How to prevent dry, dehydrated skin when you fly
Yes, it is possible to maintain good skin while you travel.
“Consider a moisturizer with a combination of humectants (ingredients that bring water to the skin from the environment) and occlusives (ingredients that form a barrier to prevent water from leaving the skin), especially if you have baseline dry skin,” says Bruce-Geddes. This balm, which topped our list of best face moisturizers, contains shea butter (an occlusive) and one of the more popular humectants, hyaluronic acid. It can be used specifically on dry spots or all over while you fly. It also comes in a bottle with a TSA-friendly 1.7 ounces of product, making it easy to get through security.
This one contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, comes in a small enough bottle for travel and has a lightweight feel. “I like products containing hyaluronic acid while flying because they leave the skin looking plump and dewy, not dry and wrinkly,” says Bruce-Geddes. To apply, pump two to three squirts into your hand and gently rub on clean, dry skin.
Lombardi likes facial mists for their ease of application mid-flight. According to the brand, this one contains coconut and vitamin E to hydrate and absorbs quickly so your skin isn’t left feeling wet or greasy. Also nice: It has a slight coconut scent, which can feel refreshing and relaxing when you travel. This mist has a 4.6-star average rating from over 3,750 reviews on Amazon.
Your face isn’t the only skin to dry when you fly — don’t forget your lips. All four dermatologists we spoke to for our list of best chapped lip treatments recommended good, old-fashioned Vaseline. The pure petroleum jelly is fragrance-free, unlikely to cause irritation and is occlusive, so it holds moisture in. It can also be used on dry spots that may develop as you fly — like on your face, elbows or knees.
Lombardi recommends traveling with SPF, too. This is especially true if you prefer a window seat — because yes, harmful rays can penetrate plane windows and if you get a sunburn, that will also dehydrate your skin. This EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen is a favorite among NBC Select staff because it’s lightweight and has niacinamide, which acts as a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient (another issue that can arise when you are in the air). It has an SPF 46 and is a mineral sunscreen, which means it physically blocks out the sun.
Indulge in self-care during your next flight by applying a hydrating sheet mask. According to the brand, it has ceramide NP, argan oil and shea butter to infuse extra moisture. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then take it off and gently pat any remaining serum into your skin.
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed dermatologists about in-flight skin care.
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