Skin Care Tips for Long-Haul Flights: Stay Fresh and Hydrated

Ever stepped off a long-haul flight feeling like you’ve aged a decade? You’re not alone. The dry, recycled air in airplane cabins can wreak havoc on your skin, leaving it dull, dehydrated, and prone to breakouts. As a frequent flyer and someone who’s had their share of post-flight skin horrors, I’ve made it my mission to figure out how to keep my skin happy and healthy at 30,000 feet. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-tested skin care tips for long-haul flights. Trust me, your skin will thank you!

Prep Before You Fly

The secret to in-flight skin care starts before you even board the plane. Preparation is key, and it can make a world of difference.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

I can’t stress this enough. Drink plenty of water the day before your flight. It’s easy to forget when you’re running around packing and preparing, but trust me, it’s worth it. I usually carry a water bottle with me and sip on it throughout the day. Maybe I should clarify, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s a start.

Mask Up

The night before your flight, treat your skin to a hydrating mask. This will help boost your skin’s moisture levels and give you a head start in battling the dry cabin air. I’m torn between sheet masks and overnight cream masks, but ultimately, it’s about what works best for you.

Pack Your In-Flight Kit

You’re going to need a small bag of essentials to keep your skin in check during the flight. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider what you should pack:

• A hydrating mist or toner
• A rich, creamy moisturizer
• Lip balm
• Hand cream
• A gentle face cleanser
• An eye cream or gel

Remember, all liquids should be under 100ml to comply with airline regulations.

In-Flight Skin Care Routine

Now that you’re all prepped, let’s talk about what you should be doing during the flight.

Cleanse

As soon as you’re settled in your seat, start by cleansing your face. This will help remove any dirt, oil, or makeup that could clog your pores during the flight. I like to use a gentle, micellar water for this.

Hydrate

Throughout the flight, spritz your face with a hydrating mist or apply a layer of moisturizer. I usually do this every couple of hours. It might seem a bit extra, but your skin will love you for it.

Eyes and Lips

The skin around your eyes and your lips can get particularly dry in the cabin air. Apply an eye cream or gel to keep the area hydrated and use lip balm to protect your lips.

Hands On

Don’t forget about your hands! They can get dry and dehydrated too. Keep a hand cream in your kit and apply it regularly.

Drink Up

Just like you did before the flight, make sure to drink plenty of water during the flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration. I know it’s tempting to have a glass of wine to help you sleep, but trust me, your skin will thank you for sticking to water.

Sleep Tight

If it’s a night flight, try to get some sleep. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so catching some z’s can help you look refreshed when you land. I always travel with a good quality sleep mask and noise-cancelling headphones to help me drift off.

Freshen Up

Before landing, give your face a final cleanse and apply a layer of moisturizer. This will help you look and feel fresher when you step off the plane.

Post-Flight Pampering

You’re off the plane, but your skin care routine isn’t over yet.

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, give your face a thorough cleanse and a gentle exfoliation. This will help remove any dead skin cells that have built up during the flight and give you a fresh, glowing complexion.

Mask Time

Treat your skin to another hydrating mask. This will help replenish any moisture lost during the flight and give your skin a boost of hydration.

The Cabin Air Conundrum

I want to take a moment to talk about the cabin air. It’s recycled, dry, and can be incredibly harsh on the skin. But is it really all that bad? Let’s consider the facts.

The humidity levels in an airplane cabin can drop as low as 20%, which is much lower than the 30-60% we’re used to on the ground. This can lead to dry, irritated skin and even breakouts. But it’s not all doom and gloom. With the right skin care routine, you can combat the effects of the cabin air and keep your skin looking and feeling its best.

A Final Word

Flying can be tough on the skin, but with the right preparation and in-flight routine, you can keep your complexion happy and healthy. So, are you ready to take your in-flight skin care to the next level? Give these tips a try and let me know how you get on. And if you’re ever in Istanbul and looking for a professional consultation, don’t hesitate to reach out. We at DC Total Care are always here to help!

FAQ

Q: What’s the best way to hydrate skin during a flight?
A: Drink plenty of water, use a hydrating mist or moisturizer, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Q: Can I wear makeup on a long-haul flight?
A: It’s best to avoid wearing makeup on a long-haul flight. It can clog your pores and contribute to breakouts. If you must wear makeup, opt for something light and hydrating like a BB cream.

Q: How can I keep my hands from getting dry during a flight?
A: Keep a hand cream in your in-flight kit and apply it regularly throughout the flight.

Q: Is it okay to have a glass of wine to help me sleep on a flight?
A: While it might help you sleep, alcohol can contribute to dehydration. It’s best to stick to water on a long-haul flight.

You Might Also Like

• The Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Hydration
• How to Maintain Youthful Skin with Retinol
• The Ultimate Guide to Sun Protection for Your Skin