It’s no secret that flying can wreak havoc on your hydration levels, leaving our skin compromised. Why’s that? The lower humidity level of planes can make our skin dry and overcompensate by producing excess oil. And the lower air pressure mixed with high altitude reduces the oxygen in your blood. For our skin, this means dullness and water retention which can make us look a little puffy around our eyes and in our cheeks.
So, what can we do to prevent this from happening? The best defense is to make sure your skin is prepped and your carry-on is packed with these in-flight essentials. Since water content is key, this regimen is all about our deeply hydrating products that quench thirsty, dehydrated skin from the inside out. Here’s exactly what you need to refresh & soothe your skin before your flight, during, and of course even after you’ve landed.
Treat Your Body to a Little Preflight TLC
If maintaining your skin’s glow is top of mind, the best insurance is booking a thorough pro facial, says cult Los Angeles aesthetician Mila Moursi of what tops her top travel beauty tips list. “Schedule it a couple of days before your trip in order to oxygenate your skin and cleanse your pores,” she says. “That way your skin is in its best condition before you even set foot in an airport.” On the day of the flight, Moursi recommends washing your face with a gentle milky cleanser, then layering on a hydrating toner and serum to support the skin’s natural barrier and protect it from environmental damage, before sealing everything in with a rich cream moisturizer.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It’s no secret that flying can wreak havoc on your hydration levels; you should be drinking eight ounces of water every hour you’re in the air to prevent dehydration. It’s a tall order for a long-haul flight and upping your water intake preflight will give you a jump start. “Ginger is warming and soothing to the tummy, as well as helps with peripheral circulation, such as cold fingers and toes,” she explains, adding that she always travels with a plastic bag of grated ginger and an empty thermos, which a flight attendant fills up with hot water. Continuous bathroom breaks may be tedious, but they’ll get your body moving, which is essential for maintaining healthy circulation and fatigue-fighting oxygen levels, as well as avoiding muscle cramps.
When travelling, the skin becomes extremely dry, losing its natural glow and radiance and seems to appear dull. Sheet masks are fantastic hydration agents. As your skin absorbs the serum present in the sheet mask, it eliminates any underlying dehydration and dryness, ensuring that your cells are well hydrated and nourished. It’s usually a good idea to keep 2-3 sheet masks on hand for a quick in-flight pampering session.