Airport Skin: How to Maintain Hydration and Glow During Long Flights
Traveling can be exhausting, and while your vacation might be the most anticipated part of the journey, the flight itself can take a toll on your skin. Long hours spent in a dry, recycled-air cabin can leave your complexion looking dull, dehydrated, and lackluster. But fear not! There are simple steps you can take to maintain that glowing, hydrated skin during long flights and prevent your “airport skin” from becoming a real concern.
Here’s how you can combat dry, tired skin at 30,000 feet and arrive at your destination looking refreshed and radiant.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Airplanes are notoriously dry environments. The cabin air can have humidity levels as low as 10-20%, which can lead to dehydration in your skin. To prevent your skin from becoming parched, hydration should be your number one priority.
Drink Water: Start by hydrating from the inside out. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Aim to consume a glass of water every hour to keep your skin and body properly hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as both can dehydrate you.
Facial Mist: Along with drinking water, a hydrating facial mist can work wonders. Look for a facial spray that’s packed with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. Spritz your face every 30-45 minutes to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated. Just make sure the mist doesn’t contain alcohol, which can dry out your skin.
2. Moisturize Like a Pro
Moisturizing your skin before and during your flight is essential for keeping your skin soft and glowing. Choose a rich, hydrating moisturizer that helps lock in moisture without clogging your pores. Avoid light, gel-based moisturizers, as they may not provide enough hydration in dry airplane cabins.
Pre-Flight Routine: Before heading to the airport, apply a thick layer of moisturizer on your face, especially in dry areas like the cheeks and around the eyes. Consider using a hydrating serum that contains hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin. This step is crucial for preparing your skin for the dry air of the cabin.
In-Flight Care: On the plane, continue to moisturize your skin throughout the flight. Reapply your moisturizer every 3-4 hours, or whenever your skin feels tight or dry. Focus on areas that tend to dry out more, such as your lips, under-eyes, and around your mouth.
3. Don’t Forget the Eyes and Lips
The delicate skin around your eyes and lips is especially prone to dryness, puffiness, and fine lines during flights. Make sure to give these areas extra attention.
Eye Cream: Pack an eye cream that’s rich in hydrating ingredients like caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid. The skin around your eyes is thin and prone to dryness, so keeping it hydrated will help prevent puffiness and dark circles.
Lip Balm: Dry, cracked lips are a common side effect of flying. Bring a nourishing lip balm with ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or coconut oil to keep your lips soft and smooth during the flight.
4. Avoid Makeup (or Go Minimal)
While a full face of makeup might seem tempting to make you feel fresh during a flight, it can exacerbate dryness and cause your skin to feel suffocated. Instead, consider going makeup-free or applying minimal makeup to give your skin a break.
If you need some coverage, opt for a lightweight tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF. Avoid heavy foundations, as they can clog pores and dry out your skin.
Skip Powder: Powder products can dry out your skin, especially in the arid environment of a plane. Stick to creams or liquids for your blush and bronzer to maintain a dewy finish.
5. Face Masks for a Quick Boost
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can bring a sheet mask or hydrating face mask on the plane to give your skin an extra boost. You’ll get extra hydration while relaxing on your flight. Look for a mask that contains nourishing ingredients like aloe, honey, or hyaluronic acid.
Make sure to apply your mask when the flight is at cruising altitude (after the seatbelt sign goes off) and sit back and relax for 10-20 minutes while the mask works its magic. Remember to remove the mask before landing and gently tap any remaining serum into your skin for added hydration.
6. Protect Your Skin with SPF
Even though you’re flying and might not be directly exposed to the sun’s rays, the higher altitudes can increase your skin’s exposure to UV radiation. Make sure to apply sunscreen before your flight and consider reapplying during long-haul trips, especially if your seat is near a window.
Look for a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and contains ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Tinted sunscreens are also a great option to protect against both UVA/UVB rays and blue light exposure from digital screens.
7. Post-Flight Skin Revival
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, your skin might need some extra TLC. After a long flight, cleanse your skin gently to remove any dirt, oil, or residue that may have built up. Follow with a hydrating serum and moisturizer to replenish any lost moisture.
Post-Flight Facial: Consider scheduling a hydrating facial or a light exfoliating treatment to refresh and brighten your skin after your travels. This can help remove dead skin cells and give you that vacation-ready glow.
Conclusion
Traveling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your skin’s health. By following these tips—hydrating, moisturizing, and protecting your skin—you can maintain that fresh, dewy glow even while you're soaring through the skies. With a little pre-flight prep and in-flight care, you’ll be ready to touch down looking radiant and refreshed.
Need skincare advice or treatments to revitalize your skin? Contact Bad Skin at (415) 669-0888 via TEXT or visit our medspa at Sola Salons Redwood City - 2115 Broadway Blvd. Suite 28, Redwood City, CA 94063 to explore our services. Let’s be bad, but better.
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