The struggle is truly real when traveling. You try to bring all your products, but are scared how they’ll travel in transit. And don’t get me started on the hassle of figuring out how to bring your skincare essentials on board with you that can be downsized to 3 ounces. 

Whether you’re sitting first class or economy, as soon as you reach 30,000 feet your skin massively loses its hydration. So that begs the question: what the hell are you supposed to be doing for your skin? Should you be doing anything?

Of course being that we are in the midst of a pandemic, these recommendations may be altered as face masks are required to be worn throughout the duration of the flight (unless you fly private and you’re boujee like that).

Between leaving the house at early hours in the morning, getting through TSA, and finding your gate, the airport can be stressful. And because of this, your body releases the stress hormone, cortisol which increases redness in the skin and can exacerbate flare up conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and acne (the struggle is real). I always like to carry around essential oils for times like this where I know there is little I can control. I find time to roll on my lavender and take 3 deep inhales and it really helps me feel grounded (get it? Because you’re at an airport?!)

Let’s first discuss what actually happens to your skin when you reach high altitudes. Spoiler: your skin needs some major TLC. The first hurdle your skin works to overcome is the dry cabin air and water retention. While our skin is used to humidity ranging between 40-70%, an airplane holds around 20% humidity – and that results in dehydrated, dry, flaky skin. No bueno. 

So what are some actions you can take to combat this? Insert water. I know… Seems pretty self explanatory. But while sometimes it’s nice to indulge in a sugary or even an alcoholic drink on a flight, you’re better off sticking to water. And lots of it. If you’re similar to me, you bring a few handy skincare products on board with you. Honestly, there’s no wrong answer here on what to bring so long as it is simply hydrating. My holy grail for hydration is a combination of hyaluronic acid (my fav is by maelove linked here) and a clean moisturizer (I would probably opt for the Glossier priming moisturizer which can be found here). It also wouldn’t hurt to bring a lip mask with you because your lips are always the first to show dehydration.

Another negative effect that flying has on your skin is the altered pressure inside the cabin. As you increase the altitude, air pressure decreases which also decreases blood flow aka no glow (boo!) I would probably bring a small and easily portable beauty tool with me on the plane to help stimulate blood flow to my skin. Something like a gua sha or a vibrating massaging tool would do the trick!

A few other helpful products that I bring on the plane with me:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths – easy way to cleanse without the need to run to the cramped bathroom

EltaMD Sunscreen SPF 40 – being physically closer to the sun means you’re more susceptible to UV damage

At the end of the day, these are just a few tips I like to follow when I travel (which is pretty much never these days). And although I may get a few funny looks, I try to live my life not really giving into what others think. At the end of the day, whose skin will be looking STUN walking off that 5 hour plane ride?!