How to Keep Skin Hydrated While Flying

Traveling can take a toll on your skin, but with the right in-flight hydrating skincare products, you can arrive at your destination looking fresh. Long flights can dehydrate your skin due to the low humidity levels in the cabin, leading to dryness, irritation, and dullness. To help you combat these issues, here are my top tips on how to keep skin hydrated and glowing during your flight.

1. Hydrating face mist

Keep your skin refreshed and hydrated with a travel-size face mist. The dry cabin air can suck the moisture out of your skin, making it look tired and lifeless. A face mist with ingredients like rose water or hyaluronic acid can provide an instant moisture boost, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Rose water has soothing properties that can calm your skin, while hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to retain moisture. Spritzing your face every few hours can make a significant difference, ensuring that your skin stays dewy and vibrant throughout the flight.

2. Sheet masks

A shining star among hydrating skincare products, a hydrating sheet mask is a great way to relax and gives your skin a serious hydration boost. Sheet masks are soaked in a serum packed with beneficial ingredients, and wearing one for 15 to 20 minutes can deeply hydrate your skin. They are particularly effective in countering the drying effects of the cabin environment. Look for masks that contain ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E for maximum hydration and nourishment.

3. Moisturizing cream

Bring a travel-size moisturizer to counter the dry cabin air. Applying a thick layer of moisturizer can lock in moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and supple. Pick a cream that is particularly rich and hydrating, preferably one that contains ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or ceramides. These ingredients form a protective barrier on your skin, preventing moisture loss and keeping your skin hydrated for longer periods. Reapply the moisturizer every few hours, especially after cleansing your face with wipes or using a face mist.

4. Lip balm

Keep your lips hydrated with a nourishing lip balm. The skin on your lips is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face, making it more susceptible to drying out. Look for lip balms that contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax. These ingredients help to lock in moisture and prevent chapping. Reapply the lip balm frequently throughout the flight to ensure that your lips remain soft and hydrated.

5. Hand cream

We often forget to moisturize our hands, please don’t but a rich hand cream is an essential when packing hydrating skincare products. Just like your face, the skin on your hands can become dry and rough due to the low humidity levels in the cabin. A hand cream with ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, or almond oil can provide deep hydration and nourishment. Apply the hand cream after washing your hands or using antibacterial gel to prevent your skin from becoming dry and irritated.

6. Under-eye patches

Combat puffy, tired eyes with under-eye patches. They’re perfect for reducing dark circles and giving you a refreshed look. The skin around your eyes is particularly delicate and prone to dryness and puffiness. Under-eye patches that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or caffeine can help to hydrate and revitalize this area. Apply the patches for 10 to 15 minutes during the flight to reduce puffiness and brighten your under-eye area.

7. Cleansing wipes

This is my go-to always. Stay fresh with gentle cleansing wipes. They are perfect for removing makeup and refreshing your skin without the need for water. Choose wipes that are alcohol-free and contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile to avoid irritating your skin. Cleansing wipes can help to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.

8. Antibacterial gel

Keep your hands germ-free with a travel-size antibacterial gel. Airplanes can be a breeding ground for germs, and it’s important to keep your hands clean to avoid transferring bacteria to your face. Choose an antibacterial gel that contains added moisturizers, such as aloe vera or vitamin E, to avoid drying out your skin. Apply the gel regularly, especially before eating or touching your face, to keep your hands clean and protected.

9. Hydrating serum

A powerhouse when it comes to how to keep skin hydrated, a small bottle of hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid can work wonders for keeping your skin plump and hydrated. Serums are typically more concentrated than moisturizers, providing a more intense hydration boost. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can attract and retain moisture, helping to keep your skin hydrated throughout the flight. Apply the serum after using a face mist or cleansing wipes, and follow up with a moisturizer to lock in the hydration.

10. Sunscreen

Yes, you need sunscreen even on a plane. UV rays can reach you, especially if you’re sitting by the window. A small tube of sunscreen with SPF 30+ will protect your skin during the flight. UV rays can penetrate airplane windows and cause damage to your skin, leading to premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and apply it to any exposed areas of your skin. Reapply the sunscreen every few hours, particularly if you’re on a long-haul flight.

Now that you know how to keep your skin hydrated while flying, you can rest assured that your skin will stay hydrated, healthy, and radiant no matter where you fly.