Menu
As a beauty and travel editor, my everyday life revolves around skincare and vacations—which, if you ask me, might be two of the best things in life. Along with my extensive skincare collection comes an equally extensive travel calendar filled with flights around the globe. Since jet-setting became part of my weekly routine (I often fly two or more per week), I’ve made it my mission to learn how to maintain healthy, hydrated skin despite constant climate and altitude changes. While it hasn’t been an easy trip (read: breakouts, irritation, and dry, dull complexions are some of my most common travel companions), every trip I’ve taken has shown me which beauty products and routines are best suited to being a frequent flyer.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your skincare routine or are constantly on-the-go, I’ve put together a guide to the best beauty hacks and strategies to combat the skin that can cause two or more flights per week. From in-flight rituals to the things I bring with me on every vacation, these are the best beauty tips and tricks you can take with you no matter where your trip takes you.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned while traveling is that skin prep starts before I even set foot in an airport. Before every flight I have, I do my full skincare routine, paying special attention to using moisturizing products. (Because airplanes create a low humidity environment, it is important to adequately nourish the skin beforehand so that it can retain as much moisture as possible.)
Let me break it down for you: After I cleanse my face twice and my skin is still damp, I apply a hydrating toner. The key here is to look for toners that contain hyaluronic acid, which strengthens the skin barrier and maintains skin moisture for a long time. I then apply a nourishing serum that also contains hyaluronic acid to give my skin additional moisture. Then I seal it all in with a rich, non-comedogenic moisturizer that I can reapply as needed. Taking good care of your skin before the flight increases the chance that it will not dry out during the flight.
Pro tip: DO NOT wear makeup on a flight, especially if you may be reapplying moisturizer or sunscreen. This will only clog pores and lead to possible breakouts. Trust me: a fresh face on a flight pays off.
This affordable Korean toner is one of the best on the market when it comes to keeping skin hydrated for hours. Enriched with fermented black rice extract and hyaluronic acid, it gives skin a powerful boost of moisture, leaving it plump, supple and noticeably hydrated. The toner’s lightweight and fast-absorbing formula makes it an ideal choice for all skin types, while its antioxidant-rich composition helps combat environmental stressors.
For that extra boost of hydration (which I know you’ll need), be sure to add a hydrating serum to your pre-flight routine.
This affordable serum is a skincare staple thanks to its simple yet effective formula. The hyaluronic acid acts as a powerful humectant that attracts and retains water, plumping the skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, the addition of vitamin B5 (or panthenol) enhances the serum’s moisturizing properties and supports skin elasticity. Just a few drops of it are enough.
If you’re looking for a moisturizer to deeply hydrate your skin, we’ve got just the thing. This Clearstem moisturizer is enriched with stem cells and contains powerful moisturizing ingredients that provide deep and long-lasting hydration. Plus, it’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin. Feel free to reapply as many times as necessary.
No matter where I’m traveling, what time my flight is or how long my flight is, I always make sure I stay hydrated beforehand. As previously mentioned, since the humidity in the cabin of airplanes tends to be low, this can lead to dehydration as the body loses moisture more quickly. To avoid feeling thirsty, sleepy and sluggish, I drink a liter (or two!) of water before every flight. When I go on a long flight, I add a liquid multiplier to my drink so I can recharge myself with electrolytes. In addition, adequate hydration not only prevents the skin from drying out, but also helps combat jet lag. A win-win situation!
My favorite water bottle for traveling is this 30 ounce cup from Corkcicle. It keeps my drinks cold, is lighter than other mugs, and has a thin handle that makes it easy to carry. Plus, it comes in lots of cute colors. Need I say more?
Before you feel uncomfortable applying a sheet mask or reapplying moisturizer during a flight, remember that your skin will really thank you for it. I used to have concerns about wearing a sheet mask on a flight, but after struggling with dry, flaky skin post-flight, my opinion quickly changed. Now I either bring a hydrating sheet mask or reapply moisturizer during the flight if my skin needs a quick pick-me-up. When I want an extra boost of hydration without overdoing it, I spray a hydrating spray on my face to keep dryness at bay.
For flights longer than two hours, it is important to keep the skin as hydrated as possible. For this purpose, I recommend that you bring a sheet mask that you can put on during the flight. This mask from Image Skincare is one of my favorites because it cools, soothes, and instantly refreshes thirsty skin. Enriched with mineral-rich water, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and a blend of amino acids, it leaves skin moisturized and radiant. The best part? You only need to leave it on for 10 minutes.
ICYMI, being high in the sky means being closer to the sun, which also means being more exposed to radiation and the sun’s harmful rays. My point? Wearing sunscreen on flights is crucial to protecting your skin. Although I’m a big fan of keeping your window shades down to avoid UV rays, it’s definitely important to wear sunscreen.
My favorite for everyday sun protection is none other than this Innisfree bestseller. This lightweight, broad-spectrum daily sunscreen with SPF 36 hydrates the skin thanks to the inclusion of green tea, cica and sunflower seed oil. Plus, it doesn’t leave a white cast!
Hear me out: I have a pretty strict skincare routine that I hate to deviate from, especially when I travel. However, I learned that changing my skincare routine to meet my goal has been a saving grace in maintaining my healthy and happy skin. Different climates, altitudes and environmental conditions can have different effects on the skin. That’s why it’s so important to adjust your skin care accordingly. For example, in places with high humidity, it is best to bring lightweight and non-comedogenic products that can help prevent excessive oil production and breakouts. On the other hand, when staying in dry or cold climates, it makes sense to use richer moisturizers and hydrating serums to combat dryness and protect the skin barrier. And as always, be sure to bring your SPF with you no matter where you go.
