling on a long-haul flight.
#4 Get some sleep
The best thing you could do is to skip the movie marathon and try to get some sleep. Not getting enough ZZZ’s deceases the moisture levels of your skin. If you find it hard to sleep on planes, bring along a black eye mask with you to block out the light so you can drift off. Well, a nice travel neck cushion also helps!
