Credit: how to hydrate skin on a plane
Skincare
I’m a beauty editor and this is the simple skincare routine that I always do on a plane
2 years ago
2 min read
The recycled air on planes means skin is prone to drying out, but you can mitigate dehydration by taking the right products on board with you.
I know summer holiday season might be over, but as a beauty editor there’s one thing I am passionate about when it comes to travelling by plane, and that’s ensuring my skin doesn’t resemble a dried-up little prune by the time I’ve reached my destination.
It’s no secret that the combination of the recycled air that’s pumped throughout the plane and the low humidity that causes the drying effects, and together they’re pretty much the sole reason why your skin feels dry and tight and starved of moisture as soon as you step onto the aircraft.
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However, that doesn’t always have to be the case, and I feel like I would be failing in my job as a beauty editor if I didn’t have my inflight skincare routine nailed. And I would be doing us all a disservice if I didn’t share it, so without further ado, here it is, listed in the order of application…
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Hydrator Mist
First up, mist your skin. Mist it as often as you want throughout the flight – I find this is the best way to get instant moisture without having to apply layers of products. I love this one by Charlotte Tilbury because it feels lightweight and not sticky, but anything similar will do – just make sure it’s a hydrating formula.
Simple Water Boost Sheet Mask
OK, this is the most important step of all. I love to do a sheet mask on a plane – it took me a while to be brave enough to wear them, but it’s worth overcoming the fear. I sometimes do two sheet masks a few hours apart, although it depends on the length of the flight. I think these hydrogel Simple ones are great, not just because they’re affordable but also because they actually stay on, they come in two parts meaning they’re easy to apply, and they feel cooling on the skin. Always leave it on for as long as possible, and make sure you don’t let the excess serum in the bottom of the packet go to waste.
Glossier After Baume
To save space, and because there’s usually a decent amount leftover in the sheet mask packaging, I skip serum and go straight to moisturiser. I like to use something thick but not heavy, and Glossier’s After Baume ticks both those boxes. Plus, the mini tub is great for travelling with and a little bit goes a long way. It’s formulated with both glycerin and cupuacu butter and it feels super nourishing – I like to warm a little bit between my fingers before massaging it in.
Main image: Getty
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