Air travel can be tough on your skin. From the dry, recycled cabin air to your skin reacting to a whole new environment at your destination, travel can leave your skin feeling dehydrated, dull, and stressed. The good news? With the right pre- and post-flight skincare routines, you can keep your complexion radiant, hydrated, and refreshed.
Preparing Your Skin for Takeoff
Before boarding your flight, take some time to prep your skin to withstand the drying effects of airplane air. Here’s what to do:
Start with a Clean Slate
Thoroughly cleanse your skin to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. This ensures your skincare products penetrate effectively and prevents clogged pores, which can worsen during travel.
Exfoliate Gently
Use a gentle exfoliating product to slough off dead skin cells and help your products absorb better. Avoid anything harsh that could leave your skin more sensitive.
Layer on Hydration
Cabin air has extremely low humidity, which can deplete your skin of moisture. Apply a hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to lock in water and plump the skin. Follow with a rich moisturizer to seal in the hydration.
Don’t Forget Your Eyes and Lips
These delicate areas are especially prone to dryness during flights. Use an eye cream to prevent dryness, puffiness, and dullness and a nourishing lip treatment to avoid chapping.
Winding Down
Once you’ve landed and you’ve checked into your hotel, your skin may feel tired, or even irritated. Here’s how to bring it back to life:
Double Cleanse
Remove any dirt, oil, or pollution from your journey with a gentle double cleanse. Start with a thicker cleanser to break down impurities, followed by a thinner water-based cleanser to refresh your skin.
Soothe and Rehydrate
After cleansing, apply a soothing sheet mask to calm any irritation. Follow with a hydrating serum and cream to replenish moisture lost during the flight.
Rebuild Your Barrier
Use a nourishing moisturizer rich in lipids and ceramides to repair and strengthen your skin barrier.
Treat Puffy Eyes
Address under-eye puffiness with eye patches, serums, or cool applicators.
Traveling doesn’t have to derail your skincare routine. By taking a little extra time to prepare your skin before your flight and touching up on it afterwards, you’ll stay glowing wherever your travels take you.
