Flying Soon? Keep Your Skin Fresh with These Simple Beauty Habits

Flying can be exciting, but let’s face it – airplane travel can be tough on your skin. The dry air, long hours, and cabin pressure often leave you feeling less than fabulous. But with a little planning and the right beauty habits, you can keep your skin glowing and refreshed, even after a long-haul flight. Here’s a detailed guide on how to maintain your beauty routine while traveling, with some practical tips and product recommendations.

Hydration is your skin’s best travel companion. Keep it close, and you’ll arrive refreshed.

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The air inside airplanes is notorious for being extremely dry, with humidity levels dropping to as low as 10-20% – far lower than the typical indoor environment (about 40-60%). This lack of moisture can leave your skin feeling parched.

Solution: Drink water, lots of it! Aim for at least 8 ounces of water per hour during the flight. If you tend to forget, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder. Carry a refillable water bottle, and if possible, add a slice of lemon or a pinch of electrolyte powder for extra hydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you further.

Pro Tip: Try a hydrating beverage, like coconut water, which is rich in electrolytes and can help replenish lost fluids more effectively than plain water.

“True beauty isn’t grounded on the ground—it flies with you. Take care of your skin, and it will always land glowing.”

2. Moisturize Before Boarding

Dry cabin air can strip the natural oils from your skin, so it’s essential to start your flight with a well-moisturized face and body. Using a rich, hydrating moisturizer forms a barrier, preventing moisture loss during the flight.

Example: Opt for a thick, nourishing cream or balm that deeply hydrates. Apply it generously before boarding to lock in moisture. Don’t forget other areas like your neck, hands, and even elbows – they can get dry too!

For the lips: A moisturizing lip balm will keep your lips soft and prevent cracking in the dry air.

3. Skip the Makeup

Wearing heavy makeup on a flight can clog your pores and contribute to dryness, especially in the high-altitude, low-humidity environment. It’s best to let your skin breathe while flying. If you feel like you need something, stick to lightweight and breathable products.

Example: Instead of foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer or BB cream with SPF. This provides light coverage while hydrating your skin and offering sun protection.

If you can’t go completely makeup-free, stick to essentials like mascara and brow gel. You can always touch up before landing if you need to look more polished.

4. Facial Mist for Instant Refreshment

Facial mists are a game-changer on flights. A quick spritz every couple of hours will refresh your skin, boost hydration, and make you feel more awake. Look for a mist that contains hydrating ingredients like rose water, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid.

Example: A hydrating facial spray with gentle, soothing ingredients can hydrate and refresh. For an extra boost, choose a mist that adds a dewy glow to your complexion.

Pro Tip: Store your facial mist in the refrigerator before your flight to give your skin an extra cooling treat.

5. Eye Care is Essential

The delicate skin around your eyes is particularly vulnerable to dryness and puffiness during flights. Long hours in the air can lead to tired, puffy eyes – not a great look when you’re stepping off the plane.

Solution: Use a hydrating eye cream before the flight to prevent puffiness and keep the area around your eyes moisturized. Look for products that contain caffeine, which can reduce swelling, or hyaluronic acid for hydration.

Example: A hydrating eye cream is key for keeping the area moisturized. For an instant pick-me-up, carry a set of under-eye patches to use during the flight.

Pro Tip: Store your eye cream or patches in the fridge before your trip for a cooling, de-puffing effect.

6. Use a Sheet Mask (If You’re Feeling Bold)

Sheet masks are an amazing way to give your skin an intense hydration boost while you're in the air. They’re easy to use and packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients that can counteract the dryness of the cabin.

Example: Choose a sheet mask that focuses on deep hydration and skin repair. Simply pop one on during the flight – you might get some curious looks, but your skin will thank you later!

If you're shy about using a full face mask in public, you can opt for under-eye or hydrating patches, which are less conspicuous but equally effective.

7. Don’t Forget Your Hair

Flying can be tough on your hair too, leaving it frizzy or flat. Combat dryness by applying a leave-in conditioner or smoothing serum before your flight to keep your hair soft and manageable.

Example: A leave-in conditioner or hair serum can lock in moisture and prevent frizz. If your hair gets oily quickly, a spritz of dry shampoo mid-flight can refresh and add volume to your hair before landing.

Pro Tip: Tie your hair in a loose braid or bun during the flight to minimize tangles and prevent frizz from static in the air.

8. Get Your Beauty Sleep

The best beauty routine in-flight is good, old-fashioned rest. Sleep helps your body recover and refreshes your appearance. Whether it's a short nap or a few hours of sleep, rest can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and tired-looking skin.

Solution: Make your in-flight rest as comfortable as possible with an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a neck pillow. A silk or soft eye mask is gentle on the skin and can help you drift off more easily. If you’re flying overnight, a cozy blanket and earplugs are great additions to help block out noise and light.

9. Freshen Up Before Landing

As the plane begins its descent, take a few minutes to freshen up. Use a gentle facial wipe to cleanse your skin and reapply your moisturizer. If you want to add some makeup, this is the time for a quick touch-up.

Example: Pack a small makeup bag with essentials like a tinted moisturizer, mascara, blush, and a lip balm or gloss. A lightweight concealer and a cream blush are perfect for giving you a natural, fresh-faced look before you step off the plane.

10. A Final Spritz of Perfume

Finally, a light spray of perfume will have you stepping off the plane feeling fresh and confident. Stick to something light and refreshing, as heavy fragrances can be overpowering in small spaces.

Example: A travel-size bottle of your favorite light fragrance offers a refreshing yet subtle scent that’s perfect for travel.

Just like your suitcase, pack your skincare essentials. It’s the little things that keep you feeling your best in the air.

Flying doesn't have to wreak havoc on your skin and beauty routine. By following these simple steps, you can stay hydrated, refreshed, and glowing throughout your journey. With a little preparation and the right products, you can land at your destination feeling and looking as good as you did when you took off – maybe even better! So, the next time you pack for a trip, don’t forget to include these beauty essentials in your carry-on, and you'll step off the plane looking radiant, no matter the length of the flight.