7 In-Flight Travel Skin Care Tips for Globetrotters
No matter how beautiful you are from the inside, people are always going to see you from the outside first, and ‘yes’ first impressions do make a difference. And since our skin plays a big part in our outward appearance, it is imperative that we ensure proper care. With travel being a part and parcel of our lives, it is getting more and more difficult to figure out how to travel and take proper care of our skin at the same time. If you are a globe trotter and spend most of your time on aeroplanes; whether it’s the hassle of standing in line for ticket issuance, dealing with passport control, or just spending hours sitting in a very dry aeroplane ~ flying definitely takes its toll on your skin. Here are 7 in-flight travel skin care tips for globetrotters that will have you looking fresher than ever as you reach your destination!
1. Carry Double-Duty Wet Wipes
That makeup has to come off! After settling in once you have entered the aircraft, ensure that you clean your face using refreshing towels provided by the flight attendant or carry your own cleansing double-duty wet wipes to use in lieu of a makeup remover. Make sure that you carry the ones which are effective for deep cleansing. Today’s face wipe formulas are strong enough to remove every last trace, even water-proof mascara, provided you are not afraid to use a little elbow grease. I prefer Neutrogena’s All-in-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes, which are available in full and travel sizes.
Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes are also excellent. Gentle and unscented, you can use them both to clean your hands after an onboard snack, as well as to wipe your face.
2. Prep Your Skin with Layering
The process is very simple; use a humectant skin serum {rich in glycerine and hyaluronic acid}, and then layer it with a good moisturiser. This ensures that your skin stays hydrated for a longer duration especially in a dehydrated environment like that of an aircraft, where the same air is being recycled for a long duration. Make sure that you do your due research on the kind of serum to be used, and the kind of moisturiser that will suit you. In case you are going with a Serum + Moisturiser approach, you could pick up a moisturiser that has an SPF component to protect you from radiation as well.
Don’t forget to pay attention to your lips. Your best bet ~ avoid lipsticks; use a lip balm that has UV protection instead. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturiser SPF 15 and Avene High Pro SPF 30 Lip Balm are good options.
3. Mist throughout the Flight
As inclusive as your pre-flight skincare routine may be, it’s still essential to carry an in-flight hydrating product suitable to your skin type, as your skin has a tendency to become dry especially during long-duration flights. I am a big fan of face misting. I like rose water, which provides additional hydration, and acts as a barrier between my face and all of that nasty recycled air.
While I would advise against wearing foundation on flights, even if you do wear foundation, the mist will not disrupt it. Whether you choose simple Evian water or something more specific like L’Occitane Peony Perfecting Mist, ensure that the bottle you use is under 100 ml, or else air terminal security will take it away from you.
4. Hydrate
Now that your face is feeling hydrated, I encourage you to keep yourself hydrated from within as well. The air inside the aircraft is really dry, so it is important that you sip water continuously for the duration of your flight. It can be very tempting to sip on coffee, soda or drink alcohol during a long flight, but that is the worst choice when it comes to staying hydrated. Opt instead for water, green/herbal tea, and electrolyte-replenishing beverages.
The rule of thumb is one regular-sized bottle of water per hour in flight {yes, really}. Consider this your primary and most fundamental in-flight skin care tip. After all, when you feel good you look good.
5. Sunscreen
You should consider sunscreen a prerequisite for flying. While flying at high altitudes, you are nearer to the sun’s harmful rays particularly if you’re in the seat by the window. In fact, pilots count a higher risk of skin cancer as an occupational hazard. Remember to reapply if your flight is longer than two hours.
My personal favourite is Neutrogena Ultra Sheer dry-touch Sunblock SPF 50+ sunscreen, since it feels good on the skin, and protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
6. Antioxidant-rich snacks
When you are travelling by aeroplane, you are 30,000+ feet above the ground, and the higher you go, the higher the levels of radiation that you are going to be exposed to. You can temper the radiation in the plane by stocking up on antioxidant-rich beverages and snacks. Sip green/white tea during your flight, and opt for dried fruits like berries {raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and cranberries} and fruits like oranges and red grapes. You can alternatively carry your own supply of foods rich in anti-oxidants. You can also find skincare products rich in vitamins A, C, and E. But your best option… Fly at night.
