We’re firmly in the season of wanderlust, with countless travelers jetting off to explore new destinations from now until the end of August. However, while you’re busy planning your adventures, it’s easy to forget one crucial aspect: your skincare. Plane travel can wreak havoc on your skin due to the recycled air, which is dry and dehydrating. To help you maintain a glowing complexion at 30,000 feet, we’ve put together the following skincare for plane travel tips! Let’s keep your skin happy from takeoff to touchdown.
Hydrate From Within
The low humidity levels on planes can cause significant moisture loss, making hydration a top priority. Our favorite skincare for plane travel tip is to start taking Hush & Hush’s SkinCapsule HYDRATE+ at least three weeks beforehand. Of course, we’re biased. But with vegan hyaluronic acid, Cococin Cocos Nucifera, and other hydrating ingredients, this is truly a powerhouse for keeping your skin moisturized from within.
Cleanse Thoroughly
Prior to boarding, ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup. Yes, we know this might be a difficult one for those of us who never leave the house without a “full face.” But when dealing with the recycled air and dryness of the plane, it pays to give the skin every chance to breathe. By traveling without makeup on, you are ensuring your pores aren’t clogged with product, which enables them to suck up as much good moisture as possible.
Here's a fun tip for those of you who just can’t fully stomach this: wear your makeup through the airport and onto the plane, then remove it while you’re flying! This probably only makes sense if you’re on a longer flight, but it can be a great way to care for your skin and give you something to do in the air. Influencers like Amelia Olivia on TikTok could give you all the inspo for in-the-air skincare!
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Okay, so this tip is obvious! But we have a favorite go-to to share. Image Skincare’s Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème is such a skincare for plane travel must-have. While this is typically intended to be a nighttime product, we think plane travel is a good excuse to use it at any time of the day. Our advice is to apply it regularly in the evenings leading up to your trip and then bring it with you for some on-the-plane moisture boosting.
Don’t Forget the Lips
While we’re talking Image Skincare, we also think you should pick up some Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex. Anyone who flies frequently has had that dreaded experience: your lips feel dry almost immediately after takeoff and no balm is in sight. This actually happens because as your skin struggles to maintain moisture, it will drink up some of the water that would have been going to your lips.
Mist Frequently
Ah, misting. Don’t skip this skincare for plane travel tip! Not only does this genuinely help to keep your skin hydrated. It’s also just luxurious and will feel wonderful while you’re tucked away in that plane. Something as simple as a reusable mister of water or Evian’s mini misters will do. Of course, there are also tons of hydrating mists on the market that contain skincare-centric ingredients. Make this a part of your travel prep—always!
Stay Hydrated
In addition to all things topical and supplemental, you want to ensure you’re keeping hydrated in general. Drink plenty of water leading up to your travels, and purchase or fill up a water bottle once you’re through security. While caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you further, we won’t tell you not to enjoy them. Drinking plenty of water can balance it all out. Another tip we love is coconut water. It is so super hydrating and even provides you with natural, much-needed electrolytes. Many seasoned travelers swear by this as the ultimate plane travel game-changer. Give it a whirl!
Use a Sheet Mask
This is another skincare for plane travel tip that probably only works if you are going to be on a long-haul flight. But we do love it! You can see it in action in that TikTok from Amelia Olivia we just shared. These are perfect because they deliver an intense dose of moisture and they’re easy to apply from your seat. Consider Image Skincare’s I MASK Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask—a total plane skincare win, if you ask us.
Get Enough Sleep
You might not expect this as a skincare tip, but sleep is central to everything. The best approach is to get good sleep leading up to your trip, but we also recommend bringing tools to ensure you can rest on the plane if you’re taking a long-hauler. Bring an eye mask, earplugs—whatever you think you’ll need to try and sneak some zzzs in at 30,000 feet.
Post-Flight Care
Once you’ve landed, stick to your go-to skincare routine—even when the excitement of your travel itinerary makes you want to skip it. By staying consistent, you can make it through your adventure with little to no skin disruption … icing on the cake!