It’s really dry in there when you zoom in on a metal tube 35,000 feet in the air. You can thank the high altitude, low humidity, and cabin pressure for that, as well as the UV radiation that comes in through the windows.
A short flight might not make much of a difference in the health of your skin but a longer flight definitely will The answer? A skin care routine in the middle of a flight can be as simple as a spritz of water now and then or as involved as a full wash and moisturize. We asked skin care experts for their best advice on how to look great when you land after a long flight journey.
What do you do for skin care in the middle of a flight?
You can do a mid-flight beauty care routine at any time during a long-haul flight when your skin is exposed to very dry air for hours on end during travel. Some people like to do it halfway through the flight to feel refreshed before they get off the plane, or just before they go to sleep to keep up with their normal nightly routine habits.
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Mona Mislankar MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, Ohio, says, “The air inside the cabin usually has a humidity level of 10% to 20% which is much lower than the 30% to 65% humidity we experience on the ground.” “This can make your skin dry, tight, or flaky especially on long flights.”
Why You Should Do Skin Care in the Middle of a Flight
People who do mid-flight skin care routines say they make a big difference, even though they aren’t necessary. Here’s why.
- Keeps moisture levels up: Dr. Lolis says Giving your skin some TLC mid-flight keeps your epidermal moisture levels up and your skin barrier strong. This is especially true for people who tend to get dry.
- Reduces irritation and breakouts: Stress, new climates and lack of sleep can all affect the health of your skin when you travel. Dr. Lolis says that a routine in the middle of a flight can help with irritation and breakouts, especially if your skin is already sensitive.
- Keeps your routine the same: You already wash and moisturize your face before bed so why skip this step just because you’re 35,000 feet in the air? Your mind and body will feel better if you stick to a routine.
- Makes flying more fun: Let’s be honest those flights can last a long time Taking care of your skin in the middle of a flight can help you pass the time It also cleans off dirt from the day and keeps skin healthy and hydrated, which makes the whole flight more fun.
The Best Beauty Routine for Mid-Flight
If you do decide to take care of your skin while you’re on a plane, the most important thing is to keep it simple and only use the basics products. Dr. Minslaker says, “I am definitely a fan of less is more, and simple skin care is best.” Here is what we think you should bring with you on the plane.
You don’t have to bring all of your beauty products with you. You only need a cleanser like face wash, makeup remover wipes or micellar water, a moisturizer serum and or cream, and sunscreen to take care of your skin while you’re flying.
Dr. Lolis says, “Cleansing your skin makes the products work better Next, put on a serum with hyaluronic acid. Serums go deeper into the skin, and hyaluronic acid binds to and draws water to your skin very well. Finally, put on a thicker moisturizer with ceramides to keep the moisture in.”
Dr. Minslaker says that if you’re going to be on a plane for more than two hours you should bring sunscreen and put it on every two hours No matter if you’re sitting by the window or not, this is good advice.
Extras You Can Choose
The skin care items above are all you need, but you might want to bring these extras depending on what you need during flight.
- Dr Lolis says that the air in the cabin is very dry, which can make your lips dry and chapped more easily. Lip balm to the rescue!
- Dr Minslaker says that pimple patches are real heroes in the middle of a flight if you have breakouts on skin.
- Facial mist Spraying on a hydrating facial mist a few times during your flight can help keep your skin soft bouncy, and hydrated.
- If you want to go the extra mile put a sheet mask in your vanity kit. Put it on after you wash your face but before your serum and or moisturizer Eye masks are less bold if you don’t want to go that far.