7. Get Your Beauty Rest
If you often take longer duration flights, I would advise you to stay organised and sleep as per your sleep-time. In-flight entertainment can be a distraction, so ensure that whenever it is your time to sleep {as per your regular sleep cycle}; you close your eyes, and use a sleep mask to catch up on some beauty sleep {in-flight neck pillows work too}.
Since most long-duration flights have relaxation music available to listen to, put on your headphones and listen away. This will not only get you to relax but will ensure you get some quality zzz in too. Make sure to use the ‘do not disturb’ sticker, so that the flight attendant is aware not to disturb you while you are sleeping.
There you have it ~ 7 in-flight travel skin care tips for globetrotters. These are some of the ways to ensure that your skin undergoes minimum stress and stays radiant while you are onboard the aircraft. Bon voyage!
Wow! This is an impressive and helpful article. I have a been looking for a routine to follow given my crazy travel schedule. Thanks for sharing, you’re awesome! 🙂
It’s comments like yours that put a hop in my step and keep me going, Rupinder!
Your beauty and wellness posts are always fantastic, Tanya! And when you’re meticulously prepared to face all that air travel has to throw at you, you can relax and reset at 36,000 feet! 🙂
Aw ~ you’ve made my day, Reena! Thanks so much.
No matter how you slice it, an overseas flight is a hellish undertaking – even for the most well seasoned of travellers! 🙁 Thanks to your advise, I look forward to looking – and feeling – totally refreshed! 🙂
Means the world coming from you, Tina. Thank you so very much!
I schedule a facial a couple of days before my trip in order to oxygenate my skin and cleanse my pores. 🙂 Your real words are also great advice, Tanya. Thank you!
Thank you for your sweet words, Snehal.
Thank you for reminding me that it’s important to take care of oneself, and for inspiring me with your fabulous posts, Tanya!
So kind of you! You are welcome, Sonakshi.
I’m glad you posted this, Tanya! I’m struggling with a packed travel schedule, and no time for physically taking care of myself! But this sounds like a bunch of great ideas! ✨
Thank you, Monika. I’m so glad to hear this!
Great travel tips! Nothing like some inflight skincare to make the journey more comfortable! On that note, I avoid cold beverages and drink warm liquids, like hot water with lemon or a spicy herbal tea. 🙂
…upping your water intake pre-flight will give you a jump start, Kanchi.
Wonderful post, Tanya. I like taking a few minutes to meditate, either technology-free or with help from mobile apps. It helps quiet my mind and body and set the stage for sleep. 🙂
Thank you for reading through and appreciating, Rushita.
Such great tips! ❤️ No wonder your skin is so beautiful, Tanya.
For me, it’s all about the pre-boarding skincare – loading up on hyaluronic acid, eye cream, hydrating sprays, facial oils, moisturiser, lip balm and SPF.
Thank you very much, Aneri! I’m touched by your kind thoughts.
Yes, this sounds amazing!
I slather on a heavy moisturizing balm on my face and hands, pre-boarding, to reduce excess water loss from the skin in-flight. Hydrogel under the eye patch is also great to put on to keep the area hydrated.
I’m so glad you resonate with this, Tina.
You are my skincare guru, Tanya! ❤️ My skin gets so dehydrated when flying – your advice sounds perfect!
On that note, I use a rich lip balm and keep it handy for reapplying throughout the flight. I get seriously annoyed when I have dry lips, so mine comes everywhere with me!
Thank you, Radhika! You’re always kind and affectionate.
Great post! ✨ Post-flight skin is the thing I dread most about travelling.
Here are a few of my tips ~
* Travel with no makeup on. Your skin will breathe easier and you can always put it on before you land.
* Use a hydrating sheet mask and under-eye hydrogel patches.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Neha.
Read all of your wise and wonderful thoughts, and here’s looking to stress-free flights ahead! ❤️
My thought: It’s so important to constantly nourish our hands as we keep up with all the sanitizing and hand washing. Let dry brittle hands be the least of your worries wherever you go.
Thank you, Shantanu. Love your affectionate thoughts!
I’ve got so many flights coming up, defo gonna follow this to prep my skin.
By the way, since I’m an anxious flyer I bring a relaxing essential oil like lavender oil to apply on my pulse points – helps me feel a bit more relaxed. It also helps me nod off if I’m on a night flight!
It is such a pleasure to see your comment, Priyanka. Hope you are doing great!
Great in-flight essential tips. Many thanks, Tanya!
I use a super-rich, thick moisturizer, and reapply as needed to seal in the moisture. I also spritz myself with a hydrating face spray and use a cooling under-eye roll on.
Happy to have your sweet appreciation, Anita.
Honestly, this advice is so basic and so freaking important… LOL!
The morning of my flight I make sure to use a hydrating cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum & a THIC hydrating moisturizer. And, my favourite to use during the flight is my Lavender lip balm. It locks in moisture and keeps my lips nice and soft.
Thank you, Chhavi. I’m so glad to hear this!
This is some great advice!! ❤️ I use a physical exfoliant after I travel and I have found it to be the most helpful. You want to remove all the dry/flaky skin, and then treat it with ultimate hydration.
Thank you so much for joining in and sharing your lovely thoughts, Varuna.
Love all these tips, my girl!
I believe that in life – and travel – the journey can be just as magical as the destination and therefore it’s important to always look and feel fabulous when following your wanderlust.
I’m so glad you resonate with this, Sabiha. Thank you very much indeed!
This is so important! Love this post! ✨
My top jet setting essentials include:
* Summer Friday’s Jet Lag Mask
* Glymed Skin Recovery Mist
* Touchland Hand Sanitizer
Thank you for your valued appreciation, Hadiqa.
Love these travel skin tips! ✨
I try to chug water but I also HATE using those nasty bathrooms! And, I always try to do a “deep clean” after travelling because I feel so gross after.
Happy to have your warm appreciation, Urvi.
This is such an important reminder that I’ve overlooked! Thank you, Tanya, for your tireless efforts in curating such amazing wellness posts – we are all lucky to have you. ❤️⠀
It’s comments like yours that put a hop in my step and keep me going, Deena!
Well, I never… you certainly do learn something new every day! I think it’s safe to say most of us won’t be going on holiday this year … However; it’s always good to be prepared!
Thank you for your valued appreciation, Himanshu.
The humidity levels are half of what normal levels are on land, so it’s important to stay moisturized. I usually apply layers and layers of products to ensure that my skin is well-hydrated throughout the flight. The only facial products I use onboard are hydrating mist to add moisture and sunscreen for when landing in the daytime.
On a side note: THANK YOU. For everything that you do. For the dedication that is clearly seen in your weekly shares… ✨✨✨
Aw ~ that’s such a heartwarming and beautiful comment. Thank you, Tanmoy!
Travelling is my love language. So is skincare.
My love of travel and a desire to look after my skin properly while getting to my destinations are well known, but I exist for reasons that journey much deeper than that. ✨✨✨
Your feedback is much appreciated, Swapna.
I need to up my skincare game! Love travelling but hate the consequences of very dry air in the aeroplane. On that note, I find your blogs so easy to read. Thanks for sharing. ❤️
So sweet of you, Subhashree. Thank you very much for such lovely words.
Your tips are amazing! ✨
What’s in my suitcase? Always TSA friendly, easy to apply products that nourish the skin with gentle ingredients. First-class in skincare no matter what seat I’m in! 😉
In the meantime, don’t forget to practice some self-care today. You deserve it. ✨⠀
Such a wonderful thing to say, Madhulika. Thank you very much!
Thank you for this very insightful post. I guess travel-sized luxury skincare to glow, repair and protect for a fresh, glowing complexion at every destination is what it’s all about!
That makes me happy to hear, Aruna.
I love this post so much! ❤️ I have to say a flight is a perfect time to take a little extra care of our skin.
Checklist for my in-flight skincare routine:
* Water bottle
* Lip cream/balm
* Moisturiser
* Sheet mask
* Thermal spring water
Glad you enjoyed it, Sonali.
Love these simple and fuss-free skincare steps to ensure that my skin is well hydrated! From long weekends to longer adventures, boosting hydration throughout our entire journey is fundamental to keeping our skin healthy, plump and protecting it from dehydrating environmental stressors like extreme air-conditioning, low humidity in the cabin, shifting time zones and new climates on arrival. Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Thank you so much, Kavita! I appreciate all the love and support you have given me.