Ready to pack your bags? Here are some tips on how to keep your skin clean and hydrated in-flight. While airplanes get you where you want to go, they tend to stress your skin by circulating dry air. It is similar to sitting in front of an oscillating fan for hours. When our skin loses water moisture, it tries to compensate by producing more oil. Additionally, boarding a crowded airplane can leave you feeling mentally stressed and a bit out of sorts.

Six tips to get you on your way…

One Higher altitudes increase your exposure to damaging UV radiation. It is important to apply SPF 30 to protect your skin before your journey begins. Once on-board, reapply your sunscreen every 2-4 hours. If you have a window seat, be sure to utilize the shade for added protection or poke your neighbor and ask them to lower it (I am that person).

Two Your skin can become oily and possibly grimy feeling. Cleansing face wipes can be a refreshing way to clean your skin. Often the water flowing from lavatory sinks is considered “non-potable” meaning that it has not been treated to specific standards that make it safe for drinking. According to the Wall Street Journal, “the tap water on airplanes is not reliably safe to drink” in the restroom. Given this bit of information, I’d hold off on washing your face with water until you’re off the plane.  

Three If you can, dare to go bare, on the makeup that is. Having a clean face gives you more flexibility allowing you to tackle moisture loss. If you must have a splashy arrival, pack your makeup bag and hold-up in the restroom a few minutes before the seat belt sign blinks on. Secondly, my preferred makeup is mineral-based since it naturally provides sunscreen, and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Four Drink plenty of water! Keeping your body hydrated from the inside is essential to looking fresh on the outside. Before boarding, buy a 1-liter bottle of water at a kiosk to avoid having to wait for the flight attendants each time you need a sip. Window seats cannot be avoided, so be nice to your neighbors when climbing over, but don’t forgo the water just to be polite.

Five Pop in earplugs or listen to nature sounds from your phone and sit back and relax. Flying can be stressful, and stress hormones lead to oily skin. Getting a bit of sleep mid-flight is an excellent way to minimize the effects and re-energize.

Six Pre-flight, thoroughly cleanse, spritz on your hydrating toner, apply antioxidant-rich serums, moisturizer and SPF 30. In-between the moisturizer and SPF, consider spread Cherry Life Saver all over your face and neck, as it locks in moisture. Once in-flight, continue to spritz your face and neck with the Face + Body Toner and layer on more moisturizer and Cherry Life Saver, as often as possible.

Carry-on Essentials

1-liter water bottle

Face cleansing towelettes (for flights longer than 3 hours)

Surface sanitizing wipes (tray table, seat belt buckle, and arm rests)

Simplified Face + Body Toner

Simplified Facial Moisturizer

Cherry Life Saver

SPF 30

Chocolate bar 70%+ (provides powerful antioxidants and satisfies boredom and munchies)  

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