Keeping a Fresh Face In-Flight

Rule No 1: Keep it simple—now is not the time to test out anything experimental. Leave behind your AHAs (glycolic acid), BHAs (salicylic acid), and your retinol in favor of products with calming, hydrating, and protective ingredients that will be your skin’s best travel companion. Choose your gentlest cleanser, like the Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore Cream Cleanser, which is packed with antioxidants, olive leaf extract, and red seaweed ingredients that serve to nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin. Remember to pack your travel-size containers inside zip lock bags to avoid any mess, too—whether with TSA or with product spillage.

Yes, really. For the freshest post-flight face, pack your makeup in your carry-on and apply it once you’ve arrived at your destination. While in the air, your skin becomes thirsty and tries to rebalance with hydration; a face full of makeup will only cause your skin to absorb the contents of your favorite cosmetic products, leading to congestion and breakouts. Ursa Major face wipes come in handy if you've already boarded the plane.

Applying a facial mist before you board the plane is the perfect flight pregame. You’ll want to use a mist like Naturopathica Rose and Geranium Mist before boarding, because dry cabin air will try to soak up any moisture that’s sprayed. Ingredients like geranium, rose, and galactoarabinan will help to relieve dry, itchy skin and add a touch of radiance. While you’re on the plane, swap your mist for a serum or moisturizer to ensure moisture absorption.

Since essential oils can provide relief both for in-flight anxiety and for your skin, you’ll get extra mileage out of a pocket-sized aromatherapy inhaler. Oils aid in reducing neurogenic inflammation and stress, which can cause uncomfortable itching and hives, or aggravate pre-existing skin conditions like dermatitis. Frankincense, bergamot, lavender, and myrrh are all calming options, and blend nicely with a citrus oil—lemon has antibacterial properties while grapefruit is uplifting. One important note: avoid nut oils to prevent allergic reactions from fellow passengers!

A flight longer than three hours is the perfect time to give the skin a little extra love. (On a red-eye? Even better.) You run the risk of looking a little silly, but anyone staring is likely just envious. Apply a mask rich with antioxidants and peptides to address the blotchiness, redness, or irritation that often come with traveling. Alchemy Forever Kantic Brightening Moisture Mask contains vitamin E, blueberries, and oats to leave skin looking glowy and rested. You can use it anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour during a flight.

The eye area is already delicate, and a flight can exaggerate any concerns you already have (like under-eye bags or puffiness, for example). Flying is a great time for a soothing eye mask, and many come in small mess-free patches. Follow up with an eye cream like Naturopathica Argan & Peptide Eye Cream. Made with the Edelweiss plant (a rock star ingredient), this product serves as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, addressing wrinkles and fighting premature aging.

Staying hydrated is always important, but drinking water is even more crucial while traveling. Refrain from carbonated drinks and alcohol, and stick to water during your flight to help your cells regenerate. (Doesn’t hurt to request an aisle seat to make extra bathroom trips easier!)

Chapped lips are a far too common occurrence when flying. Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Lip Conditioner offers a deeply moisturizing formula that leaves lips smooth and protected. Use alone or with your favorite lip color (once you de-plane, of course).

UV rays are stronger above the clouds, so if you prefer the window seat, apply SPF to protect your skin from unwanted pigmentation or uneven skin tone. Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 is lightweight and also serves as a moisturizer, which is helpful for consolidating and simplifying your skin regimen during travel.