14 In-Flight Skincare Rules The Experts Swear By

“Flights – even short-haul ones – will ravage your hydration levels, so it’s important to drink lots of water, especially the type that comes with added benefits. That includes fresh lemon to increase your vitamin C levels and boost your immune system, as well as protecting your skin from the inside out. I also use the Aǹalemma Water Wand, which transforms regular tap water from its depleted, chaotic state to a super-charged, fully coherent state. It does this by rearranging the H2O molecules into a liquid, crystalline structure to regenerate your body and hydration levels.” – Nichola Joss, facialist 

“Before you board your flight, I recommend doing a thorough cleanse and using a prebiotic toner to balance your skin’s microbiome and strengthen the skin barrier – it’s essential before you fly as it will help prevent moisture loss.” – Nichola 

“If you have one, I recommend taking a gua sha on the plane. Use it to encourage blood flow and lymphatic movement in your face during the flight. This can be done on clean skin or over a facial oil or moisturiser to enhance the movement. It keeps your complexion stimulated and smooth. Glide it over the top of a sheet mask for extra hydrating benefits.” – Michaella Bolder, facialist 

“Try massaging nourishing oils into dry skin using deep tissue movements to bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to the surface. Do this by using your finger knuckles in circular motions, working around the face, starting on the neck and moving upwards to your forehead. Then drain any toxins lying under the skin down the face, finishing behind your ears. Oils are a great way to add instant hydration to your skin and hold it there for the remainder of your flight.” – Michaella

“I’m a big advocate for applying an antioxidant-based serum – like vitamin C or E – before or during your flight. This is because it’s a key ingredient for protecting your complexion from light and pollution. It will work even harder if you put a sheet mask on top that’s full of quenching peptides. If you’re using the latter on a plane, I recommend leaving it on for at least 20 minutes. Take it off and apply a lightweight cream and SPF on top so you’re good to go when you arrive.” – Kate Kerr, facialist

“If you think about the number of germs and bacteria on a plane, it’s worth treating your skin properly once you land. My go-to product is a deep cleansing mask, which I use when I reach my hotel. These types of masks purge your pores and free them of any build-up, preventing breakouts and inflammation. Once I’ve done this, I’ll always slather on a hydrating serum. I love the ones by Medik8.” – Kate 

“SPF is a forgotten step, but an important one. UVB rays can’t penetrate through windows, but UVA rays – which contribute to photo-ageing – can. The higher in the sky you are, the more potential there is for exposure. Try layering on a thin lotion, like the CeraVe SPF50 Facial Moisturising Lotion or Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF40. Both are lightweight and won’t feel occlusive.” – Dr Alexis Granite, consultant dermatologist

“Compression socks help with pretty much everything. I recommend popping a pair on before you fly to get your blood pumping. This will help reduce skin swelling from top to toe. I always feel better and far less puffy after an overnight flight when I wear them. I get mine from WEARFIGS.COM.” – Alexis 

“The on-board set-up – and packaging allowance – is limited, so I advise taking a micellar water with some reusable cotton rounds. I love to sweep Bioderma’s Micellar Water across my skin to keep it feeling fresh and toned – it’s easy to do and prevents any germs from building up on your skin. Follow up with a moisturiser and a little SPF before landing. Preferably use a non-comedogenic moisturiser, like NeoStrata’s Sheer Hydration, so you don’t suffocate your skin. I don’t recommend experimenting with lots of different minis – try to avoid disrupting your routine if you can.” – Dr Justine Kluk, consultant dermatologist

“A sheet mask is a great way of giving the skin a concentrated dose of hydration – look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and aloe vera. An affordable one I like to keep in my hand luggage is Superdrug’s Hydro-Gel Hydrating Gel-Sheet Mask With Aloe Vera & Tea Tree. It’s suitable for all skin types and helps to calm and cool the skin – it’s a great one to use after you’ve been in the sun. Leave it on for around 15-20 minutes and avoid rinsing your skin afterward, as the remaining serum on your face can continue to nourish and hydrate your skin. Gently massage any excess into your face and neck in circular motions until it is fully absorbed.” – Vaishaly Patel, facialist 

“Alongside boosting your electrolyte levels, you want to eat your hydration by consuming antioxidant-rich foods with a high water content. Eat small but often, every two to three hours to aid digestion. Go for fruits like cucumber, watermelon, oranges, grapes and bananas, or fibre-rich foods such as carrots, edamame beans and cherry tomatoes. Other options include lean, protein-rich foods like seeds, nuts, grilled chicken and boiled eggs. Light, easily digestible foods like yoghurt, smoothies and kefir should help the gut stay healthy. Avoid salty foods as these cause dehydration and bloating. Sugary foods can also cause insulin spikes and energy crashes, making you feel more tired.” – Justine Masters, holistic skin expert 

“Flying can really take a toll on the eye area, often leaving it looking puffy and tired. I always include under-eye patches in my flight routine and tend to leave them on for 20-30 minutes. My go-tos are by Beauty Pie  – a hand-luggage essential because they specifically target puffiness. These also contain hyaluronic acid, their own peptide blend and niacinamide, so they will help with dark circles too.” – Donna Bartoli, influencer & facialist 

“As a frequent flyer with combination skin (dry patches with a hint of oiliness in the T-zone), I have some key products that will always be with me in my carry-on to help keep my skin balanced, hydrated and calm. Lips can feel it the most when it comes to changes in pressure and temperature, and Laneige’s  Sleeping Mask, full of antioxidants and peptides, works wonders. Another favourite of mine is Lanolips’s 12-Hour Overnight Lip Mask. Formulated with ceramides and vitamin E to lock in moisture, it works to prevent irritation and dehydration – perfect for a red-eye flight.” – Sophie Perry, beauty educator & author 

“Spritzing on a mist throughout the flight will prevent trans-epidermal water loss, reduce inflammation and maintain optimal pH levels – essential for a happy skin microbiome. Look for formulas with ingredients that go beyond surface-level hydration, I love Bulgarian Rose Otto for its incredible anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. The key to maintaining hydration in the air lies in layering and repetition. Always start by misting a fine veil over the face to prep the skin, followed immediately by a couple of drops of a nourishing oil. Lastly, seal all this in with a rich cream as a final protective layer. If it’s not sealed in with a moisturiser or balm, hyaluronic acid will draw moisture up from the deeper layers of your skin (and then evaporate into the dry air), leaving your skin even more dehydrated. It’s a beautiful ingredient for hydration, when used in the correct environments and layered properly.” – Sharon McGlinchey, facialist & founder of MV Skintherapy 

Follow @DONNA.BARTOLI, @DRALEXISGRANITE, @DRJUSTINEKLUK, @KATEKERRLONDON_FACIALIST, @MICHAELLABOLDER, @MVSKINTHERAPY, @NICHOLAJOSS, @SOPHIEPERRY_, @THEALTERNATIVEFACIALIST & @VAISHALYCLINIC