Got an important flight coming up soon? Whether you’re going to Europe or traveling to another state, looking after your skin is so important when you’re up in the air. Dehydration is the biggest risk, so we’ve explained how to mitigate it and keep your skin feeling radiant.
Pre-flight preparation: Hydrate and protect
Firstly, you should always make sure to moisturize your skin before boarding. Whether you do this at home in the morning or just before arriving at the airport, this will act as an important barrier against dry air.
Rich in antioxidants, incorporating anti-aging products can further shield your skin from environmental stressors encountered during flights.
Don’t forget that UV can also be stronger at higher altitudes—and you might be required to board your aircraft outside under direct sun. It’s worth applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays.
In-flight skincare: Maintaining moisture
Inside the aircraft cabin, humidity levels are very low. They typically range between 10 and 20% compared to an average of 40-50% inside normal air-conditioned buildings on the ground.
This lack of water vapor contributes to dehydration, both in the body and outside. Our skin can really suffer as the complexion dries with the mucous membranes on our lips, too.
We recommend carrying travel-size moisturizers, facial mists and lip balms to counteract these low humidity levels on the cabin. The longer your flight, the more you should prepare to protect your skin during the journey.
Hydrate from within: Drink water regularly
Bodily hydration plays a critical role in helping your skin look and feel at its best. The dry, low-humidity air onboard can cause other symptoms of dehydration, which may include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue and sleepiness
- Dry mouth and lips
- Dry, itchy eyes
You can take several steps to reduce the likelihood of these symptoms appearing. Before the flight, try to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages. To stay adequately hydrated once in the air, you should aim to drink a glass of water every hour.
Post-flight recovery: Cleanse and replenish
After the flight, you should try to focus on cleansing your skin.
After landing, head to the best washrooms you can find and start a quick cleanse routine. If you do this as soon as possible after landing, it will help to remove any impurities and leave you feeling fresh-faced for your onward journey.
Follow up by applying a nourishing mask or serum to restore any moisture or vitality that you lost during the flight.
Extra care: Avoid heavy makeup
Finally, we recommend minimizing your makeup use on travel days. From waiting in line at airport security to sitting on the flight for hours, it can be healthier to simply let your skin breathe under these conditions.
Instead of your usual foundation and primers, aim for gentle, fragrance-free products to reduce the risk of irritation. We love tinted moisturizers and natural-look mascara.
