While air travel is exciting, it can seriously affect your skin, making knowledge of its effects crucial for maintaining a radiant appearance; the dry cabin air, in particular, can lead to dryness, irritation, and dullness.
So, what’s the solution? A mid-flight beauty routine is your answer to pampering your skin while on the go, as the right regimen can combat the dehydrating environment and even the increased UV radiation at high altitudes, just as celebrity esthetician Sarah Akram suggests, ‘a mid-flight skincare routine could help—particularly if you’re keen to arrive refreshed and radiant.’
Experts and research confirm that a simple, effective in-flight skincare routine significantly boosts your skin’s health and appearance; for instance, applying a rich moisturizing cream before you fly can lock in hydration, and as dermatologist Dr. Mina Amin stresses the importance of sunscreen because ‘airplane windshields do not completely block UV-A radiation,’ meaning you’re exposed to more intense UV rays, a fact supported by studies showing flight crews may have a higher risk of melanoma due to this constant exposure.
Therefore, having the right products in your travel beauty kit is essential, and it’s wise to choose items that are not only effective but also easy to use during a flight, with face mists and eye masks being particularly useful for a quick refresh without fuss, as Spagnuolo notes, ‘Face mists are our favorite in-flight skin solution, refreshing application, instant hydration, and hands-free appeal.’
Organizing your beauty products into separate categories, such as makeup, skincare, and haircare, will be beneficial to your travel experience.
Ensure to carry a clear, reusable bag for your liquids. Unlike flimsy Ziplocs, reusable clear bags are durable and often fit more due to their design. They are ideal for efficiently packing everything you need, and they comply with TSA regulations.
In regards to the products, choosing powders over liquids is a smart strategy. Powders don’t take up spaces in your liquids bag, which creates room for other essentials like moisturizers or oils. Products like powdered exfoliants, cleansers, and dry shampoos are perfect as they are lightweight and free up space for items that are in liquid form.
Consider packing travel-sized samples and refillable bottles to bring your favorite products without the bulk, refilling only what you need to save space and luggage weight, and you could even share some items with companions to lighten your load further.
Another smart strategy is to select products with multiple uses, like a texture spray that doubles as hairspray or a tinted moisturizer with SPF, which simplifies your kit and ensures you have essentials covered with fewer items.
Opting for solid versions of your favorite products, such as solid perfumes, shampoo bars, and sunscreen sticks, is also a brilliant idea because they are spill-proof, travel easily through security, and mean you won’t have to give up your beloved beauty routine.
Even with a mid-flight routine, experts recommend keeping it simple due to the dry, germ-filled cabin, suggesting that instead of washing your face with potentially bacteria-laden plane water, a gentle swipe of micellar water on a cotton pad is a much safer and more effective option.
To combat the dry cabin air, moisturizing is absolutely crucial; lock in moisture with a rich cream before your flight and choose products containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which are renowned for their powerful hydrating capabilities.
Your lips and eyes may be prone to dryness. A nourishing lip balm will keep your lips soft.
If you desire pampering, consider bringing along a beauty tool. Compact devices like facial rollers or small massage tools can enhance your in-flight beauty routine.
Ultimately, an in-flight beauty routine doesn’t need to be complicated or take up a lot of space; by packing smartly and choosing versatile, travel-friendly products, you can maintain your skincare regimen and disembark the plane looking just as fresh and moisturized as when you boarded, adding a touch of luxury to your travel experience.
Related posts:
I’m A Beauty Editor Who Loves Products—Here’s How I Travel With Just A Carry-On
Vogue’s Guide to In-Flight Skincare
Travel Skincare: packing and an in-flight routine
