In recent months, social media has been buzzing with videos of airplane passengers demonstrating their mid-flight beauty routines. From hydrating masks to elaborate skin-care regimens, these viral clips showcase both beauty influencers and even skin-care fanatics indulging in in-flight skin-care rituals, including exfoliating pads, serums, and peels. -Includes steps like taking off mask.

While we all want to look and feel our best when we land at our destination (and these videos definitely give us major FOMO), how detailed of a skin care routine do we really need, especially while traveling on an airplane? Time?

New in-flight criteria

There are plenty of reasons why people are breaking out their beauty kits mid-flight, sharing everything from facial mists to sheet masks. According to Pranauthi Sangisetti, Founder, Dab to Fab Skincare, “Skincare is essential during a flight as the cabin environment can be harsh on your skin. Airplane air conditioning dries out the skin and the sun’s rays become stronger at higher altitudes, which can cause damage. I always moisturize generously during flights To combat dryness, and I make sure to reapply sunscreen, especially when flying during the day. However, at night, I skip sunscreen but continue to focus on hydration. Keeping your skin nourished and hydrated during a flight is key to avoiding dehydration and irritation.

The biggest skin care mistakes during a flight

Air travel can be harsh on the skin, with low humidity levels leading to dryness and irritation. As travelers look for ways to combat recycled air and the effects of altitude, they’re turning to their favorite products for hydration. But the main thing is to do it carefully. According to Pranauthi, common mistakes people make when taking care of their skin on airplanes include:

• Not removing sunscreen or makeup during night flights – this can clog pores and make it difficult for the skin to breathe.
• Neglecting hydration – Drinking water and other hydrating fluids like juices is essential to maintain skin moisture.
• Skipping regular moisturizing – Cabin air is very dry, so it’s important to keep skin well-nourished with a hydrating moisturizer.
• Ignoring hygiene – Touching the face repeatedly without clean hands can spread bacteria, causing acne or irritation.
• Using harsh products – Avoid using strong or drying skin care products that can worsen dehydration during flight.

experts are considering

While the intention behind these beauty routines is positive, Devyani Nalla, founder of INTO Skincare, cautions against overloading the skin with products. “A multi-step skin care routine is only necessary for long flights, and even then, it can be simplified. If you prefer to keep it basic, simply use micellar water to cleanse your face, follow with a hydrating mist, and finish with a hydrating sunscreen and lip balm. That’s all you need! If you enjoy a more extensive routine, feel free to add moves as you like. For long flights (over 7 hours), sheet masks and sleeping masks are excellent choices. However, I would not recommend using LED masks during flight. Instead, pack them when you reach your hotel, where you can relax and use them at your leisure,” she shares.

Essential steps for an effective in-flight skin care routine:

According to Devyani, the key to a good in-flight skin care routine is to keep it simple, focusing on hydration and sun protection. Here are the details of her three main skin care procedures: before flight, during flight and after flight.

• Start with clean skin: Make sure your skin is clean before you go to the airport. A full face of makeup or heavy skin care is not ideal, especially for long flights. Double-cleaning on a plane can be a hassle, so do it at home.
• Hydrate your skin: To prep your skin, apply a hydrating serum followed by a nourishing moisturizer.
• Don’t forget sunscreen: Since the sun’s rays are stronger at altitude, use SPF 50 PA++++ to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight during the flight.
• Short flights: For flights of 1-2 hours, this preparation is usually sufficient. If your skin feels dry, a quick spritz of hydrating mist is enough.

In flight:

• Sanitize first: Clean your hands with a mild sanitizer before touching your face to avoid germs.
• Refresh with Micellar Water: Use Micellar Water to remove any existing skin care products, helping to avoid buildup and potential breakouts. It’s easy to pre-soak the pads in micellar water and carry them in a zip-lock bag. Avoid using makeup wipes as they usually contain alcohol and can be drying.
• Moisturizer: Apply a nutrient-rich moisturizer. If you have oily skin, choose a hydrating water-based cream instead.
• Reapply sunscreen and lip balm: Protect your skin by reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours. Choose a hydrating sunscreen—there’s no such thing as too much hydration! Additionally, keep your lips moisturized by regularly applying lip balm with SPF.

Also read: Do you like to drink alcohol on flights? read this first

The goal here is to deeply cleanse and clear the skin of dirt, bacteria and impurities, followed by replenishment of hydration.

• Deep Cleansing: Start with a thorough double cleanse using a nourishing cleansing balm, followed by a gentle exfoliating cleanser to effectively clean your pores.
• Replenish hydration: Apply a moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides and peptides to restore moisture.
• Extra hydration: If your skin feels particularly dry, use a hydrating mask for a few minutes or add a sleeping mask if you’re going straight to bed.

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