Post-Flight Skincare Therapy Every Jetsetter Needs to Try

Long flights, short flights -- they both have an impact on your skin.  

According to Dr. Bruce E. Katz, M.D. and Director at Manhattan-based JUVA Skin & Laser Center, "the pressurized environment of a plane is totally unnatural and completely sucks moisture out of the skin, leaving it looking dehydrated and dull." 

That recycled air also isn't doing your acne-prone skin any favors what the increased exposure to bacteria and the extremely low humidity. 

Here's how to take care of your skin post-flight.

#1: Cleanse Your Face

After landing, the first thing you'll want to do is wash away all that dirt and oil that's accumulated while in the air. Use a soap-free hydrating cleanser to remove any dirt or oil from the airplane and leave your skin feeling fresh. It's also the best way to prep your skin for what's to come next. 

#2: Exfoliate, too

After washing your face, use a glycolic acid face wash to clear away dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Exfoliating helps keep your pores clear, preventing breakouts. To help keep your skin clear, try using an exfoliant before and after your flight. Exfoliating will also help other skincare products absorb better into the skin for maximum results.

Try Rainbow's Glow Serum, which contains a blend of glycolic acid and bakuchiol to brighten and exfoliate your skin.

#3: Apply a Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Since the skin is prone to dryness from cabin air, it's important to power up with a hydrating moisturizer, serum, or lotion after landing. This is especially important if you have dry skin anyway.

Dermatologists recommend using a face mask or serum that features hyaluronic acid as a primary ingredient to help rejuvenate dry, tired skin post-flight. Hyaluronic acid is known to boost hydration of the skin by binding to water in the epidermis to visibly plump and hydrate. Best of all, it's well tolerated by all skin types.  

Rainbow's Hydrate Bundle is a great option that is designed to firm and hydrate skin. For an enhanced effect, try applying a thin layer of your hyaluronic acid serum under your face creme to help seal the product in.

#4: Nourish Your Nostrils with Vaseline

Have you noticed your nostrils feeling a little dry and flaky post-flight? Heal the dryness and cracking by applying a thin layer of Vaseline to the affected area. It should heal up by the next day.

#5: Drink Plenty of Water

Air travel is known for dehydrating you from the inside and out. Apart from using hydrating beauty products, make sure you drink plenty of h20 to hydrate inside out. It'll also help ease symptoms of jet lag. 

If you don't fancy regular water, brew yourself a cup of green tea. It's 100 times more potent than vitamin C as an antioxidant -- and ultimately, excellent for maintaining youthful skin.

#6: Get Lots of Sleep

If you struggled to snooze in those high altitudes or those pacing flight attendants kept you awake, make sure you catch up on your sleep as soon as you get to your hotel. Sleep is essential for repairing and rejuvenating skin. So, try to get your eight hours tonight -- or more if you need them! Let your body decide for you.

MID-FLIGHT SKINCARE TIPS

Wondering how to step off the plane looking fabulous? If you're on a long-haul flight, you've got plenty of time on your hands to indulge in some skincare rituals. Be sure to bring a few skincare routine essentials in your carry-on so you can detox your skin on the plane.

Jetsetters will love indulging in a few hours of self-pampering. Besides leaving you with glowing skin, it'll also make your flight feel much less of a drag. Here are some mid-flight beauty tips to try.

Put on a Sheet Mask

Sheet masks are great at infusing moisture into skin. They're also convenient because you don't need to wash them off, like regular masks, making them perfectly flight-friendly.

Choose a mask formulated with nourishing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plant oils to deeply hydrate your skin as you fly. It's the perfect opportunity to sit back and relax as you enjoy some skincare therapy. Leave it on for around 15-20 minutes. You can leave it on longer if you'd like to relax with it on for a while.

Apply a Nourishing Serum

After removing your sheet mask, apply a couple of drops of hydrating serum to your face and neck. Hyaluronic acid is a deeply moisturizing ingredient to look for in a serum. It's a powerful humectant that attracts water and retains moisture in the skin. Massage it into your skin for 20-30 seconds, and re-apply if your skin becomes dry throughout the flight.

Spritz on Some Face Mist

If you're looking to quench your skin's thirst mid-flight, reach for your miniature bottle of face mist to refresh and hydrate the skin. Some formulas can also bring down puffiness. 

Swipe on Some Lip Balm

Just like the rest of your skin, your lips are also prone to dryness from the cabin's dry air. Keep them moisturized with a hydrating lip balm. 

Wear Sunscreen

Remember, you're being exposed to UV rays through plane windows, so wear SPF. Re-apply after this skin wellness routine to ensure your skin is getting all the protection it needs.

"Ensure that you have your sunscreen on board, and to improve a dull complexion, gently give your face a massage when you land to increase blood flow to the skin," says New York dermatologist Sejal Shah, M.D. 

If you're a jetsetter looking for ways to keep your skin healthy, clear, and glowing as you fly from state to state or country to country, be sure to try our post-flight skincare tips. We've also included some mid-flight beauty tips just in case you're looking for something to do while on board. Have fun glamflying!