Passport and boarding pass? Check. But have you packed your flight skincare essentials? The right skincare routine before, during and after your flight – whether it’s one hour or 10 – will help you arrive refreshed at your destination. 

Before: flight skincare essentials 

Yes, you can nourish and nurture your skin before you take off. In fact, what you eat and drink before your flight matters as much as it does while you’re in the air. Be sure to drink a lot of water and avoid salty, heavy foods before you fly.  

To prepare for your in-flight skincare routine, remove your makeup before you fly. While oil or cream-based makeup sounds like it will keep your skin moisturized, it’s best to remove makeup entirely. A heavy made-up face will clog your pores. So, do a double cleanse by using a cleansing balm to remove your makeup followed by a gentle cleanser. If you choose to remove your makeup on the plane, use TSA-approved makeup remover wipes.  

During: flight skincare essentials   

Once you’re settled into your seat, begin your skincare routine. First, remember that even though you’re snug in your seat, the sun’s rays can still reach you, especially if you’re in the window seat. In fact, UV rays are more intense at higher altitudes and twice as high at 30,000 feet. So, take a moment to apply your favorite sunscreen. 

Why moisturize? 

Because cabin air is pressurized and has less humidity than outside, your skin will dry out faster. Without moisture, your skin may be dry and irritated even after you land. As a result, your skin may respond by producing more oil. The best way to combat dryness and oiliness is to apply serum and moisturizer. 

Serum and moisturizer 

Applying a serum skincare product after cleansing and before moisturizing will nourish your skin with a high concentration of powerful ingredients. Choose a serum with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that helps to retain moisture. This will draw water from the air and lock in moisture before you apply your moisturizer. Applying a serum layer before an additional moisturizing layer will give you extra hydration, especially for those long-haul flights to dream destinations. When you select your moisturizer, you’ll also want to look for one that contains hyaluronic acid. 

Face masks 

A sheet mask or a clear, hydrating gel mask is the next best step to seal in your serum and moisturizer. If you choose a gel mask, apply it in layers to minimize any gloopiness. Look for bio-cellulose masks that can replenish your skin with nourishing ingredients. Once you’ve applied the mask of your choice, this is a great time to sleep and let those powerful ingredients work their magic. Make your skincare extra indulgent by applying a heavy-duty lip mask as a lip balm.  

Face oil 

If you opt not to use a gel mask, or feel self-conscious about wearing a sheet mask on your flight, use a nourishing face oil to moisturize your face, neck and lips. Oils including geranium, jojoba, or frankincense, contain omega fatty acids and vitamins that protect your skin from dehydration. Then, enhance the effects and give yourself a bit of self-care with a muscle-awakening facial massage. Use small circular movements and gently massage upwards. 

Extra flight skincare essentials 

Skin care doesn’t stop with what moisturizers you apply to your face. What you rest your head upon for a long, in-flight nap is just as important. Instead of leaning your head against the window or headrest (which can acquire bacteria), bring your own pillow. Airport gift shops usually carry U-shaped pillows in case you forget yours.  

Food and drink 

What you eat and drink is also just as important for your skin as what you put on it. Continue to hydrate with water and skip the alcohol to combat the dry cabin air. Plane food can be laden with salt and preservatives so you’re best to pack your own replenishing snacks. 

After you land: flight skincare essentials 

Keep up your excellent skin care after your flight to feel extra refreshed for your travels. When you arrive, wash your face and shower with lukewarm water, not hot water that can further dry out the skin. Then, apply moisturizer packed with hydrating ingredients like shea or cocoa butter on your face and body. 

Extra skincare and self-care 

Your skin care need not stop once you arrive at your destination. While you’ve surely packed your favorite products, Many Luxury Gold accommodations include an onsite spa for decadent and replenishing treatments. For example, Kallpa Spa at Tambo Del Inka in the Sacred Valley of Peru offers massages and facials based on traditional, healing Inca ingredients. Or, enjoy their heated indoor and outdoor pool or hydromassage pools.  Check out our six favorite spas around the world and where you can unwind with Luxury Gold. 

Where will you pamper yourself with Luxury Gold?