Flying can have some negative effects on the complexion due to the high altitude and low humidity, leaving skin dehydrated and dull. Travelling by airplane can also exacerbate already existing skin conditions, causing breakouts and flaky skin. Now, we have all been there, arriving at our destination with dry skin and puffy eyes, luckily, we have a few tricks up our sleeve. Join us as we explore the best tips for preparing your skin for flying, how to maintain hydration during and post-flight to ensure you have a smooth and supple complexion throughout your travels.

Top products to use for travelling by airplane

To counteract the unwanted effects flying can have, selecting the right products is essential. Here are some must have in-flight skincare products that will make life much easier when you fly:

-Sunscreen: this may surprise some, however, flying at high altitude means that we are closer to the sun’s harmful UV rays. So, if you have a window seat, ensure to use an SPF50 sunscreen while on board and reapply every few hours.

-Face mist: A great way to boost hydration while on board. Consider using one that doesn’t contain any irritants and is alcohol-free. Choose a product with skin soothing properties such as a rose water, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

-Moisturizing sheet mask: a fantastic way to keep your skin dewy and hydrated as well as adding a touch of the spa treatment, look for a mask with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E or green tea extract.

- Rich Moisturiser: try something rich and nourishing with ingredients such as shea butter, ceramides and niacinamide to lock in hydration for the entire flight.

-Eye mask: the sensitive skin around our eyes is often the first to show signs of dehydration, so find an eye patch with caffeine to reduce puffiness, vitamin c for brightening and cucumber extract for cooling.

-Serum: great for increasing moisture absorption, look out of ingredients such as squalene to prevent moisture loss and apply before locking in with moisturiser.

-Lip balm: keep those lips hydrated with a lip balm that contains beeswax or petrolatum, that forms a natural barrier to lock in moisture.

A pre-flight routine for glowing skin

There is no need to wait until you are sat in your seat to start protecting your skin. A pre-flight skin care routine will ensure that you have prepped your skin for what lies ahead, and you can rest easy that you will arrive for your flight with hydrated skin. Ensure to drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your flight to ensure good hydration levels as well as ensuring you eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed and salty foods. Consider getting a facial, failing this, use a sleep moisturising pack the night before you travel with peptides to deeply nourish the skin.

What to do during your flight

Consider skipping the make up when flying as it can clog pores and dehydrate the skin. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser and follow this with a hydrating serum and a rich moisturiser to strengthen the skin barrier. Use an under eye cream or eye mask to avoid those fine dehydration lines under the skin and don’t forget the high SPF sunscreen. Now that you are comfortably sat in your seat with perfectly prepped skin, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy your flight. Every so often you can spritz your face with face mist for an extra bit of hydration and freshness. Ensure you drink plenty of water throughout the flight and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.

Back on terra firma

It isn’t uncommon to have acne breakouts post flight due to the dry air and low humidity. So, now that your flight is over and you have followed our in-flight skin care routine, a light exfoliation and cleanse followed by your usual skin care routine will be the perfect way to end your travels and keep that glow.

Luxury shopping at Fiumicino airport

If your flight takes you through Rome Fiumicino airport in area E, you will have the opportunity to make your trip even more special with the Personal Shopper service: where dedicated experts will guide you in discovering the best purchases, in order to bring home a touch of exclusivity as well as beautiful skin. At Fiumicino airport you will also find a fantastic selection of personal care products ensure that you have everything you need for your in-flight skin care routine.  

We all love to travel but our skin doesn’t always appreciate the harsh conditions of flying. However, if you follow our simple in-flight skincare routine you can reduce the negative effects on your completion. Remember, gentle is best, and hydration is king.

Find out more about Shop&Fly